Beaches in Northern Cyprus
Esentepe beach is the closest free beach from The Villa, to find take a right and drive along the coast road from The Villa for around ten minutes, then take a left before Tempo Supermarket.
You will be spoilt for choice with lots of other beautiful beaches around, information can be found below.
Alagadi Beach, Kyrenia
This beach is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and other flora, and it features soft clean sand. Those with a passion for nature photography are guaranteed to get some beautiful shots of the white flowers growing here.
The beach provides a nesting place for sea turtles, which is why it’s closed to visitors at night. But if you look up the Alagadi Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Centre, you may be able to join one of the groups that get to observe the nesting process.
During the day, you might stumble upon a turtle if you go snorkeling. The water here is clear and warm, so you can simply relax and take in the beautiful sights. There’s a bar nearby for snacks and other essentials, but the main allure for this beach is that you can be close to nature.
Glapsides Beach, Famagusta
Close to the historic marine city of Famagusta, Glapsides Beach is a perfect choice for families. The sea here is warm and very clear. If you’re looking for shallow water for the kids to play in, this is the beach for you.
You can always get some refreshments at the nearby cafes, and there are surprisingly affordable parasols and sunbeds available to rent. Glapsides Beach offers perfect comfort and safety, and the gorgeous views complete the experience.
After a full day of relaxation, the city of Famagusta is there, offering a wide range of bars and restaurants, as well as other entertainment options like organized nature tours, museums, and even casinos. Between the relaxing beach and vibrant city nightlife, Glapsides is a popular choice for couples and honeymooners too.
Golden Beach, Dipkarpaz
Located on the Karpass Peninsula, you can find the beautiful Golden Beach. Dipkarpaz is a nearby village, and it’s also the name of the municipality this beach belongs to. The town is one of the eco-tourism centers of Northern Cyprus, known for its historic architecture and the wild donkeys that still live there.
The Apostolos Andreas Monastery is nearby, providing a memorable experience to anyone with an interest in art and history. The church is a popular pilgrimage destination, as well.
What could be better than combining culture with relaxation? Golden Beach provides many opportunities to sunbathe and recharge. The water is crystal-clear, and the sand is a beautiful golden brown. There are a few restaurants nearby, offering simple but delicious meals. The only thing this beach lacks is shade, so make sure to pack some form of sun protection.
Escape Beach, Kyrenia
Escape Beach is perfect for vacationers who want to enjoy thrills like jet skiing, all in a comfortable and clean environment with lots of amenities (from showers available in restaurants to convenient rent-a-car options).
The water is shallow with tiny waves. Although this is one of the most popular beaches in North Cyprus, it generally isn’t overcrowded. Next to the white sandy beaches, there are lawns for comfortable lounging. There is plenty of shade available.
Activities near Escape Beach include pedal boating, canoeing, volleyball, and you can also rent a banana boat with some friends. If you’ve always wanted to get scuba diving lessons while on vacation, Escape Beach has got you covered. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the clubbing options – this is one of the hottest locations on the island, with an unforgettable vibe.
Note that this all-inclusive beach has an entry fee.
Acapulco Beach, Kyrenia
Another one of Kyrenia’s gems, Acapulco Beach is connected to a lavish hotel and spa complex. If you’re not a guest at the hotel, you have to pay a hefty fee, which covers the sunbeds, changing rooms, and you can even grab a quick shower after a long day spent in the water.
The beach is notable for the extremely clean sand, and unlike on most other Northern Cyprus beaches, you don’t have to worry about encountering litter.
You can try your hand at various water sports, as well as tennis and golf. The nightlife is excellent as well. But one of the most interesting options when visiting Acapulco Beach is the Neolithic settlement of Vrysi on the eastern part of the beach. You can visit the excavation site or explore some of the museums in Kyrenia to learn more about it.
Palm Beach, Famagusta
If you’re looking for a truly unusual seaside location, don’t miss out on Palm Beach, Famagusta.
The beach itself is mainly popular among the locals. It has fine golden sand and the water is warm and clean. There’s a welcoming hotel on the location as well. If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the sun and sand, you won’t be disappointed.
But just beyond the edges of the beach, you’ll find a string of dilapidated hotels. Walking further south, you’ll eventually get stopped by a barbed-wire military fence. This is Varosha, the ghost town of North Cyprus, and it’s not open to the public – however, you can see many abandoned buildings around the fenced-off area.
Back in the 1970s, Varosha was an internationally beloved tourist spot, with luxury hotels that attracted celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, and Richard Burton. But in the political turmoil that split Cyprus apart, this city was abandoned. Varosha remains a strange monument to the past, and it’s definitely worth checking out as it is now – plus, there are plans to reopen it, though its future remains uncertain for now.
Silver Beach, Famagusta
Known for the crystal-clear seawater, Silver Beach, Famagusta, is a great pick for visitors who wish to go snorkeling.
This is a wide beach, there is plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy the sand and fresh air. You can explore the sea daffodils and other marine life without getting constantly interrupted by other tourists. Why not enjoy a serene afternoon exploring the natural wonders of Northern Cyprus?
For adults, the water is only thigh-high for a long way in. This means that parents can relax and let their little ones get acquainted with the sea at their own pace.
There are sunbeds available for a reasonable price, as well as various restaurants nearby.
Agios Filon Beach, Dipkarpaz
Here’s another gorgeous beach that houses marine turtles. Agion Filon Beach has comfortable sandy stretches, but there are also scenic rocks you can climb if you’re in the mood for adventure.
There’s an eco-tourism hotspot nearby – a hotel called Oasis at Ayilon. The hotel’s restaurant offers excellent Turkish meals to rival the menus of more expensive establishments.
This beach is also close to one of the finest historical sites Northern Cyprus has to offer. Agion Filon (also known as Ayios Philon) is home to both a 5th-century and a 12th-century church. The newer church was built partly over the remains of the older one. You can see beautiful tiled floors – a hallmark of Byzantine architecture – as well as apses and parts of the roof.
Kaplica Beach, Esentepe
The sheltered Kaplica Beach belongs to the hotel Kaplica Beach Hotel but is open to the public as well. This is a gorgeous spot to laze in the sun or enjoy the pleasant coolness of the late afternoon, all while listening to the soft waves of the sea. Kaplica beach is also a great place to have some fun on the water as there are many water sports available. Occasionally you will be lucky enough to spot newly hatches turtles here. Located near the historic Kantara Castle and the pretty village of Kaplica this is a great beach to go to if you also want to explore the intriguing surroundings.
Tatlisu Beach, Tatlisu
Tatlisu beach is located in an urban area, among the mountains. It is partially covered by trees which give natural shade.
It is a straight coastline with crystal turquoise water and brown sand, so you don't need special shoes. The sharpness of entering the water is quite normal. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers etc. It is not crowded place during the season.
Tatlisu beach coast is free for all. This beach has the following amenities, loungers and umbrellas, beach restaurant, changing rooms, showers, toilets.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also take part in other activities .
Korenium Golf Club, Esentepe
Sip on your cocktail, read a book in the shade or swim in the Glistening waters.
Undeniably the beach is a holiday must. The 70m private beach has both a sandy and grass area alongside the prestigious pier. A preferred spot for ‘lunch by the sea’, the Korineum Beach Snack Bar offers a selection of tasty lunch options and a variety of your favourite beach drinks.
The beach facilties include private changing cabins, WC and outdoor showers. The Beach is accessible to non hotel guests when purchasing a day pass. Please contact the hotel for further information of current rates.