The best beaches in and around the Karpas Peninsula
Last verified 19 October 2026
The Karpas Peninsula (Karpasia, Karpaz) has more than 40 sandy beaches and almost no resort building. The sand is fine and pale, the water is clear, and many beaches are backed by dunes rather than hotels. They are also the main reason the peninsula matters to wildlife: its beaches are among the most important green turtle nesting sites in the Mediterranean, and loggerheads nest here too. That means rules, especially from May to October, and very few facilities. Bring your own shade, water and food. For the sandier, busier beaches closer to İskele, see our İskele beaches guide.
Golden Beach (Nangomi, Altınkum). The best known beach on the peninsula, on the south coast about nine kilometres before the Apostolos Andreas monastery and about two hours’ drive from Famagusta. Several kilometres of fine, pale sand, with dunes reaching up to 500 metres inland at the eastern end and a small hill splitting the beach in two. The water is shallow and clear. There is no resort, club or entry gate: the beach buildings were removed after a 2016 court ruling, and only a few basic kiosks stand back from the dunes, which can run out of supplies on busy days. The last stretch to the parking area is unpaved. Camping is forbidden on the beach and in the protected land around it. Turtle nests are marked in summer, so keep well clear of them. The western end is used informally by naturists.
Ayfilon. A cove about two kilometres north of Dipkarpaz (Rizokarpaso), named after the ruined church of Agios Philon, about 500 metres away. It is the local public beach for the town, with loungers and basic facilities. It is also a major turtle beach: in 2024 it had more nests than any other beach on the peninsula. Combine a swim with a walk round the church and the remains of ancient Karpasia.
Ronnas. One of the five main turtle nesting beaches on the peninsula, and described by researchers as the second most important green turtle nesting site in the Mediterranean. In 2024 it saw more turtle activity than any other Karpas beach. We have not found reliable directions or access details, so ask locally before you go, and treat it as a nature site first.
Sea Bird Beach. In the far east of the peninsula, close to Cape Apostolos Andreas (Zafer Burnu). Loungers can be rented. It is a good place for a swim after visiting the monastery and the cape. Watch for donkeys on the roads around it.
Yeni Erenköy public beach. A municipal public beach at Yeni Erenköy (Gialousa), the main town midway along the peninsula. It has loungers for a small charge and is a practical stop if you want facilities on the way east, or a swim close to the town’s petrol station.
South coast coves. Along the main south coast road, side roads lead down to a number of small, quiet beaches with no facilities at all. Road surfaces vary, so avoid unprepared dirt tracks unless you have a four wheel drive.
Kaplıca. At the western start of the peninsula on the north coast, Kaplıca (Davlos) has two curved sandy beaches below Kantara Castle. It is covered in our İskele beaches guide.
Practical
Turtle beaches. Nesting season runs from May to October. The north’s Environment Protection Department asks visitors not to put up umbrellas within 35 metres of the sea, not to dig on the beach, not to drive onto the sand, not to walk the beach at night with lights, not to light fires, and not to leave litter or let dogs roam loose. Keep away from marked nests and avoid flash photography near the water at dusk.
Sun and sea. There is almost no natural shade. Bring an umbrella, plenty of water and sun protection, and avoid the middle of the day in summer. There are no lifeguards on the wild beaches, so swim within your depth and follow any flags: red means no swimming.
Donkeys. Wild donkeys roam the eastern end of the peninsula and often stand in the road. Drive slowly, keep windows up, and do not feed them.
Driving and fuel. These are long drives on unlit roads. Fill the tank before heading east, do not count on fuel beyond Dipkarpaz, and be back on main roads before dark. Mobile signal can be patchy past Dipkarpaz. See car hire in north Cyprus, and if you are coming from the south, our guide to taking a hire car across the border. For the wider area, see our Karpas Peninsula guide and the best time to visit Cyprus.