Mare Monte Beach in Northern Cyprus

Mare Monte is a municipal beach in the Alsancak area, approximately 12 km west of central Kyrenia. It is located in a quiet bay with a sandy shore and a gently sloping entrance to the water. Admission to the beach is free, while sunbed rental costs 70 TL.

• Beach description
• Admission cost
• History of the name
• Facilities
• When is the best time to visit
• How to get there
• Which beaches are nearby
• Frequently asked questions

Mare Monte Beach description

Mare Monte is a developed municipal beach in Alsancak. It is located in a natural bay, so the sea here is usually calmer than along exposed sections of the coast. The shore is mostly sandy, and the entrance to the water is gently sloping.

These conditions are suitable for relaxing swimming and holidays with children. At the same time, sea conditions depend on the wind and weather, so before entering the water, you should follow the lifeguards' warnings and the flags displayed on the beach.

The beach is surrounded by greenery and oleander bushes. From the shore, there is a view of the small Mare Monte island and the coast next to Merit Royal Premium Hotel Casino & Spa.

Admission cost

Admission to Mare Monte municipal beach is free. Sunbed rental costs around 70 TL.

Most of the developed area is occupied by sun loungers, so when visiting without renting a sunbed, the choice of available space may be limited. The municipal rate may change during the season.

The history of the name Mare Monte

The beach is named after the Mare Monte Hotel, which opened next to this stretch of coastline in 1967. The hotel project was prepared by the local architectural firm Takis Zempylas & Diomides Kythreotis.

After the events of 1974, the hotel grounds were used for some time under UN control as part of the population movement, and later the building was abandoned and gradually fell into disrepair.

Today, the name Mare Monte remains associated with the beach and the adjacent stretch of coastline.

This is what the hotel looked like before it closed.

Photo: pinterest.com

Facilities at Mare Monte Beach

The beach offers basic facilities for daytime recreation:

• sun loungers and umbrellas;
• changing cabins;
• toilets;
• freshwater showers;
• Wi-Fi;
• parking;
• lifeguard service during beach operating hours;
• seasonal water activities.

Municipal employees monitor the condition of the grounds and clean the shoreline. A lifeguard usually remains on duty during daylight hours throughout the beach season, although the schedule may depend on the month and weather conditions.

A water activities station may operate during the season. The list of available services, prices and schedule should be confirmed directly on site.

When is the best time to visit

The main swimming season in Northern Cyprus lasts from May until the end of October. The beach can be crowded in July and August, especially on weekends.

To find an available sunbed, it is more convenient to arrive in the morning. In June, September and early October, air temperatures are usually milder, while the sea remains warm enough for swimming.

How to get to Mare Monte Beach

The beach is located in Alsancak, approximately 12 km west of central Kyrenia. You can get there by car, taxi or the dolmuş route minibus.

Location

By minibus

Dolmuş minibuses run from Kyrenia towards Alsancak and Lapta. The name of the final destination is usually displayed on the windscreen.

You should get off near the Beksa Otomotiv car dealership — at this point. After that, you will need to walk approximately 1 km towards the sea.

By car

From Kyrenia, drive west along the main coastal road towards Karaoğlanoğlu, Alsancak and Lapta. The turn-off to the beach is located near the former Mare Monte Hotel.

Beach location on the map

Where to park

Parking spaces are available near the former hotel grounds. If this area is full, additional parking can be found on the right, closer to Merit Royal Premium Hotel Casino & Spa.

Which beaches are nearby

Several other developed beaches are located in the Alsancak and Karaoğlanoğlu areas. To the east of Mare Monte are Denizkızı Beach and Escape Beach.

You can also visit the municipal Kervansaray Halk Plajı, located closer to Kyrenia.

Article about the beaches of Northern Cyprus.

Frequently asked questions about Mare Monte Beach

How much does admission to Mare Monte Beach cost?

Admission to the beach is free. Sunbed rental costs around 70 TL. The municipal rate may change during the season.

Is Mare Monte suitable for holidays with children?

The beach is located in a bay, has a sandy shore and a gently sloping entrance to the sea, so it is often chosen for family holidays. Children should not be left near the water without supervision.

Are there showers and toilets on the beach?

Yes. The beach has freshwater showers, toilets and changing cabins.

Are there lifeguards on the beach?

During the beach season, a lifeguard is usually on duty during daylight hours. The schedule may depend on the weather and time of year.

Are there water activities at Mare Monte?

A water activities station may operate during the season. Available services and prices should be confirmed on site.

Why is the beach called Mare Monte?

The name is associated with the hotel of the same name, which opened next to the beach in 1967 and was later abandoned.

Can you get to the beach without a car?

Yes. From Kyrenia, you can take a dolmuş towards Alsancak or Lapta, get off at the main road and walk approximately 1 km towards the sea.

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