Karpaz Beaches in Northern Cyprus

On the Karpaz Peninsula, you can choose from different types of beach holidays: the long sandy shore of Golden Beach, the equipped beaches of Ayfilon Beach and The Island, beach areas at hotels, and secluded natural coves. In 2026, admission to equipped beaches starts at approximately 200 TL, while some leisure options at Arkın Karpaz Gate Marina Beach Club cost from 350 TL.

For a day trip, it is best to bring water, food, a towel, sunscreen and cash in advance. Outside Bafra and Dipkarpaz, shops, cafés and other services are less common.

• What you should know about the beaches of Karpaz
• Unequipped beaches
• Beaches with infrastructure
• What to bring
• How to organise your trip
• Frequently asked questions

What you should know about the beaches of Karpaz

Karpaz is the easternmost peninsula of Northern Cyprus and one of the least developed regions of the island. Visitors come here for the long sandy shores, small coves, open sea views and peaceful atmosphere.

The type of holiday in Karpaz differs from the beaches near Kyrenia, İskele and Famagusta. Distances between individual locations can be considerable, public transport is limited, and shops and cafés are not available along every section of the coast.

The region's beaches can generally be divided into two groups. The first includes natural beaches with virtually no infrastructure, including Golden Beach, Karpaz Kaplumbağa Plajı, Small Sand Beach and Marali Beach. The second includes equipped beaches and beach clubs, where sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants, swimming pools or additional services are available.

For a first trip, visitors often choose Golden Beach or one of the equipped beaches. If you plan to continue towards the eastern tip of the peninsula, you can also visit the Monastery of Apostle Andrew, see the wild donkeys of Karpaz and drive to the easternmost and northernmost point of the island.

Unequipped beaches of Karpaz

Golden Beach (Altınkum)

Golden Beach is the most famous beach in Karpaz and one of the best-known natural beaches in Northern Cyprus. It consists of a long sandy stretch without dense development or extensive beach infrastructure.

Conditions may vary in different sections depending on the season, so it is best to bring water, food, a towel, an umbrella and other necessary items with you.
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Karpaz Kaplumbağa Plajı

The name translates as “Karpaz Turtle Beach”. It is used to designate a natural section of the coast in an area where sea turtles nest.

At such sites, restrictions related to the protection of nests should be observed: do not place items near fenced-off areas, do not leave rubbish and do not use bright lights on the shore after dark.
Location

Small Sand Beach Plajı

Small Sand Beach Plajı is a small natural beach without developed infrastructure. It is suitable for a short stop during a trip around Karpaz if you are looking for a quiet section of the coast.

There may be no sun loungers, cafés, showers or toilets on the beach, so you should bring everything you need for your visit.
Location

Marali Beach

Marali Beach is a natural beach for a peaceful seaside break. There is no developed beach infrastructure, so it is better suited to an independent trip with water, food and beach essentials.
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Beaches in Karpaz with infrastructure

The Island

The Island operates as a beach club with sun loungers and service. A set of two sun loungers costs 300 TL.

Admission conditions and availability may depend on the season and the club's programme.
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Location

Ayfilon Beach

Ayfilon Beach is an equipped beach in a cove on the Karpaz Peninsula. Sun loungers and basic beach infrastructure are available here. Admission costs 200 TL.

The beach is suitable for those who want to relax in the natural part of the peninsula without completely giving up familiar conveniences.
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Location

Arkın Karpaz Gate Marina Beach Club

Arkın Karpaz Gate Marina Beach Club offers several ways to relax by the sea and pool. The complex has a beach area, a restaurant, cabanas and guest services.

Sahil Beach

Admission costs 350 TL. The price includes a sun lounger, towel and beach service.

Pool Side Cabana

The cost is 500 TL. The price includes a sun lounger, towel and poolside service.

Children aged 6 to 12 receive a 50% discount. Visitors over 12 pay the adult rate.

Marin Cabana

The cabana costs 150 EUR. It is designed for two people.

The price includes two bottles of water, a fruit platter and a 130 EUR deposit, which can be used to order food and drinks from the Beach Club menu.

Caretta Cabana

The cabana costs 300 EUR. It is designed for four people.

The price includes two bottles of water, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, soda water and a 250 EUR deposit for food and drinks from the Beach Club menu.

Children under 6 visit the area free of charge. Children aged 6 to 12 receive a 25% discount. Guests over 12 pay the adult rate.
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Sea Bird Beach (Zafer Burnu Plajı)

Sea Bird Beach is located in the eastern part of the peninsula. Sun loungers can be rented here for 200 TL.
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Livana Hotel

Livana Hotel has a beach area in the Karpaz region. This option is suitable for a peaceful seaside holiday with the possibility of using the hotel's and restaurant's services.

It is best to check the conditions for visiting the beach without staying at the hotel and the current prices directly with the hotel.
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Erenköy Karpaz Belediyesi Halk Plajı

Erenköy Karpaz Belediyesi Halk Plajı is a public equipped beach. The approximate admission fee is 200 TL.
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Blue Sea Karpasia

Blue Sea Karpasia is a beach area operated by a hotel and restaurant. Restaurant visitors are not charged a separate beach admission fee.

Before your trip, it is worth checking the conditions for using the sun loungers and whether advance booking is required.
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Club Di Mare

Club Di Mare combines a beach club and a seaside restaurant. Admission conditions depend on the season, programme and type of event.

It is best to check the prices and conditions directly via the website or by phone.
Website
Location

What to bring

Even when visiting an equipped beach in Karpaz, it is best to have the essentials with you. The farther the route takes you from Bafra and Dipkarpaz, the fewer shops, pharmacies and cafés you will find along the way.

• plenty of drinking water;
• a hat;
• sunscreen;
• a towel or beach blanket;
• an umbrella or tent for an unequipped beach;
• a snack;
• a rubbish bag;
• cash for small purchases and services;
• a charged phone;
• an offline map of the region.

If your route continues beyond Golden Beach, be aware of sections of road where wild donkeys may be present. The animals may enter the roadway, so it is best to reduce your speed in advance.

Before your trip, you can read about where to find the donkeys of Karpaz and how to behave on the road.

How to organise your trip

How to do it

1. Choose the type of holiday: a natural beach without infrastructure, an equipped beach or a beach club.
2. Check the current admission conditions and prices if you are planning a trip to a beach club or hotel.
3. Prepare water, sunscreen, a towel and a snack in advance.
4. Fill up the car before travelling to the remote part of the peninsula.
5. Save the necessary locations on the map or download an offline map.
6. If you are planning several stops, calculate the return journey time in advance.
7. For a full itinerary, add Golden Beach, the Monastery of Apostle Andrew, the road with wild donkeys and the eastern tip of Karpaz.

Frequently asked questions

Which Karpaz beach should you choose for your first trip?

Golden Beach is the most common choice for a first introduction to the peninsula. If infrastructure is important, consider Ayfilon Beach, The Island or Arkın Karpaz Gate Marina Beach Club.

Are there equipped beaches in Karpaz?

Yes. The peninsula has equipped beaches, beach clubs and beach areas at hotels. These include Ayfilon Beach, The Island, Arkın Karpaz Gate Marina Beach Club, Erenköy Karpaz Belediyesi Halk Plajı, Blue Sea Karpasia and Club Di Mare.

How much does it cost to visit the beaches of Karpaz?

The cost depends on the location you choose. Admission to some equipped beaches costs approximately from 200 TL. At Arkın Karpaz Gate Marina Beach Club, prices start at 350 TL, while individual cabanas are charged in euros.

Can you visit a hotel beach without staying there?

Conditions depend on the specific hotel. In some places, access is available to restaurant visitors; elsewhere, a separate fee or advance booking is required.

Do you need a car to travel around Karpaz?

A car remains the most convenient way to travel between the beaches of the peninsula. Distances between individual locations are considerable, and regular public transport is not available along every part of the route.

Do you need a car with high ground clearance?

An ordinary car is usually sufficient for the main roads and popular beaches. The road surface on approaches to some natural beaches may vary, so it is worth checking the route before travelling and avoiding unprepared dirt roads.

Can you combine a beach trip with sightseeing?

Yes. A trip to Golden Beach can be combined with a visit to the Monastery of Apostle Andrew, watching wild donkeys and travelling to the eastern tip of the peninsula.

Do you need to book a place at a beach club in advance?

Booking is not always required on weekdays, but on weekends, public holidays and during events, the number of available places may be limited. It is best to check the conditions before your trip.