Lara Beach — the turtle beach of the Akamas
No sunbeds, no beach bars, no music — just a wide arc of golden sand, dunes and sea. Lara Beach, on the west coast of the Akamas peninsula, is the beach the whole of Cyprus once looked like.
Protected turtle habitat
Lara is one of the Mediterranean's most important nesting beaches for green and loggerhead sea turtles. In summer you'll see the protective cages over the nests in the sand. Leave them be, take your rubbish with you and don't plant a parasol near the nests.
How to get there
The last few kilometres are unpaved. With a normal hire car you'll usually manage fine if you drive carefully; a 4x4 is more comfortable. It's precisely that bumpy road that keeps the crowds away.
Niki's insider tip
Bring water, fruit and a parasol — there is nothing for sale, and that's exactly the point. Combine Lara with the Avakas Gorge, a ten-minute drive away: first walk between 30-metre-high rock walls, then cool off in the sea.
When to go
May – October; turtle season June – SeptemberVisit a protected beach with care
Lara Beach is most inviting in the warmer months. During nesting season we always follow barriers and guidance; a visit never guarantees a turtle sighting.
We adapt the day plan and activities to the weather, local conditions and any seasonal opening hours.
