Lara Beach Turtle Reserve
A pristine, protected beach on the Akamas Peninsula, famous for its sea turtle nesting sites and untouched natural beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance to see turtles
Lara Beach Turtle Reserve
Best Time
Best chance to see turtles

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine, protected beach on the Akamas Peninsula, famous for its sea turtle nesting sites and untouched natural beauty.
"One of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. Wild, peaceful. Only nature surrounds."
🚗 Sturdy Car Recommended
A 4x4 or sturdy car is best for the bumpy off-road track to Lara Beach. Drive carefully!
💧 Pack Essentials
No facilities here! Bring water, snacks, and your own shade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turtle Nesting Sites
Witness protected turtle nests and, if lucky, baby turtles being released into the sea during nesting season.

Pristine Golden Sands
Enjoy soft, golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters on this unspoiled, natural beach.

Wild and Peaceful Bay
Experience a tranquil, natural environment with no crowds or commercial development.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Lara Beach
Prepare for a Natural Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Sturdy Car Recommended
A 4x4 or sturdy car is best for the bumpy off-road track to Lara Beach. Drive carefully!
💧 Pack Essentials
No facilities here! Bring water, snacks, and your own shade.
🐢 Respect Turtle Nests
Do not disturb marked nests. Leave before sunset to avoid disturbing nesting turtles.
🏖️ Cleanest Beach Ever
Enjoy the incredibly clean sand and sea. Leave no trace behind.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Sturdy Car Recommended
A 4x4 or sturdy car is best for the bumpy off-road track to Lara Beach. Drive carefully!
💧 Pack Essentials
No facilities here! Bring water, snacks, and your own shade.
🐢 Respect Turtle Nests
Do not disturb marked nests. Leave before sunset to avoid disturbing nesting turtles.
🏖️ Cleanest Beach Ever
Enjoy the incredibly clean sand and sea. Leave no trace behind.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lara Beach is lauded for its stunning natural beauty, pristine sands, and crystal-clear waters, offering a peaceful escape from crowds. Visitors appreciate its wild, unspoiled character and the unique opportunity to observe protected turtle nesting sites. However, the lack of facilities means visitors must be self-sufficient, and the unpaved access road requires a sturdy vehicle.
"Lara Turtle Nest Beach is a quiet, unspoiled stretch of coast known for its protected turtle nesting sites. The beach has soft golden sand, clear turquoise water, and no big tourist facilities, which makes it feel peaceful and wild. It’s part of a nature reserve, so you might see signs marking turtle nests – especially during the summer nesting season. There are no sunbeds or restaurants nearby, so bring water and shade if you plan to stay longer. A perfect spot for nature lovers and anyone who enjoys calm, natural beaches away from crowds."
Rotarion Dhl
"a beach of impressive beauty with nests of sea turtles nesting there. We managed to catch the moment when the nests were dug up and the little turtles were released into the sea (we visited on 08.16). The road to this beach is not very good, but we also reached it with cars."
lina gargasaite
"Great opportunity to see sea Turtles in a quiet bay. It is all off road bumpy gravel/ mud tracks so you will need to have a sturdy car for some 9km. No facilities and no shade so be well prepared. No Parasols or tents or camping allowed, this is a Turtle nesting site. You must leave 1 hour before sunset to allow the Turtles to safely reach beach to lay their eggs free from any disturbance !"
Mark Dobie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While some visitors have successfully driven to Lara Beach with standard rental cars like a Nissan Note or Mazda 3, it's a bumpy, unpaved road for about 9km. A 4x4 or a more robust vehicle is definitely recommended to navigate the terrain more easily and avoid potential issues. Be prepared to drive slowly and carefully if you're in a standard car.
The road is primarily an off-road track consisting of bumpy gravel and mud. It's not a paved road, so expect a rougher journey compared to typical tourist routes.
No, Lara Beach is not accessible by public transport due to its remote and natural location. You will need your own vehicle or arrange private transportation.
Lara Beach is located on the Akamas Peninsula, approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Paphos, depending on your starting point and the road conditions.
Yes, there are usually signs directing you towards Lara Beach, especially as you get closer to the Akamas Peninsula. However, the final stretch is unpaved and requires careful navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Lara Beach. It is a protected natural area, and access is free for visitors.
Lara Beach is a natural reserve and does not have set opening or closing hours. However, visitors are advised to leave at least one hour before sunset to avoid disturbing nesting turtles.
The best time to visit Lara Beach for turtle activity is during the nesting season, typically from late May to August for loggerhead turtles and from July to September for green turtles. Hatching often occurs from August to October.
Yes, as a protected turtle nesting site, camping, bonfires, loud music, and leaving litter are strictly prohibited. Parasols and tents are also not allowed to ensure the safety of the nesting turtles.
Yes, swimming is permitted at Lara Beach. The waters are generally clear and calm, offering a pleasant experience. However, always be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lara Beach is a natural reserve and has no tourist facilities. You won't find sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, or restrooms. It's essential to bring everything you need with you.
You should bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and your own shade (like a beach umbrella or tent). Also, consider bringing a towel and any personal items you might need for a day at a natural beach.
Yes, Lara Beach is famous for being a nesting site for loggerhead and green sea turtles. During the nesting season, you might see marked nests, and with luck, you might witness hatchlings being released into the sea.
Lara Beach is known for being a quiet, unspoiled beach away from large crowds, especially compared to more developed tourist areas. Its remote location and lack of facilities contribute to its peaceful atmosphere.
You can expect soft golden sand and clear, turquoise waters. The beach is described as beautiful, stunning, and one of the cleanest beaches.
📸 📸 Photography
The pristine golden sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the rugged natural landscape offer stunning photographic opportunities. If you're lucky enough to witness turtle nesting or hatching, those moments are incredibly special to capture.
While there are no explicit restrictions on general photography, it's crucial to be respectful of the environment and any marked turtle nests. Avoid using flash photography near nesting sites or hatchlings, as it can disturb them.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden glow. These times also tend to be less crowded.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current local regulations regarding drone operation in protected nature reserves before flying. Respecting wildlife and potential privacy concerns is paramount.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and landscape. If you're hoping to photograph wildlife, a telephoto lens can be useful. Protect your gear from sand and water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Emphasize to children the importance of respecting the environment and the protected turtle nests. Teach them to observe from a distance and not to disturb any wildlife. The pristine, clean beach and clear waters are perfect for supervised play. It's a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with nature, making it a memorable and enriching family outing.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Eco-Tourists
Remember to practice responsible tourism: pack out everything you pack in, avoid disturbing wildlife, and adhere to all posted guidelines. The drive itself, though challenging, offers a sense of adventure and rewards visitors with stunning coastal scenery. Lara Beach is a testament to the beauty of untouched nature and a reminder of our role in preserving it.
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
Ensure your rental agreement allows for off-road driving if you plan to take a standard car. For those with 4x4s, it's a relatively straightforward drive that adds to the feeling of discovery. The reward is reaching a secluded, beautiful beach that many tourists miss due to the challenging access.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Lara Beach for Turtles
Visitors have a unique opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon, but it comes with a responsibility. Signs are placed to mark the nesting areas, and it's imperative that everyone respects these boundaries. The release of hatchlings into the sea, often occurring from August to October, is a particularly moving sight. However, it's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and their survival depends on minimal human interference. Visitors are urged to leave before sunset to allow nesting turtles to reach the beach undisturbed.
Conservation efforts at Lara Beach include nest protection, monitoring hatchling success rates, and educating the public about the importance of these marine reptiles. The lack of tourist facilities, while requiring visitors to be well-prepared, is a deliberate choice to maintain the natural habitat and minimize human impact. This commitment ensures that Lara Beach remains a safe haven for turtles for generations to come.
Navigating the Off-Road Journey
For a more comfortable and secure experience, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. It provides better ground clearance and traction, making the off-road section much more manageable. If you are renting a car, consider upgrading to an SUV or a vehicle with higher suspension. Always drive cautiously, paying attention to the road conditions, and be prepared to stop and assess if needed. It's also wise to check weather forecasts, as heavy rain can make the track more challenging.
Once you arrive, parking is typically informal, with vehicles lining the access points to the beach. Remember that this is a protected area, so avoid driving on the sand dunes or disturbing the natural vegetation. The drive itself, though potentially challenging, offers scenic views of the rugged Akamas Peninsula, adding to the overall experience of reaching this secluded natural gem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit