Karpaz National Park
Discover the wild beauty of Karpaz National Park, a pristine peninsula with golden beaches, rolling hills, and free-roaming donkeys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Karpaz National Park
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the wild beauty of Karpaz National Park, a pristine peninsula with golden beaches, rolling hills, and free-roaming donkeys.
"One of the most beautiful corners of North Cyprus that survived to date..hope they keep it as it is.."
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Roads can be rough with potholes. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if you don't have a 4x4.
🥕 Bring Donkey Treats
Carrots are a hit with the wild donkeys! They might approach your car for a snack.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Beach (Altin Kumsal)
Karpaz Peninsula
Miles of untouched white sand dunes and pristine Mediterranean waters. A true natural paradise.
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Wild Donkeys
Karpaz National Park Entrance & Roads
Encounter semi-wild donkeys roaming freely, a unique and memorable part of the Karpaz experience.
Untouched Nature & Scenery
Throughout the park
Experience the raw, unspoiled beauty of rolling hills, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking coastal views.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Karpaz Roads
Donkey Encounters & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Roads can be rough with potholes. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if you don't have a 4x4.
🥕 Bring Donkey Treats
Carrots are a hit with the wild donkeys! They might approach your car for a snack.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The sun can be intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for beach visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially on the beaches and trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Roads can be rough with potholes. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if you don't have a 4x4.
🥕 Bring Donkey Treats
Carrots are a hit with the wild donkeys! They might approach your car for a snack.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The sun can be intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for beach visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially on the beaches and trails.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, as facilities can be sparse within the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unspoiled natural beauty of Karpaz National Park, particularly the stunning Golden Beach and the charming wild donkeys. While the journey involves challenging roads, most agree the unique experience and breathtaking scenery are well worth the effort. Some caution about aggressive donkeys near the entrance seeking food.
"Very nice place with kind donkeys, beautiful view to the wild sand beach! Those who visit Northern Cyprus must see this place! 👍"
Oleg Li
"Amazing experience! Crazy road, it’s not safe if you have a simple car 🚗. The road is not good but it’s worth to do. A lot of emotions"
Alina Andronic
"One of the beautiful corners of North Cyprus that survived to date..hope they keep it as it is..İt one of the main tourist attraction site..beautiful beaches, donkeys and nature.."
Wizard of oz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Karpaz National Park is by car. Renting a car in Northern Cyprus is recommended. The drive from Kyrenia or Famagusta takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Be prepared for some rough patches on the road, especially as you get closer to the tip of the peninsula.
While many visitors use regular cars and tourist buses, the roads can be bumpy with potholes. Driving slowly and cautiously is key. A car with higher clearance might offer more comfort, but it's not strictly necessary if you're careful.
Public transport directly to Karpaz National Park is limited. It's best to arrange private transport or join a guided tour if you don't have a car.
The main road leading to Karpaz National Park has been improved over time, but there are still sections with potholes and uneven surfaces. Plans for further paving have been mentioned but are often stalled.
Karpaz National Park is located at the northeastern tip of the island. It's roughly 80-100 km (50-60 miles) from cities like Kyrenia and Famagusta, with travel times around 1.5 to 2 hours due to road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is typically a small entrance fee for vehicles entering Karpaz National Park. The exact amount can vary, so it's good to have some local currency on hand.
Karpaz National Park is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any specific seasonal or daily closures, though it's usually open from morning until sunset.
Karpaz National Park can be visited year-round. However, the weather is most pleasant during spring and autumn. Summer can be very hot, and winter might bring occasional rain.
No, advance booking is generally not required for Karpaz National Park. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment. Avoid bringing excessive plastic or leaving litter. Feeding the wild donkeys is discouraged by some, while others recommend it with carrots.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park is famous for its stunning Golden Beach (Altin Kumsal), the free-roaming wild donkeys, and its unspoiled natural landscapes, including rolling hills and coastal views.
Yes, Golden Beach is a beautiful spot for swimming. The waters are clear and inviting, offering a perfect place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean.
Facilities can be limited within the park. There are some small cafes or kiosks, particularly near popular spots like Golden Beach and the entrance where donkeys are found. It's wise to bring your own snacks and water.
The most iconic wildlife are the semi-wild donkeys. You might also spot various bird species, especially if you're interested in birdwatching.
Yes, the park offers opportunities for hiking and exploring its natural trails. The varied terrain provides scenic routes with beautiful views of the coastline and countryside.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden Beach offers stunning panoramic shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. The wild donkeys are also a popular subject. Don't miss the dramatic coastal cliffs and rolling hills for landscape photography.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos. Midday sun can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities at the beach.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the park to avoid issues.
Expect to capture images of pristine beaches, unique wildlife (donkeys!), rugged coastlines, and vast, unspoiled natural landscapes.
The viewpoints overlooking Golden Beach are spectacular. Also, any elevated spots along the main road offer sweeping vistas of the peninsula.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1The Golden Beach is also a fantastic spot for families to enjoy the sea and sand. The vastness of the beach means there's plenty of space for kids to play. Remember to pack plenty of sun protection, snacks, and water, as facilities within the park are limited. The drive itself can be an adventure, but advise children to be patient with the bumpy roads.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Rent a car and embrace the drive! The reward for navigating the 'crazy road' is reaching one of the most unspoiled and beautiful parts of Northern Cyprus. Make sure your rental agreement allows you to drive on these types of roads and consider a vehicle with slightly higher clearance if possible, though not essential if you drive cautiously.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Photographers
+1Golden Beach is particularly spectacular during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, providing breathtaking light for landscape photography. Birdwatchers will also find the park interesting, with various species inhabiting the area.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wild Donkeys of Karpaz
It's a common practice for visitors to bring carrots or other suitable food to feed the donkeys. However, it's important to do so responsibly. Overfeeding can disrupt their natural behavior and diet. Some travelers have noted that the donkeys can be quite persistent in seeking food, sometimes even blocking paths.
Remember that these are wild animals, and while they are generally docile, it's best to maintain a respectful distance and observe them in their natural habitat. Their presence adds a unique charm to the Karpaz experience, making it a memorable encounter for many.
Navigating the Karpaz Roads
While many travelers successfully navigate these roads in standard rental cars and even large tourist buses, it requires a slow and cautious driving style. The advice from those who have been there is to be prepared for a bumpy ride and to avoid high speeds. Some suggest that a vehicle with higher ground clearance might offer a more comfortable experience, but it's not a strict requirement if you drive carefully.
There have been discussions and announcements about plans to improve and pave the roads, including the addition of bike lanes. However, these projects have often faced delays. For now, the 'crazy road' is part of the Karpaz experience, adding to the sense of reaching a remote and wild destination.
Golden Beach: A Pristine Paradise
+1This beach is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and simply enjoying the serene coastal environment. Unlike more developed tourist beaches, Golden Beach retains its wild charm, with dunes and natural landscapes surrounding it. It's a place where you can truly feel immersed in nature.
Visiting Golden Beach is a must-do for anyone exploring the Karpaz Peninsula. The sheer beauty and unspoiled nature of this location make it a highlight of any trip to Northern Cyprus.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit