Girne Fortress
25. September 2024
Bellapais Monastery
25. September 2024
Alagadi Beach: beach without people
Alagadi Turtle Beach is a beautiful beach consisting of two large bays in northern Cyprus. This particular beach was our main reason for deciding to visit North Cyprus, and it was definitely worth it. Away from the hotels and the hustle and bustle of the city, it offers the perfect relaxing beach experience.
The beach and its beauty
Alagadi Turtle Beach consists of a larger and a smaller bay, both offering fine golden sand and crystal clear sea.
Smaller bay
The smaller bay, however, is completely deserted – no umbrellas, bars, or bathroom facilities. Luckily, the parking lot is just above the beach, and during our visit, there were only a few other people around. It’s perfect for those seeking peace and quiet!
At the far right end of the beach, you’ll find rocks where plenty of little fish gather, making it a fun spot to explore. The water was incredibly warm – in August, it was even warmer than the air! Our radar showed 30.2 degrees, and it might have been even warmer closer to the shore. The sand was soft and fine, with no rocks in sight, making it perfect for relaxing.
Underwater life intrigued us. You’ll encounter lots of different fish and crabs walking around on the bottom, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot turtles. For a long stretch the water is shallow, so you have to venture quite far out to discover all the beauty. Chiara in the sea was bullying the fish. She is quick with her fins and just reported to us how many fish she had already managed to pet
Lady Luck smiled on us
As we were about to move from the small beach to the big one, our gaze was caught by a stranded baby turtle in a small lake created by the low tide.
Unable to get back into the sea, we decided to intervene. So the children carefully took the turtle in their hands and placed it in the water.
Unfortunately, she was so confused that she tried to go back to the pond, where she was in danger of certain death. Therefore, we had to gently nudge her and carry her away from the shore so that she could swim to her siblings.
Big beach
One kilometre long, the large bay offers several entrances and car parks. Preferably come to the centre, where there is an excellent restaurant.
Alagadi Beach is covered with fine golden sand and every time you look, you will see demarcated places where turtles have laid their eggs. Entering the water is very gentle, perhaps too much so. If you want to look for turtles, you have to swim really far, all the way past the rock islets.
Unlike the small bay, there is already at least one restaurant with bathrooms. We were surprised that even with a small number of visitors in full season, there is something available here. However, you could forget about the sun loungers.
Important location for Caretta
As the name suggests, the turtles come here to lay their eggs, making the beach an ideal place for those who want to swim with these fascinating animals. Alagadi Beach is part of a conservation program to protect endangered species. Local scientists and volunteers from the Marine Turtle Conservation Project monitor the nests, recording data and protecting them from predators and tourist disturbance. There is also a small information centre on the beach where you can find out more about these fascinating creatures.
Unfortunately, we did not encounter adult turtles here. Be careful where you step though, especially on the small beach – I almost stepped on a stranded baby turtle!
How to get here?
If you’re heading to North Cyprus, you can get here by taxi or rental car. For those coming from southern Cyprus, you will need a car. Be sure to rent one from a company that doesn’t prohibit crossing the border. Some companies will allow you to do this, but at your own risk – this means you cannot use their assistance services, but the Turkish ones you will buy at the border.
The beach lies about 20 minutes east of Girne. Google Maps will take you to the parking lot between the big and small beaches, but they don’t know the way to the big beach. When you are about 2 kilometers from your destination, pay attention to the signs on the road. If you want to park at a restaurant, type in the directions directly to it. We were operating on off-line maps.
Once you’re headed to Alagadi Turtle Beach, make sure to stop by the town of Girne and Bellapais Monastery. You’ll be enchanted and enthralled by the fortress and the monastery too.
