For the most part, beaches that cater for the public by providing a car park, café or restaurant, and beach umbrellas, will make a charge. This can be an acceptable small sum equal to one or two pounds up to the equivalent of about eight pounds per person!The most popular beaches in this area are Acapulco and Alagadi beaches east of Kyrenia, and Kervanseray and Escape Beach west of Kyrenia.
Alagadi beach east of Kyrenia, is where the green and loggerhead turtles lay their eggs. There is a café, but no parasols or sun-beds. These beaches are protected and are closed to the public during the hours of darkness in the hatching season. However the fascinating experience of watching the turtles emerge from their nest and take their first steps on a perilous journey to adulthood can be enjoyed by anyone if they apply to the turtle project director at the beach office.
Crystal clear water laps the sand in gentle waves and with very little rise and fall in the tide, swimming is relatively safe all year round. There can be a slight undertow in the current and therefore, as with anywhere else in the world, care needs to be taken especially with children.
On the eastern coast, north of Famagusta, there are endless opportunities for swimming on practically deserted beaches all the way to Golden Beach in the Karpaz Peninsula.
