Lara Beach - woman in white shirt sitting on yellow flower field during daytime
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Lara Beach

4.6
·2k reviews·, Cyprus

A secluded, wild beach in Cyprus, famous for its pristine waters and as a vital nesting site for sea turtles.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Spring to Early Autumn

Ideal for swimming and turtle spotting.

CrowdMedium
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Lara Beach - woman in white shirt sitting on yellow flower field during daytime

Lara Beach

Best Time

Late Spring to Early Autumn

Ideal for swimming and turtle spotting.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A secluded, wild beach in Cyprus, famous for its pristine waters and as a vital nesting site for sea turtles.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A true gem in Cyprus, pristine beach, surrounded by hills and turtle nests. Well worth the drive!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road

Most rental cars can manage the road to Lara Beach if driven slowly and carefully. A 4x4 isn't always necessary.

🐢 Respect Turtle Nesting Areas

Avoid disturbing marked nests. No umbrellas or tents are allowed in nesting zones during season.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine Turtle Nesting Grounds

Pristine Turtle Nesting Grounds

Lara Beach

Witness a protected haven for Green and Loggerhead turtles, with marked nests and a chance to see hatchlings.

Crystal Clear Turquoise Waters

Crystal Clear Turquoise Waters

Lara Beach

Enjoy incredibly clear, shallow, and warm turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Secluded and Wild Ambiance

Secluded and Wild Ambiance

Lara Beach

Experience a truly wild and secluded beach, offering a sense of privacy and natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating to Lara Beach

Getting to Lara Beach involves a dirt road, and while a 4x4 is often recommended, many visitors successfully navigate it in standard rental cars by driving cautiously. Be prepared for a bumpy ride and consider the time of day for easier access.

Respecting Turtle Nesting Sites

Lara Beach is a protected nesting site for sea turtles. Visitors must be mindful of marked nesting areas, avoid disturbing them, and refrain from using umbrellas or tents in these zones, especially during nesting season.

Best Times

When
Late Spring to Early Autumn
Why
Ideal for swimming and turtle spotting.
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning or Late Afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, softer light.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Royal Wings, Antalya, Turkiye 🇹🇷 One of our favourite hotels we have stayed in! Doesn't get mentioned an awful lot, isituated in the popular resort of Lara Beach, Antalya Amazing Facilities for kids! We can't wait to return! #larabeach #turkeyhotels #antalya #royalwingshotel #larabeachhotel #antalyahotels #turkey🇹🇷 #turkeytiktok #hotelsforfamilies #fyp #hotelreccommendations #hotelreview #welcom...
@katie_marie_travel
39.4K likes • 1.6M views

🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road

Most rental cars can manage the road to Lara Beach if driven slowly and carefully. A 4x4 isn't always necessary. Reddit

🐢 Respect Turtle Nesting Areas

Avoid disturbing marked nests. No umbrellas or tents are allowed in nesting zones during season. Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Lara Beach (Antalya) in a week's time looking for tips

reddit.com

Is it possible to gry to Lara Beach with normal car?

💧 Bring Your Own Water & Snacks

There are no facilities at Lara Beach, so pack everything you need. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel for Marine Life

The clear waters are great for snorkeling; you might even spot turtles and fish! Reddit

reddit.com

Best zone to stay in Antalya

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road

Most rental cars can manage the road to Lara Beach if driven slowly and carefully. A 4x4 isn't always necessary. Reddit

🐢 Respect Turtle Nesting Areas

Avoid disturbing marked nests. No umbrellas or tents are allowed in nesting zones during season. Reddit

💧 Bring Your Own Water & Snacks

There are no facilities at Lara Beach, so pack everything you need. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel for Marine Life

The clear waters are great for snorkeling; you might even spot turtles and fish! Reddit

🗑️ Leave No Trace

Help keep this protected beach clean by taking all your trash with you. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lara Beach is lauded as a hidden gem with stunningly clear, shallow waters and a secluded, wild atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to witness turtle nesting sites, though sightings are not guaranteed. The main challenge is the bumpy dirt road access, which requires careful driving, and the lack of facilities.

"This beach is super secluded and its pretty hard to get here but its doable. The road to get here from coral Bay is pretty difficult if you don't have a 4×4 but it's definitely manageable even in a standard rental car. Even during the season, its rare you'll actually see a turtle here as they mostly come to lay eggs late at night unless you get to see them hatching. It's definitely cool to see even the left over eggs shells laying on the beach from the turtles. The water was very clear and the beach was also clean.
Overall, I recommend this place for people who want a bit of adventure"

Nadia Cartier

"A super nice beach with really shallow and warm water. They do turtle conservation here so the place to sit is limited as you need to keep enough space from the nesting areas. The road there is a bit rough but manageable with most cars if you don't go too fast"

Cédric Tahon

"A true gem in Cyprus, pristine beach, surrounded by hills and turtle nests. Well worth the 30 min one way drive on a dirt/gravel road. We had a regular rental car, no fancy 4x4 - you don't need these, it seems to be a scam that you do. Note that there aren't any facilities such as toilets etc, but this + road make it quite difficult to access, so the beach itself isn't too crowded - you have a sense of a part of the beach to yourself."

Adam Bang

What People Like

Pristine natural beauty
Clear, shallow waters
Secluded atmosphere

What People Dislike

Bumpy dirt road access
No facilities
Limited turtle sightings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lara Beach is accessed via a dirt and gravel road. While a 4x4 is often suggested, many visitors report successfully reaching it in standard rental cars by driving slowly and cautiously. Reddit The drive from Coral Bay can be bumpy but is manageable. Consider the road conditions after rain.

Not necessarily. While a 4x4 can make the journey smoother, numerous travelers have used regular rental cars without issues, provided they drive carefully. Reddit Some reviews suggest the 4x4 recommendation might be exaggerated.

The road is primarily a dirt and gravel track. It can be rough in places, requiring slow and attentive driving. Reddit It's part of the adventure to reach this secluded spot.

Yes, 4x4 buggies and off-road quads are available for hire, which can be a fun way to explore the Akamas region and reach Lara Beach. Reddit

The drive typically takes around 30 minutes one-way from areas like Coral Bay, depending on your vehicle and driving speed on the unpaved road. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Lara Beach is a protected natural area and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for all visitors. Reddit

Lara Beach is a natural beach and is accessible at all times. However, access to nesting areas may be restricted during certain hours or seasons for conservation purposes. Reddit

No booking is required to visit Lara Beach. It's a natural, public beach, and you can visit spontaneously. Reddit

Yes, during turtle nesting season, access to marked nesting areas is restricted to protect the turtles. Umbrellas and tents are also prohibited in these zones. Reddit+1

Due to its secluded nature and the slightly challenging access road, Lara Beach is generally less crowded than other popular beaches, offering a more peaceful experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can swim in the clear, shallow waters, snorkel to see fish and potentially turtles, relax on the pristine sand, and observe the protected turtle nesting sites from a distance. Reddit

Lara Beach is a vital nesting site for Green and Loggerhead turtles. While they primarily come to lay eggs at night, you might see leftover egg shells or, with luck, hatchlings or adult turtles during the day. Reddit+1

No, there are no facilities such as toilets, showers, or changing rooms at Lara Beach. It's a wild, natural beach, so come prepared. Reddit

Yes, the water at Lara Beach is known for being very shallow, warm, and crystal clear, making it excellent for swimming and wading. Reddit

Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a bag for your trash. Snorkeling gear is also recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning turquoise waters, the rugged coastline, the protected turtle nests (from a distance), and the overall wild, secluded beauty of the beach. Reddit

While sightings are not guaranteed, if you are lucky enough to see a turtle, photograph it respectfully from a distance without disturbing it. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for landscape and portrait photography, and often fewer people. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone, especially in protected natural areas like Lara Beach. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful if you spot wildlife from afar. Waterproof protection for your gear is also a good idea. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lara Beach offers a unique natural experience for families. The shallow, warm, and clear waters are ideal for young children to play safely. Reddit The chance to see turtle nests, and potentially hatchlings, can be an educational and exciting experience for kids. However, parents should be aware that there are no facilities, so packing all necessities, including ample snacks and drinks, is crucial. Reddit Ensure children understand the importance of respecting the turtle nesting areas and not disturbing the wildlife. The drive to the beach can be bumpy, so consider this if traveling with very young children.

🚗 Adventurous Travelers

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Lara Beach is a perfect destination. The drive along the dirt road offers a taste of off-roading, and the reward is a secluded, pristine beach. Reddit+1 Renting a 4x4 buggy or quad can enhance the adventurous feel of reaching the beach and exploring the surrounding Akamas Peninsula. Reddit The opportunity to snorkel in clear waters and potentially spot marine life, including turtles, adds to the thrill of discovery.

🌿 Nature Lovers & Conservationists

Lara Beach is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and those passionate about conservation. As a vital nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, it offers a rare glimpse into a protected natural habitat. Reddit Visitors can appreciate the efforts made to preserve the area and are encouraged to be mindful stewards of the environment by respecting nesting sites and leaving no trace. Reddit The pristine beauty of the beach and its clear waters are a testament to its protected status.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Journey to Lara Beach

Reaching Lara Beach is an adventure in itself. The final stretch involves navigating a dirt and gravel road, which has led many to believe a 4x4 vehicle is essential. However, numerous travelers have successfully made the journey in standard rental cars, emphasizing the importance of driving slowly and cautiously. Reddit This unpaved path is part of what keeps the beach relatively secluded, offering a sense of discovery. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, and consider the road conditions, especially after rainfall, as it can become more challenging.

For those seeking a more rugged experience or wanting to explore the wider Akamas Peninsula, 4x4 buggies and off-road quads are available for hire. Reddit This can be a fun alternative and ensures easier navigation of the terrain. Regardless of your vehicle choice, the drive is a small price to pay for the reward of reaching one of Cyprus's most beautiful and protected natural sites.

Conservation and Respect at Lara Beach

Lara Beach holds significant ecological importance as a protected nesting site for endangered Green and Loggerhead sea turtles. This status dictates certain visitor guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of these magnificent creatures. Marked nesting areas are off-limits to prevent disturbance, and visitors are strictly prohibited from using umbrellas or tents within these zones, particularly during the nesting season. Reddit+1

Visitors are urged to be highly respectful of the natural environment. This includes refraining from leaving any trash behind – pack out everything you pack in – and avoiding any actions that could disturb the turtles or their nests. Reddit While the opportunity to see turtles is a major draw, it's crucial to remember that this is their habitat. Observing them from a safe distance and appreciating the conservation efforts in place contributes to the preservation of this unique ecosystem for future generations.

What to Expect at the Beach Itself

Once you arrive, Lara Beach greets you with stunning natural beauty. The waters are exceptionally clear, shallow, and warm, making them perfect for swimming and wading. Reddit The fine sand stretches along the bay, offering a tranquil spot to relax. Due to its protected status and the slightly challenging access, the beach rarely feels overcrowded, allowing visitors to enjoy a sense of personal space and serenity. Reddit

However, it's important to note that Lara Beach is a wild, undeveloped area. There are no facilities such as toilets, showers, or beach bars. Reddit This means you need to come fully prepared with all your essentials, including plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you might need for your visit. The lack of amenities is precisely what preserves its pristine, off-the-beaten-path charm.

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