Lara Beach Turtle Reserve - Image 1
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Lara Beach Turtle Reserve

4.6
·229 reviews·Pegeia, Cyprus

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best chance to see turtles

CrowdLow
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Lara Beach Turtle Reserve - Image 1

Lara Beach Turtle Reserve

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best chance to see turtles

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(229 reviews)

"One of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. Wild, peaceful. Only nature surrounds."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turtle Nesting Sites

Turtle Nesting Sites

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

Pristine Golden Sands

Pristine Golden Sands

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

Wild and Peaceful Bay

Wild and Peaceful Bay

Experience a tranquil, natural environment with no crowds or commercial development.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Lara Beach

The road to Lara Beach is unpaved and can be bumpy. While some visitors have managed with standard rental cars, a 4x4 or a sturdy vehicle is recommended for a smoother journey and to avoid potential damage. Be prepared for a ~9km off-road stretch.

Prepare for a Natural Experience

Lara Beach is a protected turtle nesting site with no tourist facilities. Bring your own water, snacks, shade (umbrella/tent), and be mindful of the environment. No camping or parasols are allowed to protect the nesting turtles.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best chance to see turtles
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Avoid midday sun
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Antwort auf @hotti84 Delphine BE Grand Resort Antalya Alles all inklusive Plus! Selbst die Strandtasche 🙈🩵🐚#delphinbegrandresort #türkeiurlaub #türkei #urlaub #foryou #luxus #hotel #larabeachturkey
@mrs.bossinger
103.8K likes • 2.2M views

🚗 Sturdy Car Recommended

A 4x4 or sturdy car is best for the bumpy off-road track to Lara Beach. Drive carefully! Reddit

💧 Pack Essentials

No facilities here! Bring water, snacks, and your own shade. Reddit

So many shops selling fakes in turkey its mad 😅 #antalya #turkey #larabeach #dhgate
@wendyhn_
68K likes • 2.6M views
The best all inclusive resort in Antalya! 🇹🇷 #antalya #lara #larabeachturkey #allinclusive #allinclusiveresort #libertylara #5starresort #turkey #fyp #foryou
@israjabbarali
44.1K likes • 1.8M views

🐢 Respect Turtle Nests

Do not disturb marked nests. Leave before sunset to avoid disturbing nesting turtles. Reddit

🏖️ Cleanest Beach Ever

Enjoy the incredibly clean sand and sea. Leave no trace behind. Reddit

one of the best all inclusive resorts we have been to 🌞🕺 #allinclusive #summerholiday #allinclusiveresort #thingsthatjustmakesense #larabeach
@tiamacarooni
40.7K likes • 945.9K views

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! Reddit

💧 Pack Essentials

No facilities here! Bring water, snacks, and your own shade. Reddit

🐢 Respect Turtle Nests

Do not disturb marked nests. Leave before sunset to avoid disturbing nesting turtles. Reddit

🏖️ Cleanest Beach Ever

Enjoy the incredibly clean sand and sea. Leave no trace behind. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(229 reviews)

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

Beautiful, unspoiled beach
Clear turquoise waters
Protected turtle nesting site

What People Dislike

No facilities
Bumpy access road

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You can expect soft golden sand and clear, turquoise waters. The beach is described as beautiful, stunning, and one of the cleanest beaches. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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

Lara Beach offers a unique educational experience for families, focusing on nature and wildlife. The chance to see turtle nests or even hatchlings can be incredibly exciting for children. However, families need to be well-prepared as there are absolutely no facilities. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, including a beach umbrella or tent for shade. The drive to the beach can be bumpy, so ensure your vehicle is suitable, or consider a guided tour if you're concerned about navigating the off-road track. Reddit

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

For those who cherish unspoiled natural beauty and conservation, Lara Beach is a paradise. Its status as a protected turtle nesting site makes it a prime destination for eco-tourism. The absence of commercial development means you can experience the beach in its raw, natural state, with soft sands and clear waters. The opportunity to witness sea turtles in their natural habitat is a profound experience, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. Reddit

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

The unpaved road to Lara Beach is an attraction in itself for those who enjoy a bit of off-road driving. While not extreme, the ~9km track requires a vehicle with decent clearance and a driver who is comfortable navigating gravel and potentially muddy terrain. It's a chance to test your driving skills and enjoy the rugged landscape of the Akamas Peninsula. Reddit

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

Lara Beach is a vital protected area for sea turtles in Cyprus, serving as a crucial nesting ground for both the Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) turtles. These species are endangered, making the conservation efforts at Lara Beach incredibly significant. During the nesting season, which typically runs from late May to August for Loggerheads and July to September for Greens, female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in carefully dug nests. The area is monitored by conservationists to protect these nests from disturbance and predation. Reddit

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. Reddit

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

The journey to Lara Beach is part of the adventure, but it requires careful consideration of your vehicle. The approximately 9-kilometer stretch of road leading to the beach is unpaved, consisting of gravel, sand, and potentially mud, especially after rain. While some visitors have reported successfully reaching the beach in standard rental cars, such as a Swift or a Nissan Note, it's not without risk. These vehicles may struggle with the terrain, leading to a slower, bumpier ride and a higher chance of getting stuck or damaging the car. Reddit

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. Reddit

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.

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