Beach
Lara Beach
Short answer
Lara is a pair of wide, empty bays on the western Akamas coast and one of the most important nesting sites for green and loggerhead turtles in Cyprus. There is nothing here — no sunbeds, no cafés — and that is the point. Access is by dirt track or as part of a jeep tour, and conservation rules apply during the nesting season.
The beach at a glance
- Is it good for swimming?
- Partly — Open sea — conditions vary with wind and there are no lifeguards.
- Is it family friendly?
- Partly — Fine for older children; no shade or facilities.
- Is there shade?
- No
- Are there facilities?
- No
- Is there parking?
- Partly — Informal parking above the beach; reached by rough track.
- Are there sunbeds?
- No — Not permitted on the turtle-nesting beach.
- Is it good for snorkelling?
- Not yet verified
- Is it crowded?
- quiet — Busier when jeep tours arrive in summer.
Seasonal rules
Turtle nesting runs through the summer. Conservation rules restrict umbrellas, sunbeds and night-time access on the nesting beaches — follow the signs.
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn, in the morning. Avoid days with strong westerly winds.
How to get there
From Coral Bay, continue past Agios Georgios on the coastal track. The final stretch is unpaved and rough; check your rental terms, as many do not cover off-road driving. Jeep safaris are the easy alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive to Lara Beach in a normal car?
People do in dry conditions, but the track is rough and many rental agreements exclude unpaved roads. A 4x4 or a jeep tour is the safer choice.
Will I see turtles at Lara Beach?
Not usually. Nests are protected and hatchlings emerge mainly at night. You will see the protected nest markers; please keep away from them.
Plan around it
Day trip
Akamas Peninsula
Wild coast, gorges and turtle beaches at Cyprus' western tip — by jeep, boat, on foot or by 4x4.
- Akamas Peninsula
- Full day
Day trip
Avakas Gorge
A short, dramatic gorge walk on the edge of the Akamas — best done early.
- Akamas Peninsula
- 2–3 hours on site
Experience
Akamas Jeep Safaris
Guided 4x4 days through the Akamas peninsula — the easiest way to reach Lara and the rough tracks.
- Akamas Peninsula
- Half to full day
- €€
Beach
Coral Bay
Sandy, sheltered and fully organised — the classic family beach of the Paphos area.
- Coral Bay
Things to do
Things to Do in Paphos
The best things to do in Paphos, Cyprus — ancient sites, beaches, the Akamas, wine villages and day trips — with how long each takes, who it suits and what to skip.
Itinerary
5 Days in Paphos
Five days in Paphos: ancient sites, the Blue Lagoon, Aphrodite's coast, the wine villages and a day in the wild western Akamas.
- 5 days
- Car: yes