Lara Beach and sea turtles: the Akamas nesting guide

One of the most important turtle nesting sites in the Mediterranean

Lara Beach occupies two adjoining coves on the wild northwest coast of the Akamas Peninsula, roughly 40 km north of Paphos. It is one of the most significant nesting sites in the Mediterranean for both the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the rarer green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Unlike almost every other beach in Cyprus, Lara has no sunbeds, no beach bar, no changing rooms, and no road that a normal car can travel. That inaccessibility is precisely what has preserved it.

The Cyprus Department of Fisheries and Marine Research has operated a hatchery here since 1978, relocating at-risk eggs into a protected enclosure and releasing hatchlings directly into the sea. The programme has produced tens of thousands of juvenile turtles over the decades. International conservation organisations regard it as one of the Mediterranean’s conservation success stories.

The turtles: what, when, and where

Species

Two species nest at Lara:

Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta): The more common species on Cyprus beaches. Adults weigh 90–120 kg and can live to 50+ years. They nest primarily at night, digging a chamber in the dry sand above the tide line. A female may lay 4–7 clutches per season, returning every two weeks.

Green turtle (Chelonia mydas): Rarer and larger (up to 180 kg). A smaller number nest at Lara each year. Green turtles feed on sea grass and are occasionally spotted during daytime in the Akamas waters.

Nesting season timeline

• May: First females arrive offshore. Early nesting begins, mainly loggerheads.
• June–July: Peak nesting. Females emerge at night, typically after 22:00 once the beach has cleared.
• August–September: Hatchlings begin emerging from nests. Tiny hatchlings (5 cm long) make the dash to the sea, guided by the brightness of open water on the horizon. Artificial light disorients them — do not use torches on the beach at night.
• October: Season ends. Hatchery counts and releases are completed.

Organised turtle watches

The Department of Fisheries does not currently run a public night-watch programme at Lara in the same format as some other Mediterranean sites. Independent observation at night is strongly discouraged — approaching a nesting female causes her to abort the nesting attempt and return to sea. Do not shine lights, make noise, or approach within 10 metres of a turtle or nest marker.

However, many Akamas jeep safari operators include Lara Beach as a daytime stop and can offer guided context. You may encounter turtles feeding offshore during a boat trip.

How to get to Lara Beach

By 4WD vehicle

A rough track runs north from the Baths of Aphrodite car park and branches to reach Lara Beach after approximately 8 km. The surface is rocky, deeply rutted in places, and requires genuine high-clearance 4WD. Do not attempt in any standard hire car — insurance cover is void and the recovery cost if you get stuck is yours. Allow 45–60 minutes each way.

Alternatively, a track approaches from the north via Pomos — longer but slightly less demanding.

By boat from Latchi

The most comfortable option. Several Latchi-based boat operators include Lara Beach as a stop on Akamas coastal tours, allowing passengers to swim and walk the beach before continuing to the Blue Lagoon. The boat journey from Latchi takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Avakas Gorge & Lara Beach Swim: Minibus Adventure from Pafos Paphos: Avakas Gorge & Turtle Bay Jeep Tour with Donkey Farm

By jeep safari from Paphos

Multiple operators run half-day and full-day Akamas safaris that include Lara Beach. These use purpose-built 4WD vehicles with the relevant insurance and experienced local drivers who know which tracks are passable. It is far more relaxed than driving yourself.

Avakas Gorge and See the Turtles in Paphos Jeep Safari

What to do at Lara Beach

Swimming: Lara’s two coves have calm, clear water. There are no facilities — bring your own water, sun cream, and snorkelling gear. The sand is golden-red, coarser than Nissi or Fig Tree Bay.

Hatchery visit: The protected hatchery enclosure is visible (fenced) on the beach. You may be able to speak to staff monitoring the nests during daytime hours. Photography of nests from outside the fence is permitted.

Walking: A coastal path connects the two Lara coves and continues along the headland. Views across the Akamas cliffs toward the Blue Lagoon are excellent.

Rules and conservation

• No sunbeds, tents, or overnight camping.
• No bonfires.
• No bright lights after dark during nesting season.
• Keep noise levels low near nests.
• Do not pick up hatchlings or disturb nest markers.
• Swimming is permitted but stay out of the hatchery enclosure.

The Akamas Peninsula is a national park — protected wildlife area rules apply throughout.

Frequently asked questions about Lara Beach and turtles

Can you guarantee seeing a turtle at Lara Beach?

Daytime turtle encounters in the water are possible but not guaranteed. Nesting at night is more predictable during peak season (June–July), but approaching nesting females is harmful and prohibited. Boat trips to the Akamas waters offer good chances of spotting turtles surfacing.

Is Lara Beach accessible without a 4WD?

Not safely. The track is genuinely rough and a standard car risks damage, getting stuck, and insurance invalidation. The practical alternatives are a boat trip from Latchi or a jeep safari from Paphos.

Are there facilities at Lara Beach?

No permanent facilities — no toilets, no fresh water, no shade, no food. Bring everything you need.

Can children visit Lara Beach?

Yes, as a daytime trip. The swimming is safe in calm conditions. Children should be briefed on the turtle conservation rules before visiting. Hatchling releases (August–September), if timed well, are extraordinary wildlife experiences for children.

When is the best time to see hatchlings at Lara Beach?

Hatchlings emerge from late August through September, typically at night. The incubation period is 55–65 days from laying, so nests laid in June and early July hatch in August. Exact timing varies with sand temperature — warmer sand accelerates development.