Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hotel facilities such as pools, changing rooms, sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach itself is
lovely and clean, though it can get extremely crowded.
Lara Beach
BEACH
(Vakıflar Plajı; 3km east of Çatalköy)
F
If you're not one of those beach-goers obsessed with golden sand, the greyish sand of
Lara Beach will be perfectly fine. This is a good swimming spot which also has clean toi-
lets and changing-room facilities as well as a small snack bar.
Alagadı Beach
BEACH
(Turtle Beach; Alagadı)
F
Alagadı (Turtle) Beach, approximately 19km east of Kyrenia, is where the Society for the
Protection of Turtles (SPOT) has its small monitoring station called the
Goat Shed
(
%
0533
872 5350;
www.cyprusturtles.org
;
Alagadı Beach ;
h
9am-8.30pm 1 Jun-15 Sep )
where you can find out
about turtle conservation. This is not really used as a swimming beach, but you are able to
enjoy the habitat. Its twin sandy beaches are intentionally undeveloped, as they are con-
sidered turtle territory, and the beach is closed from 8pm to 8am from May to October.
If you get hungry, family-run
St Kathleen's Restaurant
(
%
0533 861 7640; Main Rd, Alagadı;
mains 15-25YTL ;
h
11am-10pm)
is on the nearby main road. The meze, grills and fish dishes are
excellent and good value.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
TURTLE WATCHING AT ALAGADI BEACH
Kutlay Keço is a founding member of North Cyprus' Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT).
Why is Alagadı Beach so important in turtle conservation?
Alagadı Beach is a major turtle nest site for both green and loggerhead (
caretta caretta
) turtles. It's recognised
as the second most important nesting area for green turtles in the Mediterranean.
How does SPOT help to protect North Cyprus' turtles?
At Alagadı we have 100% control over the area and can protect the nests from stray dogs and foxes, which are
the biggest threat. We also research and monitor turtle nesting throughout North Cyprus. Our greatest achieve-
ment is that now everyone is aware of the turtles here, Alagadı has been designated as a special protected area
and the population is increasing.
How can travellers see the turtles?
We run free night tours at Alagadı throughout the nesting season. We only take a small number of people out
each night so it's important to book as soon as you arrive to make sure you get a place.
