Discover Lara Beach near Paphos: a protected sandy bay on the Akamas Peninsula where green and loggerhead turtles nest in the summer.
Around an hour’s drive from Villa Nadezhda, on the Akamas Peninsula, lies one of the most special beaches in the Paphos region: Lara Beach.
This is not a typical organised beach with rows of sunbeds, music and beach bars. Lara Beach is part of a protected coastal reserve, known for its wide sandy shore, clear water and sea turtles that return here to lay their eggs.
For guests staying at Villa Nadezhda, it is a wonderful day trip for anyone who wants to experience a quieter, more natural side of Cyprus.
Lara Beach is one of the important nesting areas in Cyprus for both green turtles and loggerhead turtles. Every year, turtles come ashore and lay their eggs in the soft sand above the waterline.
During the nesting season, protected nests can be seen along the beach. Rangers mark them with small protective cages and signs, helping to prevent people or animals from disturbing the eggs.
If you are especially lucky, you may see tiny hatchlings making their first journey towards the sea. This is most likely later in the summer, but it is never guaranteed — nature follows its own schedule.
If you do see a turtle, nest or hatchling, please keep your distance. Do not touch it, pick it up or try to help it reach the water. The best thing visitors can do is stay quiet, give the animals space and let the conservation work continue.
Lara Beach is loved for its natural setting. The shore is sandy and gently sloping, making it pleasant for swimming and relaxing by the water.
The bay is far less developed than the main beaches around Paphos. There are no large hotels directly behind the sand, no noisy watersports and no rows of rental loungers. Instead, you will find open space, sea, cliffs and the feeling of being far away from the busier parts of the island.
Many visitors find the shallow water especially pleasant during the summer months, although sea conditions naturally depend on the weather and time of day.
Lara Beach is beautiful precisely because it remains protected and undeveloped.
There are no sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars or cafés directly on the beach. This is intentional: the reserve exists to protect turtles and their nesting habitat.
Bring everything you need with you:
Please do not leave anything behind. Lara Beach is not a place for plastic bottles, food waste or loud music. It is a fragile natural environment and deserves to stay that way.
The drive towards Lara Beach is part of the experience. You will pass through the scenic Akamas area, with coastal views, quiet roads and dramatic countryside.
The last section of the route may be rough or unpaved, depending on the approach and current road conditions. Drive slowly, check the conditions with your car rental company and make sure your vehicle is suitable for the route.
A visit to Lara Beach can also be combined with nearby places such as Avakas Gorge, the Akamas Peninsula, the Sea Caves near Peyia or a stop in the villages above the coast.
Lara Beach is not about convenience. It is about seeing Cyprus in a more authentic and memorable way.
It is a place to swim in clear water, walk on soft sand, watch the coastline and understand why this part of the island has been protected for decades.
For families, couples and nature lovers staying at Villa Nadezhda, a day at Lara Beach can become one of the most memorable experiences of a holiday in Paphos.
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