Lara Bay, Cyprus: Turtle Beach, Conservation Station and the Akamas Peninsula near Paphos
Wild nature in the north-west, the turtle beach at Lara Bay, dirt-track directions and tours from Paphos – with rules and tips from Coral Bay
← All things to do around Coral Bay
Lara Bay is one of the last unspoilt beaches in Cyprus: a long, sandy beach on the wild west coast of the Akamas Peninsula, with crystal clear water and no buildings in sight. It is also one of the most important turtle nesting beaches in the Mediterranean. From Coral Bay you reach the edge of the peninsula quickly – but the last stretch is a bumpy dirt track.
Lara Bay and the Akamas Peninsula at a Glance
- Where: in the far north-west of the Paphos district, north of Agios Georgios (Peyia / Pegeia).
- From Coral Bay to Lara Bay: about 15 km, roughly 41 minutes by route planner. Much of it is a dirt road.
- Entry: free. There is no gate and no ticket.
- Facilities: no sunbeds, no umbrellas, no toilets and no beach bars at Lara beach.
- Important: most rental car insurance does not cover unpaved roads.
The Akamas Peninsula: Cyprus’s Wildest Coastline
The Akamas Peninsula covers around 230 square kilometres and is one of the most important protected areas on the island. It is part of the European Natura 2000 network, and many visitors call it the Akamas National Park. There are hardly any villages. Instead you find hiking trails, a rugged coastline, hills with juniper and pine forest, and rich plant life with orchids, rock roses and species found only in Cyprus.
On the east side are the Baths of Aphrodite and the Blue Lagoon, reached from the harbour at Latchi. On the west side are Lara Bay and Toxeftra Bay. Several nature trails run through the Akamas forest, including the Aphrodite Trail and the Adonis Trail, which start at the mythological Baths of Aphrodite. It is a place of real natural beauty and a strong connection with nature. Every trail in the Akamas and the Troodos Mountains, with length, duration and tips, is in our guide to hiking in Cyprus.
Roadworks in the Akamas
Some of the tracks on the peninsula have been upgraded since 2022. The work was halted in 2023 after protests by environmental groups and was approved again in August 2025 after an environmental review. Road conditions can therefore change, so ask about the current situation before you go.
Lara Beach: Turtle Nesting and the Turtle Conservation Station
Lara Bay is one of the main breeding grounds for green and loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. Since the late 1970s the Cyprus Department of Fisheries has run a turtle conservation project here, known as the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station. Volunteers and staff protect the nests on the beach with metal cages and monitor the nesting season.
Rules in the Lara–Toxeftra Protected Area
- 1 June to 30 September: umbrellas, sunbeds, tents and caravans are banned on the beach.
- Evenings: you must leave the beach one hour before sunset.
- Nests: do not step on or touch marked nests.
- Cars: do not drive onto the beach.
The rules are not always respected – in August 2026 environmental groups criticised umbrellas and tents on the beach. Please follow them so the sea turtles can keep nesting here.
When Can You See Turtles?
The nesting season runs roughly from June to September, and baby turtles hatch later in the summer. The turtles come ashore at night, so during the day you mainly see the protected nests. With a bit of luck, a turtle swims past in the clear water.
How to Get to Lara Beach from Paphos and Coral Bay
By car: From Coral Bay, drive north via Agios Georgios. After the tarmac ends, the road continues as a dirt track along the coast, in very different condition depending on rain and maintenance. A 4×4 is the safe choice. Check your rental agreement first: many companies exclude driving off paved roads.
Parking: You park on unpaved areas above the beach. Do not drive down onto the sand.
By bus: There is no bus to Lara Bay.
Day Trips to Lara Bay: Jeep, Buggy and Boat Tours
A tour from Paphos is more comfortable than driving yourself. Jeep safaris and buggy tours from Coral Bay or Paphos are used to the tracks and often combine Lara beach with the Sea Caves, the Baths of Aphrodite and the Blue Lagoon. From the water, boat trips from Latchi harbour reach the north coast of the peninsula.
Prices depend on the operator, length of visit and pick-up point. Before booking, compare the current price, reviews from other guests and what is included, such as pick-up, lunch or snorkelling gear. In high season popular day trips fill up quickly, so book early.
Akamas Jeep Safari with Cruise to the Blue Lagoon
About 7.5 hours with pick-up, a jeep tour through the Akamas and a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 63 reviews on GetYourGuide (October 2026).
If you book through this link, we earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you.
Avakas Gorge: Currently Closed
Avakas Gorge on the southern edge of the Akamas was long one of the most popular hikes in the region. The trail through the gorge has been closed since 6 December 2025, and in May 2026 the Forestry Department confirmed it remains closed until further notice. Check the latest information before you visit.
Know Before Going: Tips for Your Visit
- Bring everything: water, food, sun protection and a rubbish bag – there is nothing to buy along the way.
- Food afterwards: fish restaurants are in Agios Georgios harbour and in Latchi.
- Start early: it gets very hot at midday in summer, and shade is rare.
- Save an offline map: mobile reception in the Akamas area is patchy.
- Take care after rain: the dirt roads quickly become slippery and washed out.
FAQ: Lara Bay Cyprus
Do you need a 4×4 for Lara Bay?
Not necessarily, but the last stretch is a dirt track in changing condition. A 4×4 is the safer choice, and your rental car insurance should cover unpaved roads.
Can you swim at Lara Bay?
Yes, swimming is allowed during the day. From June to September umbrellas, sunbeds and tents are banned, and you must leave the beach one hour before sunset.
Which turtles nest at Lara Bay?
Green turtles and loggerhead turtles.
How far is Lara Bay from Coral Bay?
About 15 km. Because of the dirt track, the drive takes around 40 minutes.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: area from Wikipedia, beach rules from Cyprus Mail (19.08.2026, 20.08.2026), roadworks from Cyprus Mail (12.08.2025), Avakas closure from Politis (06.05.2026), drive times by route planner (OSRM, 09.10.2026), tour details from the provider on GetYourGuide. Cover photo: Dm Bsg, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped.
Where to Stay Near the Akamas Peninsula
Our two villas in Coral Bay are only a few kilometres from the start of the Akamas Peninsula – ideal for an early start to Lara Bay. Private pools, booked directly with your host.
Check availability