Beaches in the Famagusta area in Northern Cyprus: where to swim in 2026
In the Famagusta area of Northern Cyprus, it is most convenient to choose between six beach areas: Palm Beach and Varosha Beach closer to the city, Glapsides for a calm entry into the sea, Golden Bay Beach and Salamis Beach near ancient Salamis, and Kocareis for a longer beach day outside the center. For a short trip, Palm Beach or Glapsides are usually chosen; for a "sea + sightseeing" route, Golden Bay Beach and Salamis Beach are preferred.
Most beaches in this part of the coast are sandy with a gentle entry into the water. Infrastructure depends on the season: in summer, the selection of sunbeds, cafes, and showers is usually wider, while in the off-season, some services may operate on a reduced schedule.
- Which beaches are in Famagusta
- Best beaches for different scenarios
- Beaches in order
- Which beach to choose
- How to combine beaches with a trip around the region
- Useful services for the trip
- Frequently Asked Questions
Which beaches are in Famagusta
A beach route in the Famagusta area is usually built in two directions. The first is closer to the city and Varosha: this includes Palm Beach and the beach area near the open part of Varosha. The second is north of Famagusta, on the road to Salamis and further towards Iskele: these are Glapsides, Golden Bay Beach, Salamis Beach, and Kocareis.
If you first want to understand the city itself, see the separate guide to Famagusta. If you plan to combine the sea with a walk through an unusual urban location, the material on how to get to the territory of Varosha will also be useful.
| Beach | Who is it for | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach | Those who want a beach near the city | Convenient to combine with the Old Town and Varosha |
| Varosha Beach | Those who value an unusual atmosphere | Beach holiday next to the open part of Varosha |
| Glapsides | Families and those who like a gentle entry | One of the most convenient beaches near Famagusta |
| Golden Bay Beach | Those going to Salamis | Convenient to add after the archaeological site |
| Salamis Beach | Those who want a beach with quick access | Beach stop near the entrance to Salamis |
| Kocareis | Those who want to spend more time by the sea | Further from the center, but usually quieter and more spacious |
Best beaches for different scenarios
If you need a beach near Famagusta
The most convenient options are Palm Beach and Glapsides. They are easier to reach from the center, and the trip format itself does not require a separate long route. Palm Beach is more often chosen if you want to combine the sea with a city walk, while Glapsides is preferred if the priority remains specifically the beach.
If you are traveling with children
Glapsides is most often chosen: this beach is known for its smoother entry into the sea and a clear relaxation format without a long walk from the parking lot to the water. On the east coast of Northern Cyprus, such beaches are usually more convenient for calm swimming than the rockier sections of the west coast.
If you want to combine the sea with sightseeing
Golden Bay Beach or Salamis Beach are more convenient for such a route. Both options work well in conjunction with a trip to Salamis, as well as a visit to the St. Barnabas Monastery.
If you need an unusual beach experience
In this case, Varosha Beach or Palm Beach are usually chosen. These spots are interesting not only for the sea but also for their location next to the Varosha quarter and the urban part of Famagusta.
Beaches in order
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is one of the most convenient beaches right in Famagusta. It is usually chosen by those who do not want to go far from the city and plan a beach stop for a few hours rather than a separate beach day. This is a good option for an "Old Town — lunch — sea" route.
The beach is located near the urban part of the coast and close to the direction of Varosha. In high season, it is often easier to find basic infrastructure here than on more remote stretches of the shore.
Varosha Beach
Varosha Beach is chosen not only for swimming but also for the location itself. It is one of the most unusual beach areas in the Famagusta region, which is more often included in a route along with a walk through the open part of Varosha. This option is suitable if you are interested not only in a beach holiday but also in the district itself.
Before traveling, it is better to separately check the entrance and logistics via the material on visiting Varosha.
Glapsides Beach
Glapsides is one of the most popular beaches north of Famagusta. It is often chosen by locals and families with children thanks to its wide sandy shore and smoother entry into the water. For a short outing from the city, this is one of the most straightforward options.
Practically, it is a beach without a complex scenario: you drive there, park, and walk out to the sea. In summer, there is usually more activity, and on weekends, it is noticeably more crowded than on weekdays.
Golden Bay Beach
Golden Bay Beach is conveniently viewed as a beach stop near Salamis. If you are already going to see the ruins, this is one of the most logical options to add the sea to your trip without an extra detour. This format is especially convenient in spring and autumn when you want to combine a walk through an archaeological site and swimming in one day.
Salamis Beach
Salamis Beach usually refers to the beach area near Bedi’s bar at the entrance to Salamis. This is another convenient option for a "sightseeing first, beach later" scenario. It suits those who do not want to look for a separate beach spot after an excursion.
Kocareis Beach
Kocareis is located further from the center of Famagusta but is usually perceived as a quieter beach option for a long trip. People often come here not for a couple of hours, but for half a day or longer. This part of the coast is convenient for those who want less of an urban environment and more open sandy shore.
Which beach to choose
If you need the simplest choice without extra logistics, take Palm Beach or Glapsides. If you want to combine the sea with history and a route through the surrounding areas, it is better to choose Golden Bay Beach or Salamis Beach. If the priority is to spend longer on the shore and go a bit further from the urban part of Famagusta, Kocareis is a better fit.
How to do it
- Determine the format of the trip: a short city outing, a beach day, or a combination with sightseeing.
- If you plan only the sea for a few hours, choose Palm Beach or Glapsides.
- If you want to add Salamis, choose Golden Bay Beach or Salamis Beach.
- If you want a longer beach route, look at Kocareis and the shore towards Iskele.
- Before heading out, check the seasonal infrastructure on-site, especially if you are not traveling in summer.
How to combine beaches with a trip around the region
The most convenient half-day route usually looks like this: Famagusta Old Town in the morning, then Palm Beach or Varosha Beach. If you have a whole day and a car, it makes more sense to build the route differently: Famagusta, then Salamis, then Golden Bay Beach or Salamis Beach.
For a longer trip, you can also add beaches in the direction of Iskele. In this case, a separate material about beaches in Iskele will be useful.
If the trip falls during the turtle season, it is also helpful to check the material on where you can see sea turtles in Northern Cyprus in advance.
Useful services for the trip
If you want to see Famagusta, Salamis, and several beaches in one day, it is more convenient to compare car rental options in advance.
If you need a transfer from the airport or from a hotel directly to the Famagusta coast, you can check transfers with a fixed route beforehand.
For a short trip to Northern Cyprus, searching for hotels and apartments may also be useful, and for mobile internet on the road — a tourist eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which beach is closest to the center of Famagusta?
Usually, Palm Beach is the most convenient to consider. It is well-suited for a short trip without a long drive out of town.
Where is the best place to swim with children?
Most often, Glapsides is chosen for this because it has a convenient sandy shore and a gentler entry into the water.
Which beach to choose after Salamis?
The most logical options are Golden Bay Beach and Salamis Beach. They fit conveniently into a trip to the ruins without an extra detour.
Can you combine the beach and Varosha in one day?
Yes. Usually, for this, Palm Beach or Varosha Beach is chosen, adding a walk through the open part of the district on the same day.
Is there infrastructure on the beaches of Famagusta?
Yes, but the volume of services depends on the season and the specific spot. In summer, the selection of cafes, sunbeds, and basic amenities is usually wider than in the off-season.
Do I need a car for the beaches near Famagusta?
For Palm Beach and some urban spots, a car is not mandatory. For beaches north of Famagusta, especially if you want to see several places in a day, a car significantly simplifies the route.
Author
I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…