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Sun, Sand & Slight Chaos: The Best Family Beaches East of Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus

Most of us parents dream of that perfect family beach holiday — the one with golden sand, turquoise water, and kids quietly playing while you sip something cold or fruity.

Now, in the real world, that fantasy usually lasts until someone drops an ice cream or you realise you’ve left the suncream in the car. But something we weren't expecting: the beaches east of Kyrenia, along the stunning north coast of Northern Cyprus, actually come pretty close to perfect closeby selection.

We spent a week in the Summer exploring this stretch — from Kyrenia’s resort beaches to the peaceful sands near Bafra — and lived to tell the tale (just).

Here’s our honest, and slightly chaotic guide to the best family beaches in Northern Cyprus.

1. Acapulco Beach – All the Fun, None of the Stress

If your kids believe a beach day is incomplete without water slides, snacks, and a chance to bury you up to your neck in sand, Acapulco Beach is where you need to be.

Although part of the Acapulco Resort, it’s open to the public for a sensible day price - just email them beforehand and Esay got back with details the same day. The sand is golden, the water is shallow, and the on-site waterpark and slides the little (and big ones) entertained for most of the day.

Meanwhile, you can sip coffee, stare at the Mediterranean, and pretend you’re reading your book instead of counting how many times your child does another ride.

Why it’s great for families:

• Easy access and parking (no schlepping beach bags uphill).

• Café, showers, toilets — all the important stuff.

• Safe, shallow water for little ones.

Tip: arrive early to claim shade by the waterpark or beach, and bring snorkels — even the smallest kids will love spotting fish.

2. Alagadi (Turtle) Beach – Nature with a Side of Naps

About 10-minute west of Esentepe brings you to Alagadi Turtle Beach, a local favourite and a must-visit for any family with curious kids (and patient parents).

This isn’t your classic “resort beach” — it’s wild, open, and home to nesting Loggerhead and Green sea turtles. At somepoiutns of teh summer you can join a night tour to watch hatchlings make their way to the water - we didn't but may do next time.

We didn’t last long enough for the night tour (bedtime won), but the kids were convinced they’d found turtle tracks — which, in hindsight, were almost certainly dog prints. But hey, imagination counts.

There’s a small café for drinks and snacks, and the atmosphere is calm and natural. No blaring music, no crowds — just waves, sunshine, and the soothing sound our kids arguing over whose bucket is bigger.

Why it’s great for families:

• Wide, open space for kids to run.

• Educational and eco-friendly (talk about “turtle power”).

• Great for calmer, slower beach days.

3. Esentepe Beach – Small, Sweet, and Super Relaxing

5 mins from Esentepe village is a nwere looking Esentepe Beach, that feels like a hidden gem. It’s perfect for families wanting peace without having to hike to find it.

There’s some decent sand (and rocks though) for sandcastles, shallow water for splashing (have footwear), and a café where the lemonade was fresh and the halloumi comes sizzling off the grill. Teh Hilltown Beach Club is also there is you fancy going posh. We stayed for hours — partly because we were so relaxed, partly because no one could find the car keys (again).

Why it’s great for families:

• Clean, calm, and quiet.

• A great spot for first-time snorkelling.

• Restaurants nearby — no hangry meltdowns.

Tip: the seabed can get a bit rocky in parts, so pack water shoes for the kids.

4. Bafra Beach – Resort Luxury, Kid Energy

Keep heading alot further east (beyond Tatlisu and Kapilca's beaches) for about 60 mins and you’ll hit Bafra Bay, teh starting point home to some of the best beaches in Northern Cyprus and maybe Europe — think soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and plenty of space to let your kids run wild.

The big hotels in Bafra along this stretch are impressive, but you don’t need to stay in one to enjoy the Bafra Public beach. Parking and access is easy, and the area has a friendly, family vibe. We rented loungers, ordered smoothies, and spent the day alternating between swimming, sandcastles, and panic-searching for sunglasses we were literally wearing.

Why it’s great for families:

• Long, sandy beaches with shallow water.

• Amenities galore (toilets, cafés, shade, and cold drinks).

• Quieter on the whole than Kyrenia’s main beaches — perfect for families.

This is where we finally achieved the holy grail of parenthood: everyone was happy, nobody cried, and we even managed a group selfie without visible sunburn.

Bonus Beaches Worth a Peek

If your little ones are still up for more adventures (and you’ve got snacks left), check out:

• Korineum Beach – Small, tidy, and ideal for a quick dip.

• Tatlısu Beach – Great for picnics and less crowded.

• Kantara Bay – A gorgeous stop if you’re exploring further east.

Each one offers that same unbeatable north-coast mix: sunshine, space, and stress-free family fun.

Survival Tips for Parents (From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way)

• Pack water shoes. There are rocks. There are pebbles. There are tears if you don’t.

• Double up on snacks. Because "I’m hungry" begins roughly six minutes into every journey.

• Respect the turtles. If you visit Alagadi, they ask you to avoid bright lights and marked nesting zones. Nature comes first!

• Shade is non-negotiable. The Cyprus sun is beautiful but fierce. Don’t challenge it. Rent a parasol - they are cheap.

• We didn't over-plan. The best trips happened when we stopped rushing.

Final Verdict: East of Kyrenia Is the Family Holiday You Didn’t Know You Needed

We came to Northern Cyprus looking for beaches — we left with stories, tan lines, and possibly half the island’s sand in our luggage!

The beaches east of Kyrenia — Acapulco, Alagadi, Esentepe, and Bafra — are perfect for families who want sun and sea without the chaos of massive resorts. They’re beautiful, welcoming, and (miracle of miracles) actually manageable with kids in tow.

If you’re looking for family beaches in Northern Cyprus that combine comfort, safety, and adventure — plus a dash of comic parenting reality — head east.

You’ll find shallow seas, soft sands, and enough family-friendly charm to keep everyone happy. Even you.

Just don’t forget the suncream.