- Sweeping bay and almost deserted beach at Lara, Akamas, Paphos Region
You could go with the flow (and the crowds) and enjoy the beaches at Paphos or Coral Bay – or with a short drive up the coast you could enjoy the almost deserted and truly idyllic Lara Beach in the Akamas National Park.
Lara is about a thirty minute drive north from Paphos. Follow the coast road north towards Coral Bay and Agios Georgios, then turn off to the right as you approach Agios Georgios to follow the coast north.
Barbeque at the restaurant at Lara. The salads are good too and the ice cold coke goes down a storm.
The road degenerates into a dirt track, so a 4×4 is a good move, but with care pretty much any car will make it to Lara.
You’ll know when you’ve got there – follow the signs to the restaurant. In fairness the word ‘restuarant’ is bigging it up – but there’s always a warm welcome, often a great barbeque and the view makes you go funny in the head.
With a 4×4 you’ll make it down to the beach with a bit of care, with an ordinary car, leave it and walk. Its only a few metres anyway.
The beach is just fantastic. Kids love the sand and the waves. Its even the home to some sea turtle nests – so watch where you walk.
Sea turtle nest on Lara Beach, Akamas, Paphos Region
The azure sea is a delight – and the beach is so quiet (even in the height of the season) that if you’ve forgotten your cozzie, it’s really not a problem. If that’s the case, go as far along as you can.
The only problem for naturists can be the local lechers who turn up from time to time. They’ve got a keen eye for any nakedness – and will try to get a good look by offering fresh fruit from their village. Tell the saddos to go away.
To see more pictures of Lara Beach and the Akamas, click here.
So why do the crowds pack themselves in at Paphos and Coral Bay? Beats us. Do you know why – if you do – let us know below.
Have you been to Lara? Did you like it too? Tell us why!
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Lara beach is cool, good place to learn driving! (Hint)
Does anyone know if you are allowed to camp on this beach?
Hi Derek
The official answer is no camping in the Akamas. There are signs saying no camping at the entrance to Lara beach (and at many other places in the Akamas where people might choose to camp). Having said that, Cyprus is a pretty laid back sort of place, and if you don’t push your luck you just might get away with it.
Lara is one of the most popular beaches in the Akamas, and therefore it’s more likely you might run into trouble there in comparison with other places. I’ve seen many people camping further up the coast of the Akamas where it’s more remote, and also along the north coast of the Akamas at places like Fontana Amorosa and the Blue Lagoon.
If you do decide to go camping in the Akamas, please respect the countryside and leave no traces of your presence. It saddens me to see how much rubbish and detritus some people leave behind when they move on.
Hope this helps,
Mike
The beach next to the restaurant is OK, but don’t miss the one on the far side of the promontory, which is glorious.
In a 2wd car you drive past the turn to Lara Beach Cafe until you see the rusty brown sign for the beach (about 1lkm) and turn left down the track until you see a couple of big green bins. Park up and walk down to a beach with nothing but nice sand and a gentle slope into fabulous clear water. If you are lucky there won’t be a party boat from Paphos coming into the bay while you are there.