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A beach without the crowds
Lara Bay sits on the wild, undeveloped Akamas Peninsula, within Akamas Peninsula National Park, about 25km north of Paphos. Unlike the more developed beaches closer to town, there are no sunbeds, no beach bars and no big crowds, just sand, sea, rugged cliffs, wild flora and rolling dunes left the way they've always been. The access road is rugged and unpaved, which is exactly why our buggies and quads are the right way in: this isn't a beach a regular rental car can reach.
A sanctuary for sea turtles
Lara Bay is one of the Mediterranean's last major nesting grounds for Green and Loggerhead sea turtles, who come ashore between May and August to lay their eggs. Visit at the right time and you may spot hatchlings making their way to the water. Because it's a protected conservation area, vehicles aren't allowed directly on the sand and nests are left undisturbed, and pets need to be kept under control too. We'll point out what to look for and how to keep a respectful distance.
What to do when you get there
Swim in calm, clear water, walk the trails through the dunes, or just sit and watch: the peninsula is home to native birds and reptiles you won't find on the busier beaches closer to Paphos. It's also one of the best stops on the whole coast for photography, the empty coastline and rugged dunes photograph beautifully at any time of day.
Why we stop here
Beyond the turtles, Lara Bay is simply one of the most scenic stops on our safari routes: golden sand, turquoise water, and rugged cliffs with barely another vehicle in sight.