Cape Lara is situated in the Akamas Peninsula in the northwest of Paphos. It has large striking sandy beaches on either side. Access to Lara Beach is through a dirt road so it is best to rent a 4×4 for the day. You can also access this beach after a 5 kilometre walk from the end of the road at Agios Georgios. This beach provides the perfect way to cool down after a walk up in the Avakas Gorge.
Lara Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is a picturesque sandy beach set against a background of low cliffs. It plays an instrumental role in the nesting of sea turtles in the Mediterranean. The Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) and the rarer Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) nest every year on this unspoilt beach. In fact, the survival of the Green Turtle in the Mediterranean depends heavily on its nesting here.
During the whole breeding season, access to the beach is restricted after sunset in order not to disturb the sea turtle hatchlings. Loungers and umbrellas are also not allowed for the same reason. Young hatchlings struggle during their journey towards the sea because of a variety of predators. Only a very small percentage of the hatchlings actually make it to adulthood. Man is the largest threat to this species. Light pollution, plastic waste and fishing are, amongst others, the major contributor to the endangerment of this species.
The Lara Beach Turtle Conservation Project Information Centre, also known as the Lara Turtle Hatchery, provides a wealth of information. It protects the eggs buried down in the cool deep sand by fencing around the nests.
