WITH MILE upon mile of unspoilt coastline, the beaches in North Cyprus are undeniably one of the island's most precious natural treasures. Whether you prefer stretches of wild sandy beach where turtles bathe in the warmth of azure blue waters, or pristine sands fronting a luxury five star complex, you are sure to find a favourite hotspot to write home about.

In fact, to really get the most out of your beach holiday, we've compiled a bucket list of some of the most beautiful and best beaches in the North - one for every day of the week.

1. Golden Sands Beach - the north is home to a beach so beautiful that some argue it is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the mythical goddess of love. According to legend, the tranquility of the sea was disturbed by a sparkling white wave upon which Aphrodite was carried to shore. Whilst the south of the island is unlikely to take tourist hotspot 'Aphrodite's rock' off their mythical map, the north can at least lay claim to one of the most romantic settings in natural, if not mythical history. Located on the southern side of the remote Karpas peninsula, head east to the vast sweeping bay of the world-famous Golden Sands beach to catch the amazing sunsets.
2. Karpas Peninsula National Park - whilst Golden Sands is the most well-known and largest beach on the panhandle peninsula, the northern most part of the island is dotted with small white sandy coves, all waiting to be discovered. In fact, if you prefer your beaches really wild and secluded, the Karpas National Park is blissfully free from mass tourism and you will often be treated to an entire beach all to yourself. What these beaches lack in amenities such as showers or changing rooms, they easily make up for in an interruption-free day of sunbathing and soaking up the stunning setting.
3. Alagadi Beach - thanks to the lack of high-rise development this side of the island, Alagadi, aka Turtle beach, is a major breeding ground for the Loggerhead and Green turtle, two of the seven remaining species of sea turtles left in the world. It is also one of the few locations in the Mediterranean where both species nest. What's more, it is possible to witness the breathtaking phenomenon of the annual nesting and hatching season of these turtles. Located a few kilometers east of Kyrenia, a trip to Alagadi beach is a must for any nature lover, especially as it is possible to arrange an overnight excursion to help release turtle hatchlings into the moonlit surf.
4. Silver Beach - located next to the ruins of Salamis, Silver Beach is an ideal place to combine Cypriot culture and some serious sun-worshipping. Founded by the son of the King of Salamis, a hero from the Trojan war, and once the Roman capital of the island, the impressive excavations at Salamis are spread across a square mile of sandy coastline. The site is incredibly well preserved having been buried in sand for over a thousand years and includes Roman baths, an amphitheatre and gymnasium. Once you have taken a step back in time, you can cool off in the shallow waters at Silver Beach. This beach has its own lagoon, contained by a small reef, with fish swimming over the remains of ancient jetties in the water below.
5. Acapulco Beach - for something much more modern, this mile-long private and very clean beach is part of the luxury five star Acapulco Spa Resort complex, although it is also open to non-guests for an entrance fee (this is the case with most hotel-linked beaches whereas the public municipal beaches, albeit with lesser facilities, are free of charge). This is definitely one for the family, with a huge selection of facilities including a massive outdoor swimming pool with aqua-park, plenty of water and beach sports, holiday entertainment and excellent on-site refreshments. Located a few miles east of Kyrenia, this is where the family fun begins.
6. Escape Beach - for something even more lively, Escape Beach offers not only an idyllic setting but entertainment well into the night. This popular and beautiful beach is fringed with trees against a backdrop of the Kyrenian mountain range. It offers its own open-sided restaurant where you can sip cocktails, or for the adrenalin junkie, the beach hosts an array of watersports including jet skis, banana boats and deep sea diving. There are showers and clean changing areas to freshen up in before dancing the night away. The open-air Escape Beach nightclub has a reputation for attracting top DJ's. Located a few miles west of Kyrenia, this is one for the party goers.
7. Karpas Gate Marina Beach Club - finally, for a taste of how the rich and famous live, Karpaz Gate is the region's first ever luxury marina, and adjacent to this super yacht complex is a deluxe beach club. Located in a beautiful setting on the Karpas peninsula, the beach club includes an infinity swimming pool, unique to any beach club in the North, plus it's own private stretch of beach. Guests can choose to sit around the pool, on the beach or under the pergola or shades at the beach restaurant and bar. Whilst the beach in itself is but 150 metres long, nonetheless, the marina will have you dreaming your day away under the glorious Cypriot sun. Needless to say, to tick off every sun, sea and sand hotspot on our beach-bucket list you will definitely need a hire car - it'll be well worth the drive!