Alagadi

Alagadi is a coastal area on the northern coast of Cyprus, in the Kyrenia District, near the village of Esentepe. It includes Alagadi Beach, a designated nature reserve established to protect sea turtle nesting habitats along several kilometers of sandy shoreline.

The reserve is important for marine reptile conservation in the eastern Mediterranean. It hosts nesting populations of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Nesting typically occurs from late spring through summer, with hatchlings emerging a couple of months after eggs are laid. To reduce disturbance, the area enforces seasonal access restrictions, limits beachfront lighting at night, and directs visitors to established viewpoints and guided observation points.

Management is a cooperative effort involving the Turkish Cypriot authorities, local municipalities, and environmental NGOs. During the nesting season, certain sections of the beach may be closed to protect nests, and volunteers may assist with monitoring and rescue activities.

Alagadi attracts visitors interested in wildlife and nature conservation. Tourism emphasizes responsible wildlife watching, quiet behavior, and compliance with guidelines to avoid disorienting hatchlings and preventing nest disturbance. Local communities view the reserve as a biodiversity asset and a focal point for conservation education.

Alagadi represents efforts to protect sea turtle populations in Cyprus and to promote sustainable coastal recreation.