ESCAPE  BEACH

There's no better place than on the beaches of  Escape in North Cyprus. This beach is situated at the landing site of the Turkish Paratroopers who led the peace operation in 1974. It is located beneath the shadow of the memorial stone. If you want to be part of the "in" crowd, this is the place to be seen. Escape is probably the most popular beach in Girne of North Cyprus as tourists and locals flock here throughout the season. Escape caters for the up market tourists and the elite crowd! The entrance fee of 10 (New Turkish Lira) is collected at the door. This entitles you to a sun bed and umbrella and use of the showers and toilets.

The beach is clean and tidy at all times with a large number of waiters and attendants pandering to your every need. You can choose to sunbathe on the upper level grass section which has a bar and loud music, or on the sandy beach very near to the sea. The beds are comfortable and large soft cushions are provided for additional comfort. The waiters constantly walk up and down so you don't need to move if you'd like a cold drink or a bite to eat. Everything can be brought to your feet.

However, there is a large restaurant where you can eat in the shade if you have the energy to move. The menu is a mixture of fast food, kebabs and pasta dishes. The quality is reasonable and the service is good. However, the prices are above average. Escape beach in North Cyprus  is not a cheap family day out at the beach but that's not what it claims to be. It's a high quality, trendy location. It's most popular with tourists and local teenagers Families tend to visit Escape at the weekends as a special treat. The beach is wide and there is plenty of space to play beach ball games including volleyball. There is a variety of summer sports available here including scuba diving, canoes, pedal boats, banana boats and trips on speed boats.

There is a small island opposite the beach which is popular with younger children who swim across to it and play on the sand there. Further out to sea, you can watch as people show off on their jet skis and tourists wave as they pass by on yacht tours that leave from Girne harbour. One of the only criticisms I have of Escape Beach is the close proximity of the sun beds to one a northern. During peak season it can become a little claustrophobic.