Squatters block public access to Larnaca beach after turning private land into makeshift caravan resort

Local beachLarnacaTop News Squatters block public access to Larnaca beach after turning private land into makeshift caravan resort Paralia 3 Relevant News Squatters block public access to Larnaca beach after turning private land into makeshift caravan resort 18 July 2026 Cocaine trial defense claims key witness framed drug lord in conspiracy plot 18 July 2026 From banana crates to Wall Street: Inside the €350m crypto and SPAC money laundering ring 18 July 2026 Natasa Christoforou 18 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Squatters have illegally seized part of a Larnaca beach next to the Larnaca Nautical Club, blocking local residents from accessing the sea and turning a public coast into a makeshift private resort. The site features wooden shacks with verandas, traditional Cypriot barbecues (foukou), awnings, and caravans equipped with satellite dishes and makeshift toilets. Local residents have filed numerous complaints regarding noise, litter, and poor sanitary conditions. The illegal camp sits directly in front of the area designated for the upcoming Land of Tomorrow development project, dealing a blow to the city’s tourism image. Although a similar municipal clearance operation took place at the exact same location two years ago in 2024, no authority has intervened this time due to a bureaucratic dispute over the status of the land, which is privately owned by 12 individuals. Image Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said residents want to swim but the squatters have cordoned off the area and refuse to let anyone pass in front of the caravans. Mayor Vyras stated that the municipality requested the Larnaca District Officer to intervene under beach protection laws, mirroring the 2024 operation. However, District Officer Odysseas Hadjistefanou replied that authorities cannot intervene because the land is privately owned. According to Hadjistefanou, the issue must either fall to the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation, which would take years to remove the caravans, or follow standard nuisance abatement procedures, requiring up to two years to secure a court order. Mayor Vyras rejected this position, stating that the municipality holds a clear legal opinion that the District Administration and the Ministry of Interior must designate the area as a public beach regardless of its private ownership status. He added that municipal crews remain ready to help clear the site immediately. The Director of Local Government at the Ministry of Interior, Antonis Economides, said the law remains clear and that instructions will be sent to the Larnaca District Officer to take appropriate measures. Economides noted that under the Beach Protection Law, the District Officer holds absolute authority over any area within 100 yards (92 metres) of the shoreline and must remove illegal structures, though they cannot intervene further inland on private plots. Image The Larnaca District Administration stated that it is investigating the matter deeply. Officials noted that Land Registry plans show the private plot extends directly to the sea and does not touch a designated Beach Protection Zone. Inspectors will review the site and submit a formal report to the Larnaca District Officer on Monday, 20 July, when he returns from annual leave. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Cocaine trial defense claims key witness framed drug lord in conspiracy plot From banana crates to Wall Street: Inside the €350m crypto and SPAC money laundering ring Four Cypriot football stadiums fail safety inspections as authorities race against time for league kickoff Heatwave hits inland regions as temperatures soar to 40°C, triggering isolated mountain showers US and Cypriot officials meet as Visa Waiver Programme designation still under review “Why don’t they release this man?” asks lawyer in Chlorakas boy’s death case Police suspend constable after Nicosia hospital roundabout drink-driving crash Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.