Larnaca: Illegal motorhomes and structures removed from beach

A new operation to remove caravans and illegal structures from a beach near the former oil refineries in Larnaca, Cyprus, has begun. Municipal and district crews removed three caravans and dismantled nine illegal shacks and makeshift constructions occupying public space. Asbestos was discovered in one of the structures, requiring specially trained teams in protective suits to handle the hazardous material. The operation follows a final warning issued on July 18 and complements an earlier sweep on a nearby beach, where six caravans were removed after 12 owners complied.

On Tuesday morning, an operation removed illegal structures and motorhomes from a beach near the Larnaca Nautical Club, where owners had allegedly blocked access to other bathers. Similar action is expected on a neighboring beach with wooden huts built over the water. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou intervened after weeks of inaction, leading to warning letters on Saturday and the start of motorhome removal on Tuesday. Large stones were placed at the beach entrance to prevent large vehicles from entering.

A sweep operation began Tuesday morning on a beach near the Larnaca Nautical Club, removing caravans that had blocked public access for weeks. By 9am, four caravans had been seized, and large stones were placed at the beach entrance to prevent re-entry of large vehicles. The operation was carried out by the Larnaca District Administration with assistance from the Larnaca Municipality and police, following intervention by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou.

The Cyprus Ministry of Interior instructed the Larnaca District Administration to issue notices to owners of caravans illegally occupying a public beach. On Saturday, 27 notices were served, ordering immediate removal or facing enforcement action.

Cyprus authorities, with police assistance, removed four illegally parked caravans from a beach near Larnaca yacht club early on July 21. Stone barriers were installed. A similar operation is planned for a nearby beach with wooden huts.

Wooden structures and motorhomes have been illegally placed on a beach next to the Larnaca Nautical Club, effectively turning it into a private area. Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said many complaints have been received about people being prevented from swimming, as well as unsanitary conditions and litter. A similar situation was cleared in 2024, but now authorities are unable to act due to a jurisdictional dispute: the district administration refuses to intervene, claiming the land is private, although the law requires removal of structures within 92 meters of the shoreline.