Illegal caravans and huts removed from Larnaca coast

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.

On the morning of January 15, 2025, police and Larnaca authorities confiscated four campers on the beach near the Larnaca Yacht Club. Boulders were placed at the entrance. Similar measures are expected on a neighboring beach.

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.

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.

Police in Iskele arrested two individuals accused of selling a caravan they had received on trust and failing to hand over the proceeds to the owner. The incident occurred in March 2025. Suspects B.Ö. (male, 36) and L.C. (female, 49) are charged with theft of entrusted property. Investigation is ongoing.

On June 8, 2026, unknown persons broke into three caravans on the coast of Kaplıca, stealing alcohol, soft drinks and household items. Police arrested a 51-year-old man.