Kleides Islands

Islands Small islet group off Cyprus' northeastern coast

The Kleides Islands off Cyprus’s Famagusta coast are rocky islets reached by boat; fishermen, seabird observers and local skippers pass the rocks on coastal trips.

The Kleides Islands are a small group of rocky islets off the northeastern tip of Cyprus, within the administrative area of Famagusta District. They are notable as offshore rock formations rather than inhabited land.

From the shoreline the islands are primarily of interest to boaters, coastal observers and photographers who visit the Karpas peninsula and nearby headlands. The islets do not support permanent facilities and are typically described in the context of marine navigation and local coastal geography.

Historic references identify the Kleides as coastal markers used by sailors, but there are no modern settlements on the rocks and no permanent infrastructure. They have been charted by maritime authorities for safe passage.

Geographically the islets sit off the Karpas (Karpasia) peninsula on Cyprus’s northeastern coast, visible from the northern headlands of the island and approached by small boats from nearby coastal towns.

Uninhabited navigation features: The islets are uninhabited and composed of bare rock, often marked on nautical charts as hazards to navigation off the northeastern coast of Cyprus.

How to Get to Kleides Islands #

The Kleides Islands are best reached by private boat or charter from ports on Cyprus’s northeastern coast. Local skippers can arrange day trips when sea conditions are suitable.

Visitors should avoid unauthorized landings during bird-nesting seasons and follow local maritime regulations.

Tips for Visiting Kleides Islands #

If coming by boat, keep your distance from wildlife and observe any local regulations - seabirds often nest on small islets.
Use a local skipper familiar with currents; the eastern Mediterranean can have sudden wind shifts.
Combine a sea trip with coastal walks on nearby bays for a fuller experience of the district's maritime landscape.