Iztuzu Beach

To fully experience the life of a unique ecosystem where fresh and saltwater meet, home to loggerhead turtles, blue crabs, Nile turtles, and dozens of bird species, it's best to visit during the season. Iztuzu Beach is one of the most important places where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs: the warm sandy beach stretching for several kilometers is ideal for nesting. At night, in silence, females come ashore, dig a hole in the dry sand, and leave their clutch.

The turtles are closely monitored by staff and volunteers: they find and mark the nests, keep track of the clutches, and set up special metal pyramids over them to prevent tourists from accidentally damaging the eggs with umbrellas, sun loungers, or feet. In designated areas, it is prohibited to set up sunbeds, dig in the sand, and walk on the beach at night — all this is done to allow the hatchlings to safely emerge and reach the sea.

On the way to Iztuzu, a little off the path, is the pristine Kargicak Bay — a secluded place with very beautiful nature and views. There is a neat area with tents, a shower, a toilet, a restaurant, and a bar. In the bay, you can swim, kayak, and paddleboard, hike the trails, and simply relax. Nearby is Bacardi Bay, where boat tours make a stop: it is easy to reach on foot via the trail in 10 minutes or paddle there by kayak.