Wild donkeys of Karpaz: where to find them and what to feed — Northern Cyprus

Wild donkeys at Cape Apostolos Andreas are one of the most colorful attractions of Northern Cyprus: they freely approach cars, take treats from your hand, and have long become an unofficial symbol of Karpaz.

• Where to find the donkeys
• What and how to feed them
• Useful tips and safety
• Car rental and preparation

Where to find the donkeys

You won’t have to look far for these hoofed animals: about 200–300 meters past the "Big Sand Beach" café there will be a small gate — the donkeys often wait there already. Further along the only road to the Monastery of Saint Apostolos Andreas, the animals come right up to the cars, so you can feed them through the window.

Before heading to the summit with the flags, close your car windows — donkeys are curious and may pull items out of the cabin.

What and how to feed them

The best treat is carrot. Apples or turnips also work. Offer small pieces on an outstretched hand, do not tease or lift the food too high, so the animals do not reach across the road.

Important: do not feed bread, chips, cookies, salty/sweet foods, and do not give food in plastic. This is harmful to the animals’ health and dangerous for the ecosystem.

It’s better to buy treats in advance — after Dipkarpas there are no shops. The last point before the “wild” section of the route is the shop at the gas station.

Useful tips and safety

• Keep a low speed (up to 30 km/h) — donkeys may suddenly come onto the road.
• Do not honk near the animals and do not try to rush them.
• Close car windows and doors when leaving the vehicle.
• Do not litter and take food packaging with you.
• Respect distance, do not grab the animals by the ears or mane, and do not put children on the donkeys’ backs.

Car rental and preparation

If you do not have your own transport, it is most convenient to rent a car: this way you can freely explore the cape and stop at the most scenic spots.

• Aggregator: Discover Cars
• Local companies: see our guide “Car rental in Northern Cyprus”.