HomeEuropeCyprusThe sights of Ayia Napa

The sights of Ayia Napa

Young people, going to rest in Ayia Napa, what to see and where to go, rarely think. This city in Cyprus is called the “second Ibiza,” so many people come here for new acquaintances and nightlife.

But the calm sea and clean beaches are attractive for older tourists, families with children. And it is desirable for them to plan in advance what to visit, because there are many interesting routes for excursions. To be able to go everywhere, it is better to book a place when buying a tour – then have enough experience until the next vacation.

A Brief History, Geography and Climate of Ayia Napa

History of Ayia Napa
Warm sea with clear water in Ayia Napa.

This resort town is located in the southeast of Cyprus, 30 km from Famagusta and 60 km from Larnaca. It is part of a large area of the island, Kokkinohoria. The climate of Ayia Napa is subtropical – hot, dry summers and short, wet winters.

Until the 14th century, the eastern coast of Cyprus was covered with wild, dense forests, and near the shoreline there was only a small fishing village where hunters stopped for a short rest. In pursuit of hares, one went so far that he got lost.

While looking for a place to spend the night, he found a cave and decided to hide from the wild beasts. What was his amazement when the fire illuminated the face of Our Lady looking at him out of the darkness. This icon was once hidden by Christians fleeing persecution by a Byzantine emperor.

The image was called “Panagia Napis,” the Blessed Virgin of the Woods. At first they worshipped her in a cave, and then a monastery was erected on that site.

It was named after the abbreviated name of the saint, Ayanapa. Later, the name was slightly changed and given to the city, which was rapidly expanding because of the abundance of pilgrims.

Surprisingly, the resort became famous not because of the temple, to which the faithful still seek, but because of the rich nightlife.

What is the best time to visit Ayia Napa in Cyprus

High holiday season begins in July and ends in September. Rains are rare, the air temperature during the day stays at +30.8 … +33.4 ° C, at night it is +27.2 … +27.8 ° C.

If the crowds are annoying, it is better to go to Ayia Napa in the off-season, from early November to March. In winter, swimming in the open sea can not – the water gets up to +18 ° C only at the end of March, but it is possible to breathe the healing air and take your time sightseeing.

Favorable time for holidays in the southeast of Cyprus – from mid-September to the second week of November. The sea has not yet cooled down (+21 … +23 ° C), and during the day is not hot (+24 ° C). But you have to take into account that during this period it rains more often than at other times of the year.

The best beaches and coves of Ayia Napa and the surrounding area

Cyprus coast is clean sand and clear sea water. Every tourist has his own preferences. For some it is important that the beach was located near the city and there was a constant transport, for others – the opportunity to actively recreate.

Nissi Beach

This free beach gets its name from a small island located 50 meters from the coast. It can be accessed by an isthmus that opens at low tide. Diving enthusiasts go there to jump off a steep cliff, and bloggers go there to take impressive pictures.

The sand at Nissi Beach is white, imported, and the water is clear.

The depth increases gradually. And thanks to the fact that the recreation area is located in the bay, high waves near the shore almost never happens.

Disadvantages of the beach:

  • many people;
  • Algae overgrowths near the shore, which sometimes do not have time to clean up;
  • periodic shortage of free sunbeds.
Nissi Beach
There are always a lot of people on Nissi Beach.

Konnos Bay

This recreation area is also located deep in the bay of the same name, just 7 km from the center of Ayia Napa. It combines two sandy beaches with golden sand, separated by a rocky ridge.

There are not many vacationers. The low popularity of Connos is due to its location: to get to the coast, you have to overcome a steep descent – 300 steps.

Konnos Beach
Konnos beach with a steep descent.

Municipal beach is equipped with the amenities – showers and changing rooms, cafes, toilets. All services are fee-based. Separate fees for sun loungers and umbrellas: they rent them.

Makronissos Beach

Here are optimal conditions for vacationing adults. Just a few steps on the soft sand of shallow water – and the depth is such that you can swim and dive. The facilities are free.

The offerings here are:

  • Ride a catamaran, a banana, a whirlpool;
  • rent a jet ski;
  • try extreme entertainment – scooter and parachute.

And if the weather suddenly deteriorates, not far away is one of the most attractive attractions of Cyprus – underwater caves. You can always change your plans and sign up for a tour.

Makronissos Beach
At Makronissos beach you can go catamaran sailing.

Blue Lagoon

This is where divers gather to get acquainted with the underwater world. The shore is rocky, and it is difficult to go down it. Therefore, in order to swim, you have to dive off the deck of the ships. Numerous boats and boats are waiting for vacationers since early morning.

Along the coastline there are many underwater caves and grottoes.

Some of them are allowed to swim in on their own, but there are some that are allowed only with an instructor.

The coastal recreation area is not equipped; all the places where you can sunbathe are wild. Despite this, they are clean, and turquoise sea water is unusually transparent.

Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon with caves and grottoes.

Ayia Thekla Beach

The beach is located 5 km from the center of Ayia Napa, south of Makronissos. The coast is well equipped, not many people. Long walk in shallow water will not have – already 3-5 meters from the shore is deep enough to dive with a scuba diver.

Only you have to be very careful: there are often anemones, contact with which causes burns.

If you come to Ayia Thekla Beach (literal translation – “St. Thekla”) on Wednesday, you can buy cheap farm products. A weekly village fair is held here.

Ayia Thekla Beach
There are also fairs on the beach of Ayia Tekla.

Fig Tree Bay

This beach is preferred by families with children.

The benefits of a coastal area protected from the wind from the open ocean by a rocky island:

  • easy descent to the coast – stone stairs;
  • equipped recreation area;
  • security system;
  • a small number of vacationers;
  • the gentle shore;
  • fine sand (grayish-brown, but very clean);
  • caves that you can swim into on your own (in the northern part of the bay).

The disadvantage of Fig Tree Bay – a long walk to the depths, so fans of diving is better to choose another place.

Fig Tree Bay
Fig Tree Bay offers a comfortable retreat.

Ayia Napa Bay Limanaki

Limanaki beach is more often visited by residents of the hotel of the same name. The sea here is clean, azure, rocky shore, just after entering the sea, you can dive. Sun loungers are not installed – they are rented for an additional fee.

There are several cafes on the shore. Showers are only allowed for those staying in nearby hotels.

Limanaki
Limanaki Bay of Ayia Napa with a rocky shore.

Other beaches in Ayia Napa worth visiting

The main beach of the resort town is Nissi Beach.

But if you want to sit in silence, you can find another place to rest:

  1. Liopetri Beach. There aren’t many people here, and the facilities are also minimal. The rolling waves crash on the coastal boulders. Since July, the sea brings algae to shore.
  2. Agios Efstratios (Thalassines Beach). The coast here is sandy, but a lot of stones. Installed free sun loungers. To swim, you have to walk for a long time in shallow water.
  3. Sirens Beach. The beach area is well equipped. The disadvantage – stony entrance to the sea.
  4. Poseidon Beach. The beach is located near the hotel of the same name. It is not very convenient to swim here: the shore is stony, the entrance to the water is inconvenient.
  5. Makronissos West (The Dome Beach) is not a bad place for a beach holiday. There are all the amenities, many cafes. The sand is fine, but in shallow water there are many stones.
  6. Landa Beach. The recreation area is equipped. Light turquoise sea is clean, white sand on the shore, too.

This is an incomplete list of beaches in Ayia Napa. Vacationers note the equipped coastal areas with comfortable descents to the water, such as Watia Gonia, Pernera, Pantahu, Gliki Nero, Ammos-tu-Kamburi, Limnara-Kermia.

But there are also places that are characterized as unsuitable for swimming. These are Latchi Adams, Luccos tu Mandi, Katsarka. Vacationers point out the disadvantages: stony shore and bottom, inconvenient descent, muddy water.

Landa Beach
White sand on Landa Beach.

The main natural attractions of Ayia Napa

Reviews of tourists who have already been to Cyprus, will help you make a route to visit the most notable places of the island.

Macronissos Tombs

The Hellenistic tombs can be viewed in 15 minutes. There are only 19 of them, and two ancient quarries. It is not recommended to come on a special tour if you don’t have a craving for history.

Macronissos Tombs
Macronissos Tombs for history buffs.

Sea caves and grottoes

Unique natural formations are found in Cavo Greco National Park. You don’t have to dive to see the underwater halls: they are only partially submerged.

Through the largest cave you can go deep into the island at 800 meters. If you combine a walk through the bizarre grottoes with diving, sometimes rare underwater inhabitants swim out to meet them.

Sea Caves
Sea Caves of Ayia Napa.

Cape and Cavo Greco Forest National Park

The main attractions of Cape Greco are the observation deck and the Peace Monument. Those who have climbed the long but not steep hiking trail will be able to see the entire island and sea expanses practically from a bird’s-eye view.

Monument of Peace
Monument of Peace at Cape Cavo Greco.

Bridge of lovers

This rock arch was carved out of stone by sea water and winds. The bridge is located on the easternmost beach of Ayia Napa. He is part of a tour for lovers and romantics.

Bridge of lovers
The Lovers’ Bridge is used for marriage ceremonies.

Cactus Park

You can come here during the day and in the evening to see succulents from all over the world (better in spring, when most cacti are in bloom). Encountering 8,000 prickly “trees” of 300 species is impressive. Here you can ride bicycles and scooters, relax on the benches, using the free Wi-Fi. Admission to the park is free.

Cactus Park
Cactus park with free admission.

Cyherbia herb park

The botanical garden in the vicinity of Larnaca unites nine squares.

Each contains plants with similar properties:

  • anti-inflammatory;
  • baths;
  • aromatic;
  • Women’s – for health and beauty;
  • relaxation;
  • decorating;
  • for pest control;
  • spices;
  • poisonous.

The tour ends with a tour of the park with plants collected from all over Cyprus. As souvenirs you can buy a set of herbs.

Cyherbia herb park
Lavender meadow at Cyherbia Herbal Park.

Interesting sights in the city and surroundings

The resort town is interesting not only beaches and natural attractions. In the low holiday season tourists will not be bored, because. will be able to learn about Cypriot culture.

Sculpture Park

The collection of the park has more than 50 sculptures of authors from around the world, and every year something new is installed here. At the same time you can admire the view of the sea and the city, relax, take beautiful pictures. It takes at least two hours to see everything.

Sculpture Park
Sculpture Park in Ayia Napa.

Thalassa Sea Museum

It will be interesting to all – children, their parents, adult tourists and young people trying to “kill” time between discos.

Particularly impressive:

  • aquariums with sea creatures;
  • transparent floor with fragments of ancient amphorae and the remains of ships lifted from the ocean floor;
  • exposition of thematic paintings “Marina” and a collection of shells;
  • stuffed animals.

Tired of looking around, you can rest and have a bite to eat in the cafe.

Museum of the Sea
Exhibits at the Thalassa Sea Museum.

Port and Lighthouse

During the walk tourists admire the snow-white lighthouse and yachts standing on the pier. It is better to combine their inspection with a beach holiday.

Port and Lighthouse
A working lighthouse in Ayia Napa.

Ancient Aqueduct

This engineering structure was erected by the ancient Romans to irrigate the fields. Water from the few rains flowed down the canal into a huge tank and was then used to irrigate the monastery’s grounds. The city authorities restored 10 m of the aqueduct for sightseeing.

Ancient Aqueduct
The ancient aqueduct was built by the Romans.

Central square of the city

Ayia Napa Square is popular with tourists at night because of the many entertainment venues and nightclubs. They host nightly discos and theme parties.

During the day you can see the fountain, a volumetric figure “I love Ayia Napa” and feed the cats. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of them here.

Central Square
The central square of the city is always lively.

The Valley of Windmills in Famagusta

In the area of Paralimni it is better to go before sunset, then you can take beautiful pictures. The place is very unusual – 1,000 wind turbines working simultaneously.

The first ones were installed in the early 20th century. – They were used to pump water.

Then there were so many engineering structures that the area became known as “The Land of Windmills.

Valley of the Windmills
The fabulous valley of windmills in Famagusta.

Famous temples and monasteries

Visiting religious buildings is an introduction to the history of the spa town. Had the hunter not accidentally entered the grotto with the icon of Our Lady, the place would probably have remained a small fishing village.

Ayia Napa Monastery

This structure survived to posterity in its original form. Its construction continued through the Byzantine, Crusader and Venetian periods. The temple was erected first, followed by the servants’ quarters, and then the walls and other buildings of the complex.

Monastery
We see the monastery of Ayia Napa in its original form.

The Convent of the Virgin Mary

According to legend, the temple was built on the spot where a hunter found an icon of Our Lady. Architecturally, it resembles a medieval knight’s castle with loopholes and observation towers.

The Convent of the Virgin Mary
Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Ayia Napa.

Church of Elijah the Prophet

Admission to the small sandstone building is free. The entire examination takes no more than 20-30 minutes. There is a wishing tree growing near the temple. Just tie a ribbon on a branch and all your dreams will come true.

Church of Elijah the Prophet
The Church of Elijah the Prophet and the Tree of Wishes.

St. Nicholas Temple

It’s not worth a special visit to the small, snow-white church, which was built very recently (in 2007). But if you find yourself in Protaras, you should go inside the monastery, see the interior in the Byzantine style and admire the panorama of the sea. The structure also serves as a lighthouse.

St. Nicholas Temple
The Church of St. Nicholas, built in 2007.

Popular entertainment spots in Ayia Napa

The resort town of Cyprus is often compared to a nightclub or an amusement park. Here people dance at all hours of the day, gathering in clubs and attending discos on the beach. And for lovers of active recreation specially built water parks and numerous attractions.

WaterWorld Water Park

The largest complex of water attractions in Europe was built in 1996. For the design of the water park “WaterWorld” architects chose the style of Ancient Greece – a lot of statues, columns, bridges and fountains.

Memorable rides:

  1. “The Fall of Icarus” is a wave-shaped spiral slide, which allows you to experience the sensation of free fall.
  2. “The feat of Hercules” – the descent into the pool in an enclosed tube slide in the shape of the mythical Hydra’s neck.
  3. “The Whirlpool of Aeolus. The pool can only be accessed by a track with steep curves.
  4. “Falling to Atlantis” – the descent to the water on a raft, which traverses many turns and zigzags in an enclosed tube, with original lighting and special effects.
  5. “Chariot Race” – downhill with cascades of 70 m.

Guests shorter than 1.2 m are not allowed on the adult attractions. For them is equipped with a separate pool with smaller slides and rope park “Trojan Adventures.

Separately arranged relaxation area with the “river Odyssey” and “baths of Aphrodite. In the family recreation area you can rock on a water mattress, sunbathe and relax.

WaterWorld Water Park
WaterWorld water park with slides for every taste.

Club Street

The nightlife does not end before 5 am in Ain Napa. But from 2 o’clock all entertainment is only in closed establishments (according to the law of silence).

The most popular clubs are on Bar Street.

Top 5 according to tourist reviews:

  1. Caztle. The capacity of the institution is up to 2,000 people. The building is designed like a medieval castle, it has three dance floors and several bars. Holidaymakers are attracted by parties with popcorn and soap bubbles, music in the styles of techno, reggae, ambient.
  2. Red Sguare. A great place where the waiters serve in Russian. The style is reminiscent of the center of summer Moscow. Here you can listen to tracks from previous years.
  3. Car Wash. The Car Wash has water dripping from the ceiling, reasonable prices, music from the ’70s and ’80s, a light show and dancing until morning.
  4. Black & White. Black and white style and modern music: hip-hop, reggae, old-school.
  5. River Reggae. Wooden furniture, torches and palm trees, fountains and pools, where heated vacationers jump.

The Senior Frogs Club attracts girls who come on vacation from Russia to meet and experience thrills. For them there is a low price for cocktails from 11 p.m. Dancing is allowed on disco floors, bars and tables.

Red Sguare
Red Sguare bar with nostalgic tunes.

Parko Paliatso amusement park

Here you can find attractions for all tastes – for extreme and family recreation. The most risky of these is the Sling Shot: a flight in a capsule to a height of 90 meters and a free fall. Spring ropes help to lower yourself to the ground.

You can also try yourself:

  • on a roller coaster;
  • in the rocket;
  • in booths that descend along spiral walkways;
  • in a merry-go-round with a “crazy” frog.

For children smaller than 1.2 m there is a free playground and attractions – a Ferris wheel, electric cars and motorcycles.

Parko Paliatso amusement park
Parko Paliatso amusement park with a variety of attractions.

Other Interesting and Unusual Sights in Ayia Napa

There are many places in Cyprus, where you can go alone or in a group:

  1. St. Anthony’s Chapel. This small Byzantine style structure between the villages of Paralimni and Sotira is worth a visit.
  2. Paralimni is a lake near the town of the same name. The unique water body is full only in winter, while in summer it almost dries up and is used as agricultural land.
  3. Red Land – Kokkinohoria. People come here to immerse themselves in the life of islanders and to taste the famous red potato variety.
  4. Agia Barbara is a Byzantine chapel. Modern architects, restoring an ancient structure destroyed by an earthquake, have fully preserved its style.
  5. Cathedral of St. George the Victorious. It is located near Ayia Napa, in Paralimni. Despite the fact that it is a new building (it was erected in 1966), there are interesting paintings inside the basilica.
Cathedral of St. George the Victorious
The Cathedral of St. George the Victorious has a beautiful painting.

The most popular tours

To get to know Cyprus, guides offer non-organized tourists different routes (by car, transformer or with a group by bus):

  1. Individual tour to see the caves (Prophet Elijah, Through and Cyclops) and several churches (St. Healers Cosmas and Damian, Prophet Elijah, 40 martyrs of Sebastia). Additionally 2 bridges – lovers and sinners.
  2. A trip to the ghost town of Famagusta. Until 1974, this place was the resort center of Cyprus with the most expensive hotels. But after the invasion of the Turkish army amid a coup d’état in the country, one area of the city, Varosha, was destroyed and then abandoned. Tour guides tell legends of ghosts, abandoned expensive items and cars, although everything was looted in the first days after the uprising.
  3. One-day excursion in Cyprus by Transformer on the route: Maheras town – Levkara village with ancient life – St. Christ Church – viewpoint on the spurs of Troodos. In the village there is a tasting of local wines.
  4. Water trip to the salt lakes with a tour of Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and the Church of Our Lady of Angeloctista with mosaic paintings from the 6th century (for families with children). The highlight of the route is the camel park, on which it is allowed to ride. You can also pet and feed the other inhabitants of the park – Cypriot deer, ponies and donkeys. They are not afraid of people at all.

Arrange for these excursions must be arranged independently. The cost of unofficial routes is from €160 to €250.

You'll like it

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Popular Articles

Ancient World