Destinations

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is one of the most well known travel destinations in Europe. Explore its crystal clear water, golden sandy beaches, its culture and history, the multitude of intriguing nature trails in Cape Greko. Its diversity is what makes it ideal for visitors of all ages and interests, all year round. Pause to take in the spectacular views from the sea cliffs looking down to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Cape Greko, a big part of which lies in Ayia Napa, is one of the gems of Famagusta Region that you can easily enjoy, while relaxing in one of the many benches that are spread out along its nature trails. Ayia Napa has a history of hundreds of years back in time and hosts many hidden gems, waiting for you to explore. From the medieval castle in the central square, to the famous Nissi Beach and the Open air Sculpture Park, Ayia Napa has a little bit of something to steal your heart and mind. Specially made cycling paths are strewn throughout. The weather is ideal for cyclists all year round, with low annual rainfall.

Nissi Beach

Nissi Beach is voted every year among the 10 best beaches in Europe and one of the 25 best beaches in the world. It is located 3,5 kilometres West of Ayia Napa’s centre and is covered with fine golden sand and crystal clear water, making it ideal for the whole family. On the Eastern side of the beach, there is a small islet located a short distance from the coastline (- 45 metres). Due to the low-depth water between the small islet and the coast, but also due to the relatively short distance between these two points and the effect of the coastal waves, we observe the union of the beach with the island through the formation of a sand lane. This phenomenon is amazing and is considered a landmark, both for Ayia Napa and for Cyprus in general.

Ayia Napa Monastery

A landmark in the heart of Ayia Napa, the Medieval Monastery, is the most important sight of the town. It is easily accessible by all visitors, as it is located in the central square, about two kilometers away from the Harbour. Among some of the well known visitors of the monastery was the Greek Nobel poet Giorgos Seferis, who was astounded by the beauty he had faced when he visited the place. He decided to dedicate a hymn to the Monastery, thus wrote the poem “Ayia Napa B’ ”which can be found in his collection of poems “Emerologio Katastromatos C” (Logbook III). There is an uncertainty as to when the Monastery was initially built. The cave, the hiding place and the well, witness the presence of a Christian community there since the Byzantine years (11th century). The first element of the temple (13th – 14th century) was built during the Frankish period ….. while the rest of the Monastery was completed during the 15th century. However, the Monastery as it stands nowadays is a construction of the 15th century, a time during which Cyprus was under the Venetian regime.

Ayia Napa Marina

Ayia Napa Marina is an award winning mix-used development that combines residential, commercial and leisure infrastructure in the Ayia Napa region with luxury housing, world-class facilities and boat services, many shops and seaside restaurants, as well as many entertainment recommendations, i.e. Joël Robuchon – most decorative Michelin Star restaurant worldwide. The Project’s main shareholder is the well-respected and internationally-known conglomerate, ORA Developers, chaired by Naguib Sawiris. Mr Sawiris and Mr Gerasimos Caramondanis, having both a shared vision, joined forces in 2013 to make Ayia Napa Marina a destination of choice for boaters, residents and guests. Situated between the beaches of Ayia Thekla and Makronissos, Ayia Napa Marina features 220 spacious luxury apartments in two impressive twisting towers (categorised within the top 41 twisted buildings worldwide), 23 luxury island and beach villas, a marina with the ability to host and provide integrated services to 600 yachts up to 110 metres LOA, as well as a series of selected shops and restaurants, which will offer high-quality services and amenities to the residents and guests of the Marina.
Discover more by visiting Ayia Napa Marina’s website at www.MarinaAyiaNapa.com

Ayia Napa Harbour

The picturesque Ayia Napa Harbour is undoubtedly one of the main features of the town, together with the Medieval Monastery and Cape Greco. Many decades ago, the harbour was just a small bay with a few fishing boats. In the beginning of the 70s, the first breakwater was constructed which basically marked the beginning of the current development of the harbour. Nowadays, the Harbour is fully renovated with a large fleet of fishing boats, speed boats, sailboats and cruise ships. The land area is appropriately formed with pedestrian lanes which lead to the two lighthouses. Colourful and typically picturesque, the area around the harbour includes an open theatre, fountains, quaint cafes, fish taverns and restaurants. The ambiance around the harbour is a real ornament and it is rightfully classified among the most contemporary and picturesque harbours in Cyprus.

Thalassa Ayia Napa Municipal Museum

The museum is dedicated to the sea and marine life. The exhibits cover a chronological span, from pale ontological to prehistoric periods until present times and include among others an exact life size replica of the ancient ship of Kyrenia of the Classical period (400 B.C.), the replica of a Mesolithic (9200 B.C.) papyrus vessel, a traditional Cypriot boat of 19th century, known as “Passara”, Cypriot antiquities, bones and skulls of endemic pygmy hippopotamus and elephants of Cyprus (8000 years old) and fossilized exhibits such as sea-urchin and corals, gypsum. Moreover, the visitors can admire stuffed fish, mammals, sea turtles and marine organisms such as shells, barnacles, corals, sea-urchins, starfish, crabs, lobsters, sponges, marine plants and others found in various parts of the island.

Lovers Bridge

Lovers Bridge is one of the most romantic places in Cyprus, which all visitors should experience at least once when visiting the area. Especially for honeymooners and couples in love this sight is a must see.Lovers Bridge is a rocky arch bridge of natural origin, with one edge stretching into the crystal clear, turquoise and emerald sea from an elevated coastal plateau. Bridge has formed naturally as a result of natural processes, without human intervention. It is believed that if you kiss while standing in the middle of the bridge arch and make a wish, it will surely come true. It is one of the most photographed sights of the whole Famagusta Region, so don’t miss out on it!

Hellenistic and Romam Period Cemetery

The Makronisos’ cemetery consists of 19 tombs. The Hellenistic and Roman tombs (2400 B.C.). The entrances were originally closed with one large or two smaller calcarenite slabs. Among the findings are a clay sarcophagus which were originally covered with three flats tiles and a limestone Korre statueette. (Both are displayed in THALASSA Municipal Museum).

Makronissos – Mikri Makronissos

Makronissos Beach is situated 5 kilometres from Ayia Napa’s centre, on the Western side. It is a sandy beach, covered with golden sand and its waves are of average intensity. This beach was formed by a cluster of small bays. The small bays extend to different directions, the first Westerly, the second Southwest and the third Southeastwards. There are accommodation facilities available for rent, restaurants and a kiosk in the area. You can also visit the Necropolis of Makronisos and walk Eastwards towards the beach Vathia Yonia or Westerly towards Ayia Thekla beach.

The Ayia Napa Aqueduct

The Agia Napa Aqueduct is one of the most important monuments preserved within the boundaries of the Agia Napa municipality. The Aqueduct had for hundreds of years supplied water to the monastery and the whole region. The monument in its present state of preservation is an alteration of the original Roman aqueduct, occurred during the Frankish period when the monastery was built. The source of the water is to be found somewhere on the Northeastern hills of Agia Napa. Up to the year 1974 the original visible route of the channel was marked by a barrel-shaped structure at the locality of ‘Mana tou Nerou’, known traditionally as the House of the Greeks. From that point the aqueduct ran all the way to the monastery following the natural contours of the bedrock.

Sea Caves

Sea Caves or “Palatia”, as they are called, are certainly one of the main features of Ayia Napa and the centre of attraction for thousands of locals and tourists. The Sea Caves, which are found between Ayia Napa and Cape Greco, have a tremendous geological history and are of social, environmental and economic importance to Ayia Napa. A visit to the sea caves is a must for an enjoyable walk and a close view of the captivating scenery, designed by nature and time. A dive into the crystal clear water of the sea is a treat! The geology of the sea caves is one of the determinant factors of Cape Greco, which has been declared a protected area.

Love Ayia Napa

One of the most well known instagram spots in Famagusta region. Visit the stone sculpture “I Love Ayia Napa” at the central square of Ayia Napa and create your own photo memory in between the sculpture, to express your love for Ayia Napa. The sculpture is placed in front of the Monastery Central Square and was created by the sculptor Yianni Yianni.

Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park is found on the crossroad of Cavo Greco Avenue and Kryou Nerou, in an area of 20.000 sq.m. with unbelievable natural beauty and panoramic view. It’s a park-gem, the first of its kind which acts as an oasis of culture, not only for Ayia Napa, but also for the whole Famagusta region. The park is adorned by sculptures which are created by many worldwide known artists who participate at the Sculpture Symposium which is organized by the Municipality of Agia Napa.

Ayia Napa Water Park

The award-winning, with international prizes and distinctions, Ayia Napa Waterpark is one of the twelve best water parks worldwide according to reliable sources of the American Television Network CNN. It is located on Ayia Theklis Street, on the west entrance of Ayia Napa. The Waterpark is an ancient Greek mythology themed park. What makes it special is the fact that the Greek characters of the water park are depicted in a simplistic yet realistical way throughout the water slides and the recreation areas of the park, including the plethora of games found in all entertainment venues. The Water park offers an all-day entertainment and it is ideal if you want to spend a pleasant and carefree day in a world of mythology.

Ayioi Anargyroi Chapel

The chapel is found on the Eastern side of the town and is devoted to Ayios Kosmas and Ayios Damianos, or Ayioi Anargyroi as they called them, both doctors who treated and cured patients without receiving any payment. According to the tradition, during their journeys in the area, they faced rough sea and their boat was carried away into a cave which had been turned into a chapel since then. At a later stage, the new chapel was built on the rock right above the cave. Church services are held on the 1st of July and the 1st of November.

Ayios Epifanios ch. & Ayia Napa View Point

The chapel of Ayios Epifanios is found on the Eastern side of Ayia Napa and it is built on the Southern side of a rock, over the ruins of an older chapel. It is devoted to the Byzantine Bishop of Salamis, Ayios Epifanios. After undergoing restoration, the ruins and the Holy Water were unveiled, which are now both accessible to visitors. From this spot, there is an astonishing panoramic view of “Paliochori”, a Byzantine settlement which was destroyed during the Arab raids from 632 – 964 A.D., but its ruins exist up to now. A new, large church was built next to the old chapel. Ayios Epifanios’ name day is on May 12th.

Kamara tou Koraka

On the way to Ayioi Anargyroi chapel, on the right side you’ll find “Kamara Tou Koraka”, an impressive geological formation which looks like a bridge or an arch. It the perfect place to enjoy the scenery of Cape Greko and relax at one of the benches available for visitors.