Destinations
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa
Explore the multitude of intriguing nature trails lined with pine trees and a diverse botanical splendour whilst pausing to take in the spectacular views from the sea cliffs looking down to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Many benches are spread out along these trails to take a break from the walk and admire the surroundings in stillness. One of these nature trails forms part of the European Long Distance Trail E4, running from Cyprus to Gibraltar. Then there’s the Aphrodite nature trail which stretches 2 km along the North-East coast of Cape Greko which doubles up as a Cultural Route due to the mythical birth place of Aphrodite. A lovely monument to visit is the tiny white washed church of Agoi Anargyroi with steps that lead down to the sea where there is a place where Holy water runs. Another trail leads to the ‘Cyclops’ cave where there is a picnic site close by.
Specially made cycling paths are strewn throughout. Cyprus has the ideal climate for cycling all year round with low annual rainfall and light winds. Thirty foot high limestone cliffs have caves which have been hewn by Mother Nature. Taking a boat trip along the coast you will see that they are really striking, which is why they have been aptly named the ‘Palaces’. Cape Greko has warm sea temperatures ranging from 16oC to 28oC and visibility reaching up to 40 metres. For this reason, and not to mention the wonderful scenery and the marine life, this area is very popular with divers.
Specially made cycling paths are strewn throughout. Cyprus has the ideal climate for cycling all year round with low annual rainfall and light winds. Thirty foot high limestone cliffs have caves which have been hewn by Mother Nature. Taking a boat trip along the coast you will see that they are really striking, which is why they have been aptly named the ‘Palaces’. Cape Greko has warm sea temperatures ranging from 16oC to 28oC and visibility reaching up to 40 metres. For this reason, and not to mention the wonderful scenery and the marine life, this area is very popular with divers.
Nissi Bay
The beach Nissi Bay is located 3,5 kilometres West of Ayia Napa’s centre. It is covered with fine golden sand and it is well sheltered from the winds, thus the waves are mild. It is a beach with rocky formation on its central and Western part. There is a natural olden beach bordering the beautiful beach of Nissi. 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.
In the area there are accommodation facilities available for rent, restaurants and a kiosk.
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.
In the area there are accommodation facilities available for rent, restaurants and a kiosk.
Ayia Napa Monastery
A landmark in the heart of Ayia Napa, the 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.
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.
Thalassa Ayia Napa Municipal Museum
The museum has the sea as a subject-matter. 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 could admired stuffed fish, mammals, sea turtles and marine organism such as shells, barnacles, corals, sea-urchins, starfish, crabs, lobsters, sponges, marine plants and others found in various parts of the island.
Ayia Napa Harbour
The picturesque Ayia Napa Harbour is undoubtedly one of the main features of the town, after 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.
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 with water 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 build. 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 by 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.
Makronissos – Mikri Makronissos
The beach Makronisos 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. The South-Western part of the beach is found within the area of the SPA network, Natura 2000. 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.
Hellenistic and Romam Period Cemetery
The Makronisos’ cemetery includes of 19 tombs. The Hellinistic and Roman tombs (2400 B.C.). The entrances were originally closed with one large or two smaller calcarenite slabs. They are all provided with a rectangular trench in the middle, slightly lower than the floor of the stepped dromos and three benches at the slides of the chamber. Some of the tombs have additionally one loculus carved on the longitudinal axis of the tomb opposite the entrance, while another is provided with four benches at the sides and one opposite the entrance, thus providing room foe five internments. Among the findings are a clay sargophagi which were originally covered with three flats tile and a limestone Korre statueette. (Both are displayed in THALASSA Municipal Museum).
Sea Caves
The Makronisos’ cemetery includes of 19 tombs. The Hellinistic and Roman tombs The 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 the Kermia Beach and the Cavo Greco Cape, 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 waters of the sea is a treat! The geology of the sea caves is one of the determinant factors of Cavo Greco, which has been declared a protected area.
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, such as the Fish Spa and the Go Karts. 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.
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 free area of Famagusta district. The park is adorned by sculptures which are created by many worldwide known artists who participate at the Sculpture Symposium which is organized every year by the Ayia Napa Municipality.
Love Ayia Napa
Visit the stone sculpture “I Love Ayia Napa” at the central square of the town and leave your photo in between the sculpture, to express your love for Ayia Napa in this way. The sculpture, with dimensions 8X2, 60, is placed at the Monastery Central Square and was created by the sculptor Yianni Yianni.
Lover’s Bridge
Under this dreamy sky and by the seas of Ayia Napa, we invite you to “Lock” your love on the “Lovers Bridge” by placing a lock on the railing of the bridge, thus sealing your love, forever, in this way. The bridge is found in the area “Mavro Korona”, east of Ayia Napa, towards Cavo Greco.
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 with the initiative of the Clergy, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and Ayia Napa Municipality. Ayios Epifanios’ name day is on May 12th.
Ayioi Anargyroi Chapel
The chapel is found on the Eastern side of the town and is devoted to Ayios Kosmas and Ayios Damianos, or Omosianoi Saints 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. The Saints’ blessed water “Ayiasma” is found in the cave under the rock. Church services are held on the 1st of July and the 1st of November.
Ayia Napa Square Nightlife
For more intense recreation rhythms you can entertain yourself at the bars and night clubs that have loud music (clubs, Discos), hosted by famous Dj.
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.
Monachus Monachus Arch
The bridge is located just outside the hotel ‘Ayia Napa’. The crystal clear waters of the Cape Greco sea shore are amazing. They seem to be like blue mirrors reflecting the sun’s light and they provide the perfect backdrop for photographs.