Traveller's101

Places To See In Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa – also known as Agia Napa – is located on the southeast tips of the island of Cyprus. It is a resort town that is very popular with the younger jet set and the cities nightlife is also buzzing with activity and things to do.

The city is known as one of the best places to go clubbing on the entire island and it also has some of the nicest beaches around. Visitors to Ayia Napa who wish to have a little more culture in their lives or are looking for something to do during the day will enjoy some of these attractions.

Ayia Napa Monastery

This monastery is located right in the middle of the town next to the square. It is a beautifully cloistered building and one of the quietest places left in this busy, party town. The monastery was finished in 1570 and it stands on the site of a cave where an illuminated Virgin Mary icon was discovered by a local hunter. A very large sycamore tree stands just outside the south gate and the tree is believed to be more than 600 years old. A marble fountain stands in the monastery’s courtyard and it has been dated back to 1530. While the monastery is till used as a place of worship, the monastery itself closed its doors sometime in the 1800s.

Ayia Napa Hotel

Photo by: www.hotels.co.uk

Cape Greco

Situated at the land’s end of the island of Cyprus, Cape Greco is a wonderful combination of sea caves, cliffs, and crystal blue water. Divers enjoy the height of the caves and can often be seen jumping from them. It is advised that visitors to the Cape who wish to swim in waters around it be strong and accomplished swimmers as the currents here are powerful. The caves can be viewed from a platform above them, and visitors can also enjoy the remains of the Venetian lighthouse there, a great place for birdwatchers.

Limnaki Harbour

Meaning ‘small harbour’, Limanki is a working port filled with fishing boats and luxury private yachts. Visitors to the harbour can take day cruises around the Ayia Napa old fishing harbour, giving them a look at what the island of Cyprus was like a century ago. Limnaki Harbour is located in a sheltered area of headland and there are two beautiful beaches of golden sand surrounding it.

Makronissos Tombs

The Makronissos Tombs are located west of Ayia Napa inland from the beach of the same name. The nineteen rock-cut tombs have been dated back to the time of Ancient Rome and there is an ancient quarry just east of the tombs proper. A small sanctuary was excavated near the quarry and entrance to them is via a stepped road leading to the rectangular entrance. The chambers are almost identical to one another each containing a trench in the middle and stone benches along the walls.

Pyla

This village is only place on the entire island that is still inhabited by both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The village is watched over by both a United Nations peacekeeping force and Turkish military presence. Visitors to the village will find the square fascinating with its Turkish coffee shop in red and white on one side, and its Greek coffee shop in blue and white on the other. There is a referee’s chair located between the two and it’s one of the few places that do not allow photography of any kind. Unlike the rest of the island, Pyla’s residents live in peace and harmony.

Ayia Napa nightlife

Photo by: www.bbc.co.uk

Thalassa Municipal Museum of the Sea

Dedicated to the marine heritage that has been the lifeblood of this island nation, the museum exhibits include seafaring artefacts that date back to prehistoric Cyprus. It is located in the middle of Ayia Napa and also serves as the centre for community cultural events. The museum’s pride and joy is the reconstruction of the ‘Kyrenia II’. This ship was found off the coast of Kyrenia in 1963. The reconstruction was built using traditional materials of the time and sailed around the world before being places in the museum. Statues, pottery, and idols from all over the island can also be found here in addition to art pieces that were created by Cypriot artists in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Water World Water Park

No visit to Ayia Napa would be complete without a visit to the Water World Water Park, especially if visitors have children in tow. The park’s theme is based on Greek Mythology and includes Poseidon’s wave pool, 18 different rides, and a lazy river. There is even a dry play area for the children, six different eating establishments, and changing facilities.

Nissi Beach

With access to a shallow area of the Mediterranean Sea and calm waves, Nissi beach is perfect for a family get away. Visitors can enjoy the long stretch of golden sand or partake in more active ventures such as jet-biking and wind-surfing.