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We’ve you coated if you happen to’re searching for the perfect issues to do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. From the perfect eating places to eat in Ayia Napa to wonderful locations to remain and sights to see, we’re digging into this well-known Cypriot metropolis.
Ayia Napa is without doubt one of the hottest areas to go to in Cyprus, particularly for younger Europeans seeking to celebration within the Mediterranean. Nonetheless, this space isn’t solely good for ingesting and dancing the evening away. Many extra issues to do in Ayia Napa don’t revolve round partying into the early hours.
The entire space on the island’s japanese aspect has a few of the finest seashores in Cyprus, crystal clear water, distinctive historic websites, and a few of the finest climate in all of Europe.
After touchdown at Larnaca airport late at evening, we made manner for the island’s southeastern coast for the second time in our lives. We have been questioning what to do in Ayia Napa, however the subsequent morning we woke as much as the sunshine and extremely blue water. What else may we wish?
1. Cape Greco
Cape Greco Nationwide Park is a protected park in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, and among the best locations to go to in Europe. For anybody drawn to the water and who likes to swim, this must be on the high of your record of issues to do in Ayia Napa. The waters at Cape Greco are heavenly, and the cape is known for the clear blue waters and array of pure rock formations, lots of which characteristic hidden caves.
Being a well-liked spot for biking, mountain climbing, cliff leaping, swimming, and even snorkeling within the rock’s sea caves, this spot is common with outside fanatics and adventurers.
This space can also be stated to be residence to the Ayia Sea Monster (identified regionally because the Pleasant Sea Monster). It’s supposedly not a dangerous monster, and it’s stated that the one stuff you’ll find yourself with if you happen to cross paths with the creature are a sense of awe and a really cool story.
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2. Makronissos Seashore & Tombs
This area of the Mediterranean has no scarcity of seashores, so it must be no shock that Cyprus is stuffed with them. Makronissos Seashore is situated a number of miles west of town heart. It’s a quieter various to the celebration vibes of Nissi Seashore, although its splendid swimming situations (smooth, white sand and calm, clear waters) make it a well-liked spot with each vacationers and locals. It is a excellent place to do seashore actions like waterskiing, paddle boating, and diving.
Nonetheless, the one factor that places Makronissos on a degree of its personal is the archeological tombs carved into the rocky floor close by; they don’t seem to be manned, so it’s a good alternative to perform a little unobstructed exploring.
There are even steps carved into the stone for a straightforward descent into the crypts. If you end up getting slightly spooked, the seashore is only a stone’s throw away and place to chill off earlier than heading on to the subsequent a part of your day.
3. Thalassa Museum
When the surroundings is as lovely as in Cyprus, it’s typically onerous to tug your self away from being outdoor. However on this occasion, it’s value it; the Thalassa Museum is a good selection of issues to do in Ayia Napa to get slightly cowl from the solar. This gem is an ideal place to absorb slightly native historical past and tradition and take a look at numerous fascinating artifacts referring to the area.
Among the many sea-related reveals, which embody a wide selection of taxidermy fish and different ocean creatures, its most tasty characteristic is the totally reconstructed shipwreck discovered off a close-by coast. There are various ranges of glass walkways and stairs to permit guests to view the fascinating wreck from each angle.
The museum is open year-round (however closed on Sundays throughout the winter season) with entrance charges for adults & college students.
4. Ayia Napa Monastery
Heat, historical, sunbaked stone, underground tunnels, arches and pillars, a hidden cave; the Ayia Napa Monastery is shrouded in an air of unique magic and thriller, significantly provided that its precise age and origins are unknown. Its building has been roughly dated to the fifteenth century when Cyprus was conquered and brought by Venetians.
Many native people tales encompass the weather of the monastery, from a hunter whose canine discovered the golden icon and the monastery subsequently constructed round it, to the daughter of a rich household who got here to take refuge after being forbidden to marry her real love.
With historical past and power echoing across the historical partitions, it’s a beautiful place to spend a day and really feel the whispers of antiquity throughout the grounds. The monastery is free to enter, although donations are welcome. It’s open year-round.
5. Ayia Napa Sea Caves
Sandy seashores aren’t the one declare to fame for this a part of Cyprus. Its unbelievable shoreline is dotted with huge, formidable rock formations, which are sometimes present in pure sea caves and hidden passageways.
The Ayia Napa sea caves are a massively common spot for diving, snorkeling, and swimming, making this space an ideal factor so as to add to the record of issues to do in Ayia Napa. Based on legend, historical pirates would cover stolen booty in these caves and use them as hideouts.
You’ll be able to entry the caves by each land and sea, with many firms providing transport and boat excursions of the realm. Fishing and cliff leaping are simply as common as swimming and diving. There’s just one most important spot the place you’ll be able to cliff leap from safely, though I’m positive the locals could know of some hidden gems. The leap down is about 10 meters, and you’ll have to face your fears if you happen to’re frightened of heights.
6. Ayia Napa Sculpture Park
Since lots of the issues to do in Ayia Napa are associated to its panorama and historical past, right here’s an choice for one thing to do this’s each to the realm distinctive and refreshing. The Sculpture Park is strictly what it appears like: a public park scattered haphazardly with an array of statues, sculptures, and artwork installations. This spot is atop a cliff, making the view out over the ocean a beautiful backdrop for pictures – particularly if you happen to stand throughout the big sq. sculpture – good for Instagram.
The park has solely been open since 2014, making it an anomaly among the many historical buildings often present in Cyprus. Sculptors from all around the world contributed to the ‘museum’, and the spot covers an space of over 20,000 sq. toes, with no scarcity of art work to take a look at.
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7. Konnos Bay
With the area round Ayia Napa being as common as it’s, a seashore that’s slightly quieter will be onerous to return by. When you all desire a seaside day with out the celebration vibes, you then’ve discovered it at Konnos Bay.
The world is secluded, so the nonetheless water makes for some good swimming situations. Remember to convey your swimsuit, however make a pit cease atop the rocky cliffs for some significantly gorgeous views of the crescent-shaped bay and the turquoise waters lapping on the white sand.
The seashore isn’t abandoned; watersports can be found right here, because of the calm waters. In the summertime, it should even be lined with solar chairs that you may lease for a number of hours. Rock formations shelter the realm from windier days, so the seashore’s heat provides luxurious laziness to your total day right here. When the warmth will get to be slightly, there are a number of cafés and a Greek restaurant only a stone’s throw from the sand, the place cool frappes and native delicacies await.
8. Kamara tou Koraka
This subsequent entry on the record of issues to do in Ayia Napa is on the best way to Cape Greco, so it’s straightforward to tack onto that specific expedition. Kamara tou Koraka is a pure bridge within the rock formation, set excessive up for mind-blowing views of the turquoise sea and the skyline (professional tip: that is additionally a tremendous sundown spot).
Although the bridge is not free to stroll on and is fenced off (a long time of tourism have eroded away the rock), it nonetheless makes for some wonderful pictures and views. It’s close to many different close by sights, so it’s a great spot to cross off your record if you happen to occur to be within the space. Plus, lots of the fast sights are inside strolling distance.
9. Nissi Seashore
Nissi Seashore is your go-to choice for pleasure and enjoyable in Ayia Napa. It’s not only a gorgeous little slice of heaven (because of attractive waters and smooth white sand); it’s additionally a party-happy resort space.
Positioned within the resort area of Ayia Napa, Nissi Seashore is a well-liked vacation spot with not simply vacationers however locals for its music and membership scene – which often includes dwell DJs and soapy foam events into the night. If you need one thing to do in Ayia Napa at evening, head this fashion! That stated, if you need a quiet and secluded seashore day, Nissi Seashore will not be for you. It’s extraordinarily crowded and has a really younger vibe.
The seashore is 500 meters of white sand and glowing, clear blue water. Your days will be spent lounging and tanning within the solar, when you can simply transition to celebration mode for the night festivities. The world is known as for the tiny islet throughout the water, simply accessible on foot when tides are low. The islet is uninhabited; it’s a enjoyable spot to hang around with different beachgoers earlier than strolling again to start out the nighttime enjoyable.
10. Ayia Napa Sq.
One other one for the fun-lovers, Ayia Napa sq., is a clubber’s dream. The sq. has all the perfect bars, nightclubs, and eating places squeezed into a reasonably small nook of town, which is nice if you happen to prefer to bar hop and aren’t in too tough form but. Ayia Napa can flip right into a shitshow in the summertime with younger Europeans at obnoxious stag events. Nonetheless, that is your jam in case you are searching for drinks, brief skirts, and loud music.
The world, whereas rowdy, is a minimum of pleasant, so it is a enjoyable spot the place overseas teams and vacationers can really feel secure however included within the celebration actions. When you’re new to European partying, it’s not like North America; the pre-festivities don’t often start till 11 pm or midnight, so golf equipment are nonetheless going robust nicely into the early morning mild.
11. Profitis Ilias Church
This iconic church sits alongside a rocky outcrop above the complete city of Protaras. The hike is brief and steep however is definitely doable if you happen to’re in respectable form. As soon as on the high, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the complete space. Within the spring, this space blooms with life.
The within of the church is uniquely adorned with lovely work. It’s value sticking round right here till sundown as you should have 360-degree views of Protaras.
12. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is strictly what it appears like. Welcome to cloud 9; the clearest water you’ve ever seen, rock formations that maintain the waves mild, and sizzling solar that makes you’re feeling such as you’ve simply entered paradise. Due to the proper situations, it is a hotspot for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
Guests can rent motorboats or open-air go-kart buggies to take them to the perfect spots, however if you happen to’d somewhat go it alone, there’s all the time the choice to lease bikes and take the scenic route, as you’ll be able to nonetheless entry the lagoon from land. We rented a automobile in Cyprus, which received us in all places we wanted.
Although the water is obvious sufficient to see the underside, goggles will enable you to identify all of the little indicators of sea life to take advantage of your expertise.
13. Kalamies Seashore & St. Nicholas Church
Kalamies Seashore is one other gem beloved for its heat, clear water and unspoiled sandy shore. Nonetheless, it has slightly one thing additional: the St. Nicholas Church sits alongside a spit of land that extends out; its whitewashed partitions and turquoise-domed roof give the realm a distinctly Greek really feel.
The world is backdropped by a line of palm bushes from a close-by resort, so there’s a little bit of a tropical vibe to the realm as nicely. Beginning to get slightly hungry? Cease by the Kalamies Seashore Restaurant for one thing to eat; the restaurant has lengthy been beloved by locals and vacationers alike for its seafood. Its lobster, oysters, and mussels are wonderful or strive the feta-stuffed calamari for one thing actually Mediterranean.
Whereas this seashore is packed on weekends by way of July and August, weekdays are usually quiet, so strive coming by when it’s slightly extra mellow for a extra enjoyable keep.
14. Day Journey to Machaira Monastery
Solely an hour and a half drive from Ayia Napa, the Machaira Monastery is a day journey value taking if you happen to’re planning to be in Ayia Napa for various days. The monastery’s origins are shrouded in legend. Based on the story, a hermit smuggled one in all Luke the Apostle’s 70 icons into his cave.
It remained undiscovered till after the person’s demise (retrieved by two different drifters who needed to machete their manner into the overgrown cave). As soon as retrieved, the monastery was constructed on the now-holy website and named for the Greek phrase for knife, makhaira.
The monastery gives a formidable assortment of manuscripts and sacred objects and is open year-round. As we speak, it’s inhabited by a brotherhood of monks, who apply a particularly religious life-style. Although open to the general public, no images or videography is permitted on-site to guard the holiness and austerity of the positioning.
15. Day Journey to the Historical Metropolis of Salamis
The great thing about an island as small as Cyprus is that almost something will be was a day journey. Working example is the traditional metropolis of Salamis. Positioned solely an hour’s drive from Ayia Napa.
The age of the now-ruined metropolis is recommended to be as outdated because the eleventh century BC, which has been deduced primarily based on historical artifacts discovered on the website. Excavations of the realm started within the nineteenth century, and plenty of finds are on show on the British Museum in London, however nothing beats exploring the unique spot.
Among the many ruins, guests can see the sprawling amphitheater, the pillar and foundational stays of a temple devoted to the god Zeus, and even the stays of carved statues, presumably of goddesses.
Whereas not monumental, this metropolis was the primary capital in Cyprus, and it’s fairly a sense to wander by way of the silent stones and picture the life that when existed right here. It’s situated in Northern Cyprus, so that you’ll need to cross the border. Deliver your passport!
16. Day Journey to Mount Olympus
Positioned a few two-hour drive from Ayia Napa, this present day journey is a bit more of a complete day dedication, so be ready to rise up early and assault the day.
When you’re a fan of mountain climbing or adventuring or only a lover of the outside, add Mount Olympus to your record of issues to do in Ayia Napa. It’s the best level in Cyprus, with the intention to rely on lovely views; it’s even excessive sufficient to discover a ski resort right here! Among the best hikes in Cyprus!
Plus, winter views are spectacular, with the dusting of snow overlaying the hills and peaks beneath. A chair carry takes guests up a part of the mountain, however the summit requires a reasonable hike of round seven kilometers throughout considerably difficult terrain.
The highest peak homes a British long-range radar, however there are nonetheless accessible lookout areas good for the view you climbed the mountain for. Based on historic data, the traditional Greek geographer Strabo indicated that one of many mountain’s peaks had a temple devoted to Aphrodite, so if the goddess of affection was revered right here, you possibly can guess it’s a fantastic spot.
17. Waterworld Waterpark Aya Napa
There are a number of waterparks scattered all through the nation, they usually make for an excellent journey if you happen to’re searching for one thing to do in Cyprus with children. The Waterworld waterpark close to Ayia Napa supplied us (three grown adults) with a number of enjoyable for the day, however I nonetheless suppose it’s among the best issues to do in Ayia Napa for households.
It’s nicely managed, clear, and has loads of rides. With the Mediterranean local weather, waterparks in Cyprus usually keep open till the tip of October. Come throughout the week or within the offseason for fewer crowds.
Issues to do in Ayia Napa map
The place to Keep in Ayia Napa
The Finest Eating places in Ayia Napa
- Glasshouse Lounge Restaurant ($$$): One of many fanciest and finest eating places in Ayia Napa on the Adams Seashore resort proper close to the water. They serve up scrumptious seafood in an ornamental surroundings. Save this place for a pleasant date evening out.
- The Agrotikon Restaurant ($$): Proper on Nissi Ave is a tremendous restaurant that dishes up traditional dishes. Due to its location, it’s an excellent handy place that the majority guests in Ayia Napa can simply stroll to.
- Sesoula Kalamaki ($): When you’re craving quick and handy Greek meals like Halloumi and Gyros, that is the joint for you. They’re vegetarian-friendly and even have vegan choices.
Attending to Cyprus and round Ayia napa
Attending to Cyprus from mainland Europe has by no means been cheaper, with funds airways resembling RyanAir servicing the island. Larnaca metropolis buses run €1.50 one-way. Whereas long-distance buses to a different metropolis sometimes value round €7.
An computerized rental automobile can go for €15 a day within the off-season as much as €35 a day within the greater seasons (computerized) and can make sure you get to all the perfect locations in Cyprus and round Ayia Napa effectively. Figuring out how one can drive a guide automobile will get you higher costs in Europe.
When you’re touring as a gaggle it’s value your whereas to rent a automobile on your journey. We traveled round Cyprus for one week final time and paid about €25 a day within the excessive season, which was a reasonably respectable deal in my view!
Search and Examine Costs for Rental Vehicles
- DiscoverCars.com – We personally use them to go looking and evaluate rental automobile costs across the globe.
- Auto Europe – Compares the perfect charges!
When is the perfect time to go to ayia napa, Cyprus?
Being situated within the Mediterranean, Cyprus is fairly splendid all 12 months spherical. Most vacationers head to Ayia Napa throughout the summer time months of June-August, so that you’ll take pleasure in your Aya Napa sights with loads of crowds if you happen to resolve to go to then.
In my view, Cyprus is finest visited within the shoulder months. Might, September, October, and November! The solar is shining when the climate is gentle, and the European vacationers haven’t descended on the island. We visited in October and November, and each have been superior (and when all these summer time footage are taken).
October is the perfect month to go to Cyprus on the whole because the water is heat sufficient to swim in, the charges are low, and also you’ll have loads of seashores with out the summer time crowds.
When is the Finest Time to Go to Cyprus?
READ MORE CYPRUS TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on what to do in Ayia Napa! Hopefully, you discovered it helpful. Listed here are a number of related articles for extra journey round Cyprus.
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