Travel to Ayia Napa

Travel to Ayia Napa

A busy tourist destination, Ayia Napa, located on a peninsula in the far eastern end of the south coast of Cyprus, is famous for its golden sandy beaches and beautiful panoramic scenery. The city also hosts the Ayia Napa Festival every year at the Ayia Napa Monastery. The festival reflects historic, cultural and agricultural traditions of Cyprus.

Transportation to Ayia Napa

Larnaca Airport and Paphos Airport are the two airports that connect Cyprus to other countries in the world. From the airports, you can take a taxi to your accommodation; public transportation is quite limited and not very reliable. If you travel on a ferry, Limassol is the main port of entry and receives ferries from Athens, Crete, Patmos and Rhodes. The best transport option for travelling around in Ayia Napa if you dont have a car is by taxi services and these are numerous and reliable.

What to see

Once just a fishing village, the city is now bustling with many activities for tourists. Ayia Napa has a full range of holiday cottages, shopping areas, cafs, restaurants, pubs and discotheques. The long, beautiful sandy beaches are also inviting and are favourite spots for holidaymakers who want to soak up the sun. Many attractions are found in the city centre including Ayia Napa Monastery, which is a landmark of the city. Dating from 1500 AD, Ayia Napa Monastery was built in the shape of a medieval castle and is located in the Seferis Square, this where the festival takes place. Another place worth visiting is Tornaritis - Pierides Museum of Marine Life, which showcases the marine life and fauna of Cyprus and the Mediterranean Sea.

Daytrips

Many adventures await in the neighbouring town of Famagusta (Gazimagusa), which is a decaying old town surrounded by strong Venetian city stone walls. Interesting sites in the city include St Nicholas and Othellos Tower. Alternatively, visit the major port on the island, Limassol, which is now a tourist resort with a selection of hotels, nightspots, taverns and restaurants. Here you can also find Curium, one of the stunning archaeological sites in Cyprus.

Activities and leisure

There are many things to do in Ayia Napa. There are a great range of water sports available. The most popular sport seems to be scuba diving, as the water surrounding the island is warm and crystal clear, with visibility reaching up to 30 or 40 metres. Remains of the ancient ruins can also be found underwater, along with rock gardens filled with sponges. Waterskiing, windsurfing and canoeing are also good options for spending a day in the sun, while paddle boats, motor boats and scooters are available for hire.

Alternatively, head to Cape Greco, outside the city, to find charming trails for cycling, hiking or walking through the natural beauty of wild flowers and plants. You can also take a rest in one of many hip restaurants and cafs which are plentiful in this area.

Once the sun goes down, party-goers will be happy to find an array of steamy nightclubs. Now known as a party capital similar to Ibiza, the city offers the ultimate in clubbing scenes.

Easy Divers Cyprus
Easy Divers Cyprus is the only PADI dive centre in Cyprus to be awarded the prestigious PADI IDC rating.

Safety issues

Take extra care of your belongings, as pick-pocketing is a threat here. Also, be alert when you go out clubbing and drinking. If you plan to enjoy water sports, remain vigilant at all times. Taking out travel insurance for yourself and your family is strongly recommended.