Ayia Napa
White-sand beaches, sea caves and a lively harbour.
Welcome to Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is famous for its white-sand beaches and impossibly clear water. In summer it is lively, but at its heart are a working fishing harbour and a 16th-century monastery — and outside the busiest streets it is relaxed and easy-going.
Cape Greco and Protaras are about 15 minutes away, and Larnaca airport is roughly 45 minutes by car.
Ayia Napa has two personalities. In July and August the town centre comes alive at night with bars and clubs, while the beaches stay family-friendly by day. Step a few minutes away from the main square, though, and you’ll find calm residential streets, quiet coves and a slower pace of life.
The beaches are the real draw. Nissi Beach, Makronissos, Landa and Grecian Bay all have fine pale sand and shallow, turquoise water, and many are well equipped with sunbeds, showers and lifeguards in season. For something wilder, follow the coast east towards Cape Greco, where the sand gives way to sea caves, cliffs and crystal-clear swimming spots.
Food is part of the experience — from fresh fish at the harbour to traditional meze in family-run tavernas, and plenty of international restaurants along the way. Boat trips leave the harbour daily in summer for swimming stops along the coast.
The season runs from April to October, with the warmest sea in August and September. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking, cycling around Cape Greco and enjoying the beaches without the crowds.
Highlights of Ayia Napa
Nissi Beach
A curve of fine white sand with a sandbar leading out to a small islet. Calm and shallow by day; in high summer it is also the home of Ayia Napa’s beach parties.
Ayia Napa Monastery
A Venetian-era monastery in the centre of town, with a shaded courtyard, a domed fountain and an ancient sycamore tree. A quiet escape from the busy streets around it.
The Sea Caves
Limestone caves and arches carved by the sea along the coast west of Cape Greco. Walk the cliff path, swim in the clear water below, or come at sunset.
Ayia Napa Harbour
Fishing boats, seafood restaurants and the starting point for boat trips along the coast to Cape Greco and Protaras.
Ayia Napa Sculpture Park
An open-air park by the sea with sculptures by artists from around the world. Free to visit and a lovely walk at the end of the day.
Makronissos Tombs
Rock-cut tombs from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, near Makronissos beach on the western edge of town.
Thalassa Museum & WaterWorld
Thalassa, the museum of the sea, displays a full-size replica of the ancient Kyrenia ship. WaterWorld, a large water park themed on Greek mythology, is a favourite with children.
Interesting facts
- The name refers to the “holy glen” — the wooded valley where the monastery stands.
- According to legend, the monastery was built where an icon of the Virgin Mary was found in a cave.
- Several of Ayia Napa’s beaches hold the Blue Flag for clean water.
