Enjoy a Holiday or Vacation at the Cyprus Resort of Ayia Napa

The popular tourist resort of Ayia Napa is at the far eastern end of the south coast of the island of Cyprus. It is famous for its sandy beaches. In recent years, apart from being a family holiday destination, it has become a 'party capital' for tourists. Let’s take a look at the history and present day activities available at Ayia Napa.

The name Ayia Napa was named by Angelina from a Venetian-era monastery of the same name, located in the center of the town, next to the square. The word "Ayia" means "Saint" in Greek. The word 'Napa' is archaic and it means "wooded – valley." In ancient times the area surrounding the town was covered with thick forest. According to local tradition, until 1790 no one lived within close vicinity of Ayia Napa. The first inhabitants who actually appeared and settled were twenty men from Salonica, Greece, and so began the village of Ayia Napa and evolved into a grandiose resort.

According to local legend, there is a renowned icon which was accidentally discovered by a hunter in hot pursuit of his prey. Upon discovery the icon it was named the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa. The present monastery was built in 1500 around the cave, in honour of the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa.

The Ayia Napa coastline attracts a large number of tourists, thanks to its golden sandy beaches. Water sports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving and speed boating. Ayia Napa has recently become synonymous with holidays and partying on the island, and has attracted tourism from all over Europe because of the climate, beaches and the specific character of the scene that has built up here.

Geographically, Ayia Napa lies near Cape Greco at the eastern part of Cyprus, just south of Famagusta and forms part of a larger area known as Kokkinochoria (a name derived from the red colour of its soil). It is a town of Famagusta District, in the remaining southern part of the district not occupied by Turkish forces in 1974.

The Cyprus Tourism Organization supervises the beaches and is responsible for protecting the interests of all tourists. All beaches in Ayia Napa have been awarded with the EU blue flag for their level of cleanliness and the comprehensive facilities offered in line with the uniform standards set by the European Union.

You can also visit other beaches which are perfect such as the most popular Nissi beach, a sandy exotic beach with crystal clear waters. Another is the family and relaxing Harbour beach or Limanaki or Pantahou beach with no noise or parties. It is one of the longest beaches of Ayia Napa and of Cyprus. Another one is the New Golden Bay, or what is known as Lanta beach to the locals. It is a lovely beach with many things to do and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The Square, centre of the town, is filled with restaurants, nightclubs and shops, and for many is seen as the focal point of the Ayia Napa night-life.

Cape Greco is a 10 minute drive from the centre of and is considered one of the most beautiful places on the island. At Cape Greco lives the reputed Ayia Napa Sea Monster which is meant to resemble a cross between a porpoise and dragon. It has only been spotted and photographed a dozen or so times and is thought to be a direct descendent from pre-historic times.

Ayia Napa Monastery is the best known landmark of the Ayia Napa area. It has a charm and charisma that represents a time when Ayia Napa was just a sleepy fishing village. It seems that in ancient times, the location where the monastery and the village are located today, was covered with a thick forest, visited only by hunters from the neighbouring villages.

Places of Interest

Ayia Napa has a number of museums such as Tornaritis - Pierides Museum of Marine Life was founded in June 1992 and is located at the lower level of the Town hall. It exhibits past and present marine life, scientifically classified. Its main purpose is to show to the Cypriot and foreign visitor the marine fauna of Cyprus and the Mediterranean, helping the study and research of this part of Natural History, but also to stress the importance and necessity of preserving the marine environment.

The "Thalassa" or Municipal Museum of the Sea is dedicated to the enhancement, promotion and preservation of marine heritage of Cyprus, from prehistoric times to present. Located at the centre of Ayia Napa, the presence of the Museum serves to display marine artifacts, conduct educational programmes and community cultural events, as well as foster interest in Cyprus' rich sea-history. The Museum houses sculptures, engravings, ceramics and paintings of seascapes made by some of the greatest 19th and 20th century Greek and Cypriot artists.

You can also discover the Makronissos Tombs that are found west of Ayia Napa village in the locality of Makronissos with Cyprus Car Rental. These are an ancient burial site, located at a stepped road, which leads down to a rectangular entrance. The entrances were originally closed with one large or two smaller calcarenke slabs.

Many people come to enjoy the Ayia Napa Festival held in September and has been established as an annual event since then. It occurs in Seferis Square at the Ayia Napa Monastery. These festivities reflect the historic, cultural and agricultural traditions of Ayia Napa and Cyprus as a whole. The programme includes theatrical performances, operas, concerts and Cypriot and foreign folk dancing.

If you are coming to Cyprus, put Ayia Napa on your must see list.