One of beautiful places Cyprus, its east point is a small promontory called Greco or Cavo Greco. Cypriots, and tourists from all over the world, come here to enjoy the extraordinary color of the sea, to see the bridge about which legends are made, to visit the karst caves where mystical spirits live. Everyone wants to get to Cape Greco in Cyprus, while relaxing in the resorts of this cozy sunny island.
Location features
For vacationers in Ayia Napa or Protaros, it seems that most of the island is covered with sand. But this is not at all the case, because in its southeastern part on the coast of the sea real rocks rise. They stretch along the coast. In some places, huge boulders rise directly from the ground. Some of them have bizarre shapes. So, one of the boulders very much resembles the outlines of a bear standing on 2 paws and snarling at everyone who passes by it. Next to the stone beast, everyone takes their first photograph as a souvenir of the trip.
There are absolutely no trees on this small plot of land. The explanation is simple: the wind is constantly blowing from the sea, it blows away the fertile soil layer, so the roots have nothing to grab onto. But this is not a desert, so the grass grows here, like shrubs. It is not known how, but one single tree managed to survive here. Everyone knows about him, he is guarded. There is a recreation area nearby. On a bench in the shade, someone is sure to rest or take a photo by a lonely tree.
Walking paths are laid along the territory of the cape. Cycling and walking paths pass here. And only in eastern part the cape, which is called the Sougla Peninsula, tourists are not allowed to enter. A British-owned radar station is located at this location.
Natural attractions
There are not so many attractions on the Cretan island, but vacationers want to see something unusual. And how can you not suggest a trip to Cape Greco, where there is something to see? These are not exactly what in the usual sense are called attractions, but the Cypriots consider these objects to be unique and proudly show them to the guests of the island.
Advice: Inspection of the area will take 2 - 3 hours. There is nowhere to hide from the sun, so you need to grab a hat or a pareo on your shoulders on the road. A bottle of water will also be useful.
A stone bridge
Not far from Protaras is the most famous bridge of the island - Kamara Tou Koraka. The translation of this phrase into Russian is a bit strange - "crow's arch". Locals will surely tell tourists the legend that the bridge once collapsed when the most sinful person who lived on Earth entered it, so now the structure is more often called the “bridge of sinners”. Romantics do not believe this story and consider the natural creation unusual, giving it its name - “the bridge of lovers”. Someone even manages to go to the arch to take a photo. The danger of collapse is great, so it is not worth the risk. Better to take a picture against the backdrop of the sea and the arched bridge.
Despite the fact that there are practically no trees in the eastern part of the island, natural world in this place is extremely rich, therefore it is here that National park Cavo Greco, declared a state reserve. Its area is quite large - 385 hectares. About 400 plant species grow on its territory, 14 of them are endemic, that is, they are found only on this island. Juniper bushes grow on white rocks different types succulents, irises, crocuses. Nature has gathered a huge collection of orchids here. There are 36 types of these unpretentious, but such beautiful flowers. All plants that meet in the park are protected by the state.
In the center natural complex a small hill. Paths lead to it, twisting the summit like a serpentine. You cannot go upstairs by car, as the road will be blocked by a barrier. In order for travelers to have a rest before the descent, benches and gazebos are installed in the park. It is proposed not only to sit, but also to arrange a small picnic, having lunch in nature. To explore the surroundings, observation platforms are equipped with an amazing view of the rocky coast and the azure sea. From here, they also take gorgeous photos.
Orthodox Church
On the shore Mediterranean Sea there is a small chapel Aya Anagiri: a white temple with a blue roof. It is located in a small area almost next to the parking lot. And the sea here is of extraordinary color, which can be seen even in the photo, which is why the area is called the Blue Lagoon. This place is adored by divers, fishermen and snorkelers.
Caves
The visiting card of Cape Kavo Greco in Cyprus is its grottoes and caves. To see them, you will have to go down to the sea using a special staircase from observation deck near the church and walk along the coastline.
The caves are carved by waves and have bizarre shapes. Salt crystals have been deposited on their walls, so everything shines and shimmers in the sun. There are many legends about these places, which say that once not only fishermen rested here, but also monsters lived here, and one of them is a friendly monster. There is also a small beach below where you can relax. The bravest dive right from the rocks into the depths of the waters, while the rest take a photo.
Advice: The path along the coast is uneven, as it has a coral-volcanic origin, so walking shoes should be comfortable.
How to get to Cape Greco from resort towns
Now is the time to find out how to get from Protaras and Ayia Napa to the cape. There are several ways, so everyone will choose the most convenient one.
- Go on the road by buses No. 101 and 102. They go along their route at short intervals (20 - 30 minutes). The schedule can be found on the spot. The cost of a one-way trip is 1.5 euros. The bus goes near the cape. It remains to walk about 1 km from the stop.
- Vacationers in Cyprus willingly rent cars for travel. They can also go to the eastern part of the island. The road from the resorts will take no more than 20 minutes.
- If the traveler has forgotten his driving license at home, it is convenient to travel on a rented bike or ATV.
- And finally, the cheapest way to get from Ayia Napa to Cape Greco is by walking. Cheap does not mean easy, so only those who are not afraid of the heat and know how to overcome distances along bumpy paths can go on such a road.
Offers for buying and renting real estate in Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is one of the most popular resorts in Cyprus. Picturesque bays with crystal clean water, gorgeous beaches, wonderful climate, stormy and cheerful night life make this corner of the island a favorite vacation spot not only for Cypriots, but also for tourists from all over the world. Ayia Napa is located in the southeast of Cyprus, 41 km from Larnaca.
Main international Airport- in Larnaca. The official website of the airport is www.cyprusairports.com.cy. Tourists arriving in Cyprus on their own can get to Ayia Napa by taxi or bus. Inter City Buses (green buses - run in every city, they can be taken to Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Paphos, Protaras). Bus station in Ayia Napa Leoforos Makariou III 32A. All buses leave from the stop between the square and the bay. The approximate cost of a trip from the airport to Ayia Napa can be found on the airport website in the Facilities section.
Travel express is a minibus for intercity transfers, it must be ordered in advance, one day before the trip and for a specific time. Much cheaper than a taxi and more reliable than a bus. it can be ordered directly to your home or hotel. A trip to another city costs 8 euros 20 cents per person (and a taxi costs 50 euros), but it is better to check the cost by phone, because in season they sometimes raise the price. Phone + 357-7777-7474, order from 6:00 to 18:00. The only minus of the minibus is that it does not meet at the airport (but it can take you to the airport). Cars are not allowed into the city center, so the most popular means of transportation in Ayia Napa is a bicycle.
Ayia Napa means "sacred forest". According to legend, this area was once covered with a dense uninhabited forest. But one day a hunter discovered a cave in the forest, in which he found an icon of the Mother of God. Since then, the forest was considered sacred, the icon began to be called the icon of Our Lady of Ayia Napa, and the nearest fishing village was also called Ayia Napa. A quiet fishing village has turned into a high-class resort with many restaurants, hotels, discos, and a vibrant and fun life that never stops even at night. This is a breathtakingly beautiful corner, immersed in sunshine, surrounded by crystal clear aquamarine water, where pristine bays and beaches are a reflection of an unspoiled paradise. This place is especially popular among young people. Tourists vacationing in the vicinity of Ayia Napa can fully enjoy the sun and swimming in the warm azure sea, unusually transparent and gentle. The north-east wind, which is usual for Cyprus, does not blow here, and the sea remains calm all day long. Vacationers staying in Ayia Napa or Protaras, located to the east of it along the coastal road, will find a lot of fun in and around these small towns.
Ayia Napa has a classic Mediterranean climate. The hot season lasts from June to September. During the year, 340-370 mm of precipitation falls. The driest is August; in some parts of the island, precipitation in summer does not fall every year. And in winter, due to the influence of Mediterranean cyclones, only 70-80 mm of precipitation can fall. average temperature in December-January it is from +15 to + 17 ° C, and in July-August - about + 29 ° C.
The main attraction of Ayia Napa is the 16th century monastery, located between pizzerias and shops, and the Folk Museum, which displays samples of prehistoric weapons. The monastery was erected in 1530 by the Venetians near a church built in the rock of the 8th or 9th century. The monastery was supposed to become Catholic, but the Turks who came to the island gave it to the Orthodox community. Today, only the monastery church is active. In the center of the monastery there is a beautiful courtyard with a marble fountain. The People's Museum contains samples of prehistoric weapons. The Marine Life Museum has a rich collection of marine life.
Throughout summer season Ayia Napa hosts various festivals and holidays, dance and folklore evenings. The most interesting holidays: Green Monday (Neptune's summer holiday on the occasion of the Flood), Day of Light in January, Carnival before Maslenitsa, Easter festivities and the colorful Ayia Napa Festival, taking place in the last week of September.
Ayia Napa is popular mainly with young people and families with children. There are so many opportunities for active recreation on water and on land - windsurfing, diving, boat trips, parachuting behind a boat, water skiing, jet ski and boat rental. Diving enthusiasts will be interested in exploring the numerous underwater objects in the Ayia Napa area - shipwrecks, amphoras, mysterious caves and bizarre rock formations.
On the coast of Ayia Napa, there are vast silvery sandy beaches with fine golden sand - the best beaches in Cyprus. They are well equipped to practice aquatic species sports such as water skiing,
Windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, motor boats, scooters, speed boats, parachutes, scuba diving, etc. The beaches are under the control of the Cyprus Tourism Organization, which protects the interests of tourists. The cleanliness of all the beaches of Ayia Napa is marked " blue flag»The European Union. Golden Beach, an urban beach with golden sand, stretches one kilometer east of the fishing harbor. Among the most famous beaches in the vicinity of Ayia Napa are Ayia Thekla, Makronisi, Limnara, Nissi and Konnos. The most popular of them is Nissi Beach, which is 2 km long. All these beaches are located in a beautiful area 2-6 km from Ayia Napa and are sheltered from the winds, so they attract thousands of tourists every year. crowded in high season... If you prefer more secluded and calm beaches, we recommend taking a bus or taxi to Protaras. Just 8 km separate Ayia Napa from the resort town of Protaras, popular with local residents and amateurs family vacation.
Highly good place for families with children. Beautiful wide beaches with fine golden sand and a shallow safe sea off the coast of Ayia Napa with a gentle entrance to the sea, lagoons, where water is poured during the day and warms up in the evening, attract families with children. Almost every tavern has a playground with swings, houses, etc. Food is prepared for every taste - you can order it specially. Children in Ayia Napa are waiting for an amazing water park with a lot of all kinds of attractions, which is decorated in the style of myths Ancient Greece... WaterWorld water park, built at the entrance to Ayia Napa in 1996. New attractions are completed every year at WaterWorld. Today it is the largest themed water park in Europe. The park has a wide variety of swimming pools (including the 70-meter Allontis pool) and water slides of different steepness, a wide variety of water attractions, numerous sports grounds and all kinds of children's attractions. There is also a small Luna Park and a dolphinarium in this resort, your child will certainly not ignore these establishments, and will also enthrall you with him. V Marine park(Marine Park) daily (except Mondays) shows with trained dolphins. Admission is free for children under 12.
With the onset of the evening, life in Ayia Napa does not subside, but only gains momentum: the doors of numerous bars, restaurants, discos are open for vacationers. Ayia Napa is the center of Cyprus nightlife. Bars and discos in the city center are open until dawn. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of nightlife here for every taste, for every age and musical and dance preferences.
Ayia Napa has many wonderful restaurants and taverns that offer a variety of fish dishes as well as national cuisine and famous Cypriot wines. A 10% service charge is usually included in the bill at most restaurants. In the taverns you can taste wonderful Cypriot wine and appreciate the national Cypriot cuisine with a variety of fish and meat dishes. The local potatoes of extraordinary taste are also known all over the world, growing on the fertile red soil, which has turned the area into one of the richest agricultural areas on the island. The Cypriots themselves, residents of Nicosia, prefer to spend their weekends and vacations here.
In the village of Liopetri, famous for its basket weavers, beautiful baskets and wicker crockery can be purchased. Local pottery will also be a good souvenir.
There are a lot of excursions from Ayia Napa. And they are all pretty interesting. I will focus only on the most popular ones, those that we visited ourselves and were very pleased with.
If you are spending your vacation in Cyprus, then it is simply impossible not to go on an excursion to the capital of the state - Nicosia. Only here you can trace the true connection between the past and the present in the life of the island. In Nicosia, you will see all sorts of architectural monuments, majestic cathedrals, interesting museums, as well as a walk through the old quarters of the city. Visiting Nicosia, you can see the palace of the archbishop, a museum, which contains a large collection of works of Byzantine art, for example, ancient icons. You will also visit Cathedral, which is dedicated to Saint John. During this excursion we were especially interested in the 16th century Venetian wall and the reconstructed Ammochostos gate. You will have free time in Nicosia. It can be spent on a walk around the Laiki Gitonia quarter. You can just wander along its narrow medieval streets, go to souvenir shops and have a bite to eat in cozy cafes. Further, the route of the excursion lies in the traditional village of Lefkara. Its history goes deep into ancient times. You will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions and life of the people of Cyprus. The price of the tour (depending on the tour operator) is about $ 70 for an adult and $ 40 for a child.
Another interesting excursion from Ayia Napa, which I can safely recommend to you, is the Paphos-Curium trip. First, you will admire the unique nature, as the route of the route will pass through grape and citrus fields. Stop at Kolossi Castle, founded in the 13th century. Then you go to the ancient Curium. According to archaeological site already in the Neolithic era, this area was inhabited. You will see the ruins that remain from ancient buildings, and you will be able to trace all the main stages of the life of this city for yourself. After that, the group goes to one of, perhaps, the most picturesque regions of Cyprus - a bay located at the rock where, according to legend, Aphrodite came to the sandy shore from the foam of the sea. You will enter the famous "House of Dionysus". In it, pay special attention to examining the floor. It is lined with mosaics depicting various mythical creatures. In Paphos, you can visit a very large aquarium, where about a hundred species of different fish are collected. Near the town, in a small village, you will be shown the church of St. Paraskevia. Its construction dates back to the 9th century. In addition, here you will have the opportunity to purchase the best national sweets as a keepsake of Cyprus. The cost of the excursion is within USD 65 for an adult, for a child - USD 55.
An excursion to the Troodos mountains will not leave you indifferent either. This is very beautiful place Cyprus. As part of this trip, you will make a stop in the small village of Lanja, where you will be introduced to the peculiarities of the traditional folk craft of these places and you can buy something you like as a souvenir. Next, your path will pass to the Trooditis monastery. The program includes an ascent to the very top of Mount Troni. Here is the grave of Makarios III, Archbishop of Cyprus. During the excursion you will make a small pilgrimage to the very ancient monastery of Kykkos, which was founded in the 11th century. The main shrine of this monastery is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God. Her story is associated with scripture. It was written by Luke the Evangelist a few years after the death of Christ by divine decree. A lunch included in the tour awaits you at a local restaurant near Kykkos Monastery before heading to Return trip to Ayia Napa and drive through Troodos village, past Mount Olympus, 1951 meters above sea level. The tour price is $ 60 for an adult and $ 30 for a child.
Anyone who loves authentic nature and leisure I recommend going on a real jeep safari from Ayia Napa along the Akamas Peninsula. Here the whole world will be waiting for you, completely untouched by civilization. In our time, unique natural landscapes are spread here, and in ancient times this place was the city of the Romans. During this excursion, you will see the ruins of the settlement on your own. Further, as part of the safari, you will drive along west coast islands, stop and explore the Avagas Gorge. It is very pleasant to be here in hot weather - there is always a pleasant coolness. Then by jeep you will go to Lara Bay and see the famous green turtles there. Those that are included in the Red Book.
During the trip, lunch is provided in the shade of massive pine trees. Here you will be treated to barbecue and national wine, as well as shown a show with dances based on Greek motives. At the end of this trip, you will see the famous baths of Aphrodite. The cost of such a jeep safari tour is $ 90 for an adult, for a child - $ 60.
AND Northern Cyprus, therefore, while on vacation in Ayia Napa, my boyfriend and I decided to see this locality.
By car
Nicosia is 83 km away. The city is located in the center of the island, so you need to be prepared for the fact that it will be much hotter here than on the coast.
The easiest and fastest way to go to Nicosia is via Larnaca. First you need to leave Ayia Napa on the A3 road, then turn onto A2, which will then connect to A1. Then you need to go straight along this highway, and it will lead to the capital of Cyprus.
It is not difficult to navigate the roads, there are many signs here, the inscriptions are duplicated on English language, but you need to be prepared for left-hand traffic. For us, people who are used to driving from the right side, it is very inconvenient to move by car, every now and then you try to maneuver from the other side. True, local drivers, when they see a rented car, go around it very carefully - apparently, they are used to such drivers on the road.
Car rental will cost about 40 euros per day, plus the cost of gasoline. If you are not afraid of left-hand traffic, then renting a car and going to Nicosia in this way will be a good idea, as it will save you a lot of time.
By train
Unfortunately, railway communication there are no cities in Cyprus, so you won't be able to get to Nicosia by train or commuter train.
By plane
The size of the island is very small, so only international flights are made here.
By bus
It is connected with the capital by direct bus service, but transport does not run very often. In addition, many people want to get to Nicosia, so during the high season the bus can get crowded and the trip can be quite tiring.
In Ayia Napa, the bus stops at several places: near the Marina hotel, in the central square, on Nisi 7 and Nisi 1 avenues, as well as near the water park.
The first bus leaves at 05.50 am, the last one at 18.30 pm. Buses run every 2.5-3 hours, and you will need to spend about 2 hours on the road.
If for some reason you do not have time for a direct bus, then you can go with a change through Larnaca. Buses run here much more often - about once every 1-1.5 hours. In Larnaca, you can catch at the Finikoudes stops, Old Hospital, George Griva Avenue or near the church of Agios Georgios.
What is the price?
The ticket costs about 4 euros. As with other routes, the rule applies here: by buying a ticket back immediately, you can save 1 euro.
Where can I buy?
You can buy a ticket from the driver, just take small money with you, as buses often have problems with change.
By taxi
You can get to Nicosia by taxi. This is quite an expensive pleasure, but for families with small children it is a real salvation, because in the heat it is not easy to withstand a two-hour bus ride.
What is the price?
A taxi ride from Ayia Napa will cost 80 euros.
So, you can get to Nicosia in several ways, but the most budgetary is, as always, the bus.
