TOURISTS ANSWERS:
Most of us think that Cyprus is an insanely boring place, and Ayia Napa is just good white beaches and a street of bars and discos for young people. Yes, indeed, the resort place of Ayia Napa is not distinguished by a large selection of interesting places, so a particularly demanding tourist in this direction will probably be bored, but those who come here to relax on the beach to a greater extent will have something to occupy themselves and what to see.
What interesting places are worth visiting in Ayia Napa.
- Ayia Napa waterfront is a great place for evening walks. At the pier there are ships, quietly swaying on the waves, and along the embankment itself there are a large number of restaurants where you can taste the most delicious fish meze. In the evening, crowds of tourists come here for dinner, as well as to see an incredibly beautiful sunset.
Ayia Napa waterfront.
- Cape Greco is a very picturesque and romantic place in Ayia Napa. Divers come here to dive, especially curious and courageous tourists swim. There is a long-standing legend about this cape that a monster with a particularly good-natured character lives in the waters of Cape Greco. But, to this day, no one has seen him.
Address: Ayia Napa, E307, Paralimni
Cape Greco.
- Lunapark is an amusement park located directly in the center of Ayia Napa. On its territory there are: water slides, a Ferris wheel, swing-roundabouts, carting, roller coasters. But the very feature of this amusement park is the slingshot attraction, this is a kind of capsule designed for two, soars up tens of meters. In the process, a video recording is being made, which the riders can buy as a souvenir and see their faces at the time of the flight. The entrance to the lunapark is free, only the ticket for the attraction is paid for.
Address: Ayia Napa, Nissi, Ayia Napa
Lunapark in Ayia Napa.
- Aquapark "Water World"- in general, a good place for both adults and children. There are no wild queues like in most of these water parks. If we compare it with the water park in Limassol, the "Water World" will still be somewhat simpler. It doesn't have a lot of slides. Extreme, among which there are "Kamikaze", about 3 pieces, the rest are designed for children. An entrance ticket for an adult costs 35 euros, for children 20 euros. The water park is open daily from 10.00 to 18.00. You can get here by taking a free shuttle bus from the water park.
Address: Ayia Napa, 18, Ayia Thekla Road
Aquapark "Water World".
- Church of the Virgin Mary is one of the rare historical sites in Ayia Napa. This Orthodox Church is active. Many tourists pass it by and do not even notice, due to the fact that it is hidden behind a huge sycamore tree, which is about 600 years old.
Address: Ayia Napa, Archiepieskopou Makariou III
Church of the Virgin Mary.
- Donkey farm- tourists with children come here most often, because children are crazy about these cute and vulnerable animals. On this farm, you can take a 45-minute ride on your favorite donkey, and at the end feed it with a treat as a token of gratitude. Also, take memorable photos, both with your camera, and use the services of a professional photographer.
Address: Ayia Napa, E143, Skarinou
Donkey farm.
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Ayia Napa is located just 40 kilometers east of the island's largest airport, called the "Cyprus Gateway" in Larnaca. Ayia Napa is built as an amphitheater and descends from the hillside to a picturesque cove. This city has everything necessary for a comfortable stay even for the most demanding tourist.
In ancient times, it was a small fishing village, the only decoration of which was a beautiful Venetian monastery. At the end of the 20th century, the former village turned into a popular resort, receiving thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. "Napa" in translation from ancient Greek means "forest". According to legend, an icon of the Mother of God was found long ago in one of the local caves. Later, a noble Venetian woman, a resident of Famagusta, left her home and settled here. She built a monastery with a chapel and cells for monks, a mill and an oil mill. Initially, nuns lived in this monastery, and the chapel was Roman Catholic. The domed octagonal pool in the center of the courtyard was decorated with stone bas-reliefs depicting the noble Venetian who founded the monastery, her father and mother, as well as a lion chasing a deer. In the middle of the 16th century, this monastery was turned into a Christian monastery, and at the end of the 18th century, it was completely abandoned. Now the local church with a medieval monastery is perhaps the most interesting archaeological site for tourists in Ayia Napa. At the east entrance, notice the small theater with carved stone seats. And on the southern side of the monastery there is a huge sycamore, which, according to local residents, is more than six centuries old.
The next attraction to visit is the Ayia Napa Maritime Museum. By the way, it is one of the first such museums in Cyprus. It displays numerous collections of molluscs found in the waters of the free zones of the island, as well as endemic bird species of the island.
The next point for local sightseeing is the small town of Paralimni.
It is located on the shore of the lake, which is where its name comes from. In recent years, a large economic, demographic and tourist center has appeared on the site of a small village. The key object to visit is the three-nave church dedicated to the Mother of God. Tourists are attracted here by the unusually beautiful porcelain plates of the 18th century, which decorate the interior of the church. And in the part of the temple dating back to the 13th century, there is a small Byzantine museum.
It should be noted that throughout this area there are many similar churches worthy of your attention. Thus, in the village of Deryneia there are three churches: the Church of St. George (17th century), St. Marina (15th century) and the Church of the Virgin with icons dating from the 17th century. In the village of Sotiras, there is the Church of St. Mama, built in the 12th century and to this day partially retaining its appearance and decoration after reconstruction in the 14th century. Anyone who visits it can say without a shadow of a doubt that he has touched Cypriot history. Noteworthy and the Church of the Virgin of Hardakiotissa, located just one kilometer from the village of Sotiras, as well as the Church of St. George Hordakion (12th century).
The village of Frenaros is located in the center of the Kokkinohoria region. It has become famous far beyond the borders of Cyprus for its traditional folk architecture. In the village there are small Byzantine churches of St. Andronicus and Archangel Michael from the 12th century. The church of St. Marina (15th century) is also interesting for its decoration.
The village of Liopetri is located 15 kilometers northwest of Ayia Napa. This village became famous for its skillful basket weaving craftsmen. The secrets of their craft are passed down from generation to generation in the strictest confidence. There are also medieval churches in Liopetri. For example, the Church of Our Lady of Tenderness (16th century), the chapel of St. Andronicus (15th century), decorated with an octagonal dome and, unfortunately, poorly preserved frescoes. Not far from the center of the village is the Liopetri bastion, where in the middle of the 20th century, after a battle with British troops, four heroes of the national liberation movement of Cyprus (1955-1959) were killed. Now this object is considered one of the memorial places protected by the state.
In the village of Avgorou, located 20 kilometers northwest of Ayia Napa, you can see not only interesting medieval, but also modern churches. To the west of the village is the cruciform church of St. George Teratsioti (16th century), decorated with a large dome. And a little to the north, not far from the old road Nicosia - Famagusta, is the monastery of St. Kendey, listed in many travel guides to Cyprus as a must-see for tourists. The domed church of this monastery was built in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Moving further north, you will find yourself in the "city buried in sand". So in translation from Greek Famagusta is called. This city is known for its beaches, which are considered some of the best in the Mediterranean region. This settlement received its modern name in the 10th century. And during the years of French rule (1191-1571) Famagusta became one of the most famous and wealthy cities in the world. Then high walls were built around the city, which are now included in the list of attractions of this settlement. They have survived to this day and now divide the Old and New Towns. Thanks to its convenient port, fertile land and the availability of water pumped by air mills, the village quickly became one of the largest cities in Cyprus. Today Famagusta is known as the "City of Mills" or "City of Oranges" (the whole area abounds in orange plantations).
Visit the Temple of St. Nicholas in Famagusta, which is an example of Gothic architecture. It was built by the Lusinians at the same time as the Hagia Sophia in Nicosia and the Bella Pais monastery. Now this temple is the Turkish mosque of Lala Mustafa. Opposite the temple are the ruins of the palace of the Lusinian kings. According to legend, in the entire history of its existence, Famagusta had as many churches as there were days in a year.
The superb modern resort of Ayia Napa attracts tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world. The most popular holiday destination is excellent for both young people and couples who want to spend their vacation with interest and benefit on one of the best beaches in Cyprus. Life is in full swing here day and night. Ayia Napa is an excellent place for entertainment and parties, there is a great variety of discos, restaurants and bars offering guests all kinds of entertainment programs. It is not for nothing that the resort is often called the second Ibiza ...
The status of an elite resort is also supported by unsurpassed sandy beaches, shallow and crystal clear sea, a huge water park located nearby.
Formerly the most famous hangout center of Cyprus, it was usually a fishing village. Many centuries ago, when there were still impenetrable forests on the site of the resort, one of the few residents found a cave in which there was an icon of the Mother of God that was preserved in an amazing way. It was a good sign, foreshadowing many positive changes in their lives for people. Since then, many began to build their houses there, and the area got its name Ayia Napa, which means “Sacred Forests” in translation.
Of course, the main advantage of the resort is its first-class beaches with golden sands, but the many attractions of this area will not let the most curious tourists get bored.
This Orthodox church is the only one in Cyprus. Its historical value can hardly be overestimated! A majestic sycamore tree has been growing near the entrance to the church for many centuries.
According to legend, it was planted more than 600 years ago by the girl who founded the monastery, within the walls of which the church is located. The girl's parents forbade the girl to marry her chosen one, and she ran away from marrying a rich old man and began to live in the place where the church is now located.
The address: Cyprus, Ayia Napa, Archiepieskopou Makariou III.
Telephone: +357 23 721 284; +357 23 721 288.
Working hours:
- in winter: from 09:30 to 15:00,
- in summer from 09:30 to 21:00
For fans of colorful adventures, a farm specializing in donkey breeding is perfect. Tourists are extremely welcome here and for a small fee they will be shown the traditional living conditions of local peasants, as well as a short 30-40 minute excursion riding on donkeys, which are given unusual names: Hitler, Pamela Anderson, Macedonian, Shrek and Rasputin.
An exciting route will lead through olive and orange groves, and after it tourists will traditionally be invited to taste hearty village food with excellent homemade wine.
The address: Cyprus, Ayia Napa, E143, Skarinou
Telephone: +357-99-620736
Working hours: Monday to Friday: 10.00-21.00, weekends: 11.00-17.00.
Price: about 1500 rubles.
Ayia Napa monastery
In the heart of the city is the magnificent Ayia Napa monastery. Legend has it that it was here that a cave was discovered many centuries ago, in which the icon of the Virgin Mary was kept. A small church was erected in that place, and already in the 16th century the walls of the monastery were erected, which later became the most significant on the island. After a while, he left several times and prospered again ... At the moment, the monastery was opened for curious tourists.
The "Fountain House" located on its territory, made of marble, attracts everyone's attention.
There is also a chapel here, as well as a valuable Christian relic - the veil that St. Veronica handed over to Jesus Christ going to Calvary.
The address: Nissi Ave, Ayia Napa
Telephone: +357 23 722666
Working hours: for tourists open from 9:00 to 18:00
Price: is free.
Being in Cyprus and not visiting the magnificent Luna Park, intended for both children and adults, would be a big mistake. For extreme lovers, there are many incomparable rides that will simply take your breath away and make you forget about everything in the world.
There are also many exciting, funny and creepy rides for those who just want to gain new experiences without risking their health.
Ferris wheel, swings, slides and much more just for you!
The address: Cyprus, Ayia Napa, Nissi (near McDonald's)
Working hours: from morning until late at night.
Price: one token per attraction costs 1 euro. 12 tokens can be purchased for € 10.
This natural attraction is very popular with all tourists without exception. A huge stone bridge, which goes under the water, attracts those who like to be photographed. From here, a breathtaking view of the surroundings opens, it is especially good to consider the outlandish seascape. From the bridge it is allowed to jump into the water and swim to your heart's content.
There is a tradition in Cyprus: all newlyweds must come to the bridge of lovers and take pictures for memory.
The address: Ayia Napa, Cyprus.
How to get there: can be on foot, by bike or by car from Ayia Napa, Paralimni and Protaras.
Price: is free.
This stunning, unforgettable sight will not leave you indifferent. Grottoes and caves, which were formed as a result of the hard work of the sea surf and the action of air masses, can be found from Cape Greco to Famagusta. This rocky area is ideal for walking.
Many tourists prefer to swim to the grottoes from the shore, while others admire the marvelous landscape from boats and yachts, and some, the most daring individuals, even jump from sheer cliffs into the water, despite the fact that dozens of information signs and stands warn about the danger of this activity. ...
The address: Neighborhoods of Ayia Napa, Cyprus.
How to get there: on foot, by bike or by your own car from Ayia Napa or Paralimni.
Price: is free.
From the eastern part of Ayia Napa, there is a grandiose Sculpture Park. Here you will not be able to admire unambiguous works of art, but if you fantasize a little, you will be able to imagine many interesting and extraordinary meanings, the meaning of which is hidden in ancient, antique statues, imbued with the spirit of antiquity.
The sculptures, located against the backdrop of the seascape, are very popular with tourists. There are many places to relax, where you can hide from the sun, sit and even philosophize. Superb location for hiking and seclusion.
The address: eastern part of Ayia Napa, Cyprus.
How to get there: by car or regular bus from Ayia Napa.
Price: is free.
A very beautiful cape near Ayia Napa, which attracts all travelers, hunters for extraordinary landscapes. Cavo Greco is also called the blue lagoon. Turquoise water really impresses all visitors!
The parking lot, which is located above the sea, offers an excellent view. There is also a small church, which, although not a monument of ancient architecture, but very harmoniously fits into the surrounding landscape.
The address: Ayia Napa, Cyprus.
How to get there: A road from Ayia Napa itself leads to this unusual lagoon. It is also easy to reach by car from Protaras.
Price: is free.
This monastery has survived to this day without changing at all! Perestroika did not affect him, and he managed to withstand even during the Ottoman rule. According to legend, its history begins with an amazing discovery by local residents of the icon of the Virgin Mary.
In one of the caves where the shrine was found, the original monastery was organized. Throughout the history of its existence, he often changed his "gender", becoming either female, then male, then female again. Since 1758, the monks abandoned the monastery for unknown reasons.
Today it acts as a museum, inviting tourists and guests of Ayia Napa to admire the ancient architecture and grandeur of the culture of Cyprus.
The address: located in the heart of the city.
Working hours: from 8:00 to 18:00.
Price: visiting the monastery is free.
The Thalassa Museum is entirely dedicated to the sea. It was founded back in 1984, and is still flourishing. Thousands of tourists annually visit the expositions exhibited in the museum, admire the beauty of the gifts of nature, the priceless riches of the environment.
A huge part of the museum contains copies of the ruins of the ancient Greek ship "Kyrenia-Elefetria", which crashed near Cyprus. His remains were found in the 60s of the last century. The ship itself, raised and restored, is located in the Kerinian fortress.
The museum occupies three whole floors. Each of the rooms contains countless exhibits that are worth seeing!
The address: Kryou Nerou, Ayia Napa, Cyprus.
Telephone: 23816366
Working hours:
- Summer time (from June 1 to September 30): Monday: 09: 00-13: 00; 18: 00-22: 00. Tuesday-Saturday: 09: 00-17: 00. Sunday: 09: 00-13: 00.
- In winter: Monday: 09: 00-13: 00. Tuesday-Saturday: 09: 00-17: 00. Sunday is a day off.
Ticket price: 3 euro adult ticket, 1 euro child ticket.
Cyprus is a magnificent island that attracts tourists from all over the world and keeps many returning to this outlandish place again and again. Ayia Napa is a popular youth resort, as well as an excellent place for family holidays. It has everything that tourists need - an excellent, clean sea, excellent climate and a lot of entertainment for every taste and budget.
No wonder, because Cyprus, like the beauty of Ayia Napa, is rich in sights. Here everyone will find something to see and where to go. Perhaps it is difficult to find a more “versatile” vacation spot.
The resort has pleased everyone - lovers of religious excursions, fans of beach and club recreation, tourists with children.
Religious sites in Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa monastery... The building was built on the site where an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary was discovered in the 16th century. Currently, the monastery is open to the public for everyone who wants to admire the grace of the building and learn its history.
Church of St. Epiphanes... Quiet, peaceful place, open to the public around the clock.
Church of Saint George... Another secluded abode for connoisseurs.
Natural objects
- Konnos Bay. The picturesque beach gives you the opportunity to admire the magnificent landscapes of Cyprus. Those interested can see the nearby caves. On the beach there is a network of entertainment establishments, cafes and restaurants where you can go for a bite to eat.
- ... Fascinating, interesting and beautiful place, ideal for boat trips by boat or catamaran.
- Forest Park "Cape Greco"... This attraction of Ayia Napa is definitely worth seeing for fans of outdoor activities. From here you can admire the sunset or contemplate the panorama of the city.
- Nissi Beach... The beach is ideal for fans of noisy rest, entertainment, discos and other types of active leisure.
- Landa... Small tidy Quieter place compared to Nissi beach.
- Ayia Thekla Beach... Another place for lovers of small companies and privacy. White sand and shallow sea make the beach very cozy.
- Cactus park... Represented by various types of these thorny plants. There are also interesting sculptures here. The park is equipped with benches for tired travelers.
- Wish tree... On the way from Cavo Greco, you can see another attraction of Ayia Napa: a lonely standing juniper tree, decorated with many colorful ribbons. Near him, those who wish can arrange a halt, take a colorful photo, just dream up, making a wish along the way.
Cultural objects
Visitors to Ayia Napa are usually amazed by the fact that interesting places can be found almost everywhere - on the ground, under water and in the air.
City port... The small port of Ayia Napa, where you should go to see the incoming sea transport and beautiful landscapes.
Sculpture park... An ideal place for art lovers. The vast area above sea level contains many interesting and original sculptures.
Underwater sculpture museum... An exciting excursion into the depths of the underwater world will impress fans. In parallel, here you can admire the sculptures of ancient Greek characters located at the bottom of the sea.
Street art... A small picturesque street decorated with graffiti, makes the surrounding area even more lively and vibrant, and is considered one of the modern attractions of Ayia Napa.
Artificial reef... A sunken ship acts as a reef. An interesting excursion gives you the opportunity to dive into shallow depths and experience many new sensations.
Ayia Napa park... A kind of visiting card of the resort with a thematic sculpture located in the center. You can go to the park almost at any time, it is open to the public from 9.00 to 3.00.
Love bridge... An incredibly romantic place with wonderful views.
Ancient aqueduct. An ancient building, at the top of which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Mediterranean coast.
Monuments and statues
"Boat ring"... The sculpture, located on the ring near the entrance to the city, seems to greet visiting tourists, inviting them to admire the local beauty.
Mermaid statue... Fits perfectly into the atmosphere of the port. The monument has an inexplicable, mysterious appeal.
Fountain on the embankment. Not far from the port and the Mermaid Monument is another Ayia Napa attraction worth seeing. A very colorful fountain depicting a fisherman impresses with its originality.
Where to go in Ayia Napa with kids
Lunapark
Many attractions for every taste will not let adults and young guests of Cyprus get bored. Here you can purchase one-time tokens for visiting attractions. Another option is to buy a bracelet of a specific color. So, a red bracelet will cost about 25 euros. Silver - about 15. Owners of red jewelry have access to more attractions for visiting.
Aquapark
Everyone, especially children, will love the Water World water park. Experience many different water slides, promenades, cafeterias and eateries. Opening hours 10.00 - 18.00.
Where to have a snack
Tourists interested in where to go in Ayia Napa have a wide selection of different restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs. The most popular are:
- tavern "Napa";
- tavern "Farmer";
- Sacramento restaurant;
- Yabloko restaurant.
In these establishments, you can try at affordable prices.
Night clubs
Fans of night discos and entertainment programs should pay attention to the following establishments:
- the "Castle" club;
- bar "Ambassaden";
- club "Titanic".
The incendiary atmosphere of nightclubs and bars will remain for a long time in the memories of tourists who come to see the light.
Ayia Napa is a magnificent resort on the island of Cyprus, the attractions of which are striking in their diversity.
The monastery, peacefully adjacent to entertainment venues, parks, underwater excursions and natural sites - everything is created for a wonderful holiday. Visit « second Ibiza ”charges with positive emotions and causes an irresistible desire to come back here again.
The youth capital of Cyprus is also called Ayia Napa. Located in the southeast of the island, the city attracts tourists with amazing natural monuments, impressive amusement parks and inviting night lights of discos, bars and restaurants. It is a common thing when a bright and interesting city for travelers has grown from a small village rallied around a monastery.
There is a protected forest area, a national nature park Cavo Greco, which is one of the most beautiful places in Cyprus. The huge territory of 380 hectares keeps within its borders whole myriads of natural exhibits. The most famous among others are the unique collections of orchids, irises and crocuses.
Park "Kavo-Greco" is included in the nature protection program "Nature 2000"
It is worth visiting for its rocky formations, many of which are quite bizarre. Nature has done its best here and there are real stone arches in front of you. Popular location for photo shoots - "Lovers' Bridge" also the work of the "hands" of the seas and winds.
Water World Water Park
You will be pleasantly surprised by the design of attractions in the style of ancient Greek architecture. Columns and waterfalls, statues of gods and pompous decor - such surrounding splendor makes the water park Ayia Napa interesting and fantastic. For fans of extreme sports, dizzying and breathtaking rides are suitable. Sharp descents, steep turns and a surge of adrenaline are exactly what young people want so much after a painful session.
For relaxation and contemplation, cozy sun loungers in the pool area are suitable. Such a measured vacation is a great option for family travelers of different generations who want to spend time together.
Entertainment is not uncommon in Ayia Napa. An abundance of various attractions in amusement park will appeal to the majority of the urban public. It will be comfortable and fun for absolutely any age. There are, however, a couple of extreme options, which not everyone will dare to ride. Particularly interesting rides:
- "Slingshot" or "Catapult", as it is differently called by Russian tourists, is a capsule on elastic cables. These cables are fixed between two brightly illuminated towers. A shot from such a "slingshot" reaches a speed of 100 km / h, so it is not recommended for pregnant women and people with cardiovascular diseases to visit the attraction.
- "Nightmare"... Everyone can tickle their nerves in "Labyrinth of Fear"... Realistically selected sets and costumes will help you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of famous horror films. A dose of adrenaline and agitated nerves are guaranteed to you.
- Ferris wheel undoubtedly deserves a visit, because from its height most of the city will be in full view. Add to this the enchanting scenery during the day and the bright lights of the nightlife in the evening, and you know that the metal tokens at the entrance were well worth it.
Museum of the sea
Lovers of antiquity and not only will be able to plunge into the depths of the seas and see what the local inhabitants of the fauna looked like many centuries ago. cordially invites everyone to a meeting with the amazing water world. You can study all the exhibits on your own or use the services of a guide.
No one will remain indifferent at the sight of a full-size replica of a ship from Ancient Greece. Ship with name "Kerinia-Eleftheria" sank in the waters of Cyprus in the 4th century BC, and only in the 1960s were its remains found. Demonstration of ancient shipbuilding skills is rightfully considered the pearl of the museum's exposition.
The lighthouse is the guiding star of sailors
If you want to walk along the seashore and plunge into the warm waves on a hot day, we advise you to combine this activity with research lighthouse, which is located near the picturesque beach. The laconic design of the building fits perfectly into the natural landscape.
This cozy place on the seashore attracts lovers for solitude and contemplation of the sea, as once the same lighthouse beckoned the brave sailors. Small but bright, this beacon saved dozens of lives.
Monastery - the abode of the Virgin
When wondering where to go and what to see in Ayia Napa, first of all, you should pay attention to monastery... Its history is the history of the city of Ayia Napa itself. Many centuries ago, during the time of iconoclasm, an icon of the Mother of God was hidden in a cave; according to another version, it was miraculously found here. Centuries later, namely in the 14th century, a chapel was built on the site of a cave overgrown with forests, and a little later - a temple.
A 600-year-old sycamore tree grows near the temple.
The dense forests of the past centuries gave the name to the icon, temple and monastery. Translated from Greek, "Ayia" and "Napa" together translate as "Holy tree alley". From a small monastery, whose community grew, this amazing Cypriot city emerged.
Caves-grottoes
The water element has gone hard and in addition to intricate bridges and arches on Cape Greco, mysterious caves or grottoes await you. It is definitely a diving paradise. Diving, getting acquainted with the diverse fauna of the sea and looking inside the mysterious grottoes - no scuba diver would agree to miss such an unforgettable excursion.
Caves are also called pirated... Who knows, maybe the old pirate hid his treasure in one of these grottoes?
Scenic surroundings
Traveling around Cyprus on your own, it will not be superfluous to plan your routes so as to visit nearby cities and towns, for example, Protaras... This picturesque place attracts tourists with its azure beaches, as well as ancient architectural buildings, including a church Saint Elijah the Prophet.
In the vicinity of Protaras, peace will be found by those who are tired of the noise of Ayia Napa and want peace and solitude. You can get here by car or by buses, which run at intervals of 15-20 minutes.
The port is a place of meeting and parting
It is impossible to fully get to know the city without seeing it from the side of the sea. You can make a trip by boat or sailboat, sailing away from the quiet harbor, where both small boats and rather large snow-white yachts have found shelter. In the bay, you can easily find an exact replica of a pirate ship "Black Pearl" captured in an adventure film "Pirates of the Caribbean".
A wonderful view of the rocky arches and caves, so skillfully crafted by nature itself, opens from the sea. This way of getting around is a safe alternative to extreme diving in these areas.
Ayia Napa beaches
The city is famous for the most picturesque beaches with delicate white sand and clear water of the lagoons. The gentle sea with a smooth entrance is perfect for families with children. From the fine and soft sand, the little ones will set up many different castles and fortresses. The variety of beaches in the city is truly impressive:
Green Bay Beach: a favorite place for couples with children; sandy bay beach: looks like, when viewed from a helicopter, on the neck of a bottle, it is very cozy and fun; Ayia Thekla beach: a rather uncrowded and secluded place on the coast. 
The life-giving air of Cyprus gives strength to explore the new attractions of Ayia Napa. Moms and dads with children, a married couple on a well-deserved rest, a company of students - everyone will find leisure time in Ayia Napa to their liking. Attractions and clubs, museums and architectural monuments - all this and much more awaits you in this wonderful Cypriot town.
Ayia Napa is a famous resort in the eastern part of Cyprus, which is famous for its mild climate, clean and gentle sea, as well as the many attractions of Ayia Napa in Cyprus.
The first is facilitated by the location of this resort in Kokkinoria, and the second is the rich history of the settlement, founded during the Byzantine Empire, and then under the rule of the Crusaders, the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. So for tourists there is something to see in Ayia Napa. Both beautiful natural and famous man-made sights are located here.
Top attractions list
The list of interesting places for tourists is very large, and it seems quite problematic to visit everything in one trip. Therefore, it is necessary to know the attractions of the area, places where you must definitely go on excursions.
Traditionally, there are nine most interesting places. Companies working with hotels arrange excursions there, of course, but you can visit them yourself.
So, the top 10 representing the sights of the city of Ayia Napa include:
- Venetian monastery;
- A picturesque cape named "Greco";
- Ancient lighthouse;
- Lovers' Bridge;
- Tombs of Makronisos;
- One of the best water parks in Europe;
- Tallas Museum;
- Nissi is a famous beach.
In addition, the sea grottoes and the beautiful promenade of Ayia Napa are of great interest to tourists. What are the beautiful monuments of nature and human genius from this list famous for?
Venetian monastery
Like every self-respecting medieval monastery, the city's main attraction has a beautiful legend about its foundation. According to tradition, a lone hunter looking for a dog came across a cave, in which he found an icon of the Mother of God, which has miraculous powers.
The believers made the cave a place of pilgrimage, and during the reign of the Venetian Union in Cyprus, it was decided to establish a monastery here. By the way, Ayia Napa means "Holy Grove" from the archaic version of the Greek language.
At the moment, the Ayia Napa monastery functions as an architectural monument, and the service is conducted in a modern church building. Therefore, everyone can visit this place, famous, among other things, for the ancient mulberry tree seven hundred years old.
It was planted at a time when Dmitry Donskoy and Tamerlane, Khan Mamai and Edward the Third lived, Europe was shaken by the Hundred Years War, and the Moscow principality was just beginning to liberate itself from the Horde yoke.
Nissi beach
If you are tired of the coolness of the ancient stonework, you should visit Nissi Beach. Of course, you can visit this place without guides, on your own. Ayia Napa is proud of its beaches, but Nissi is the pearl of Cyprus beaches. It is not for nothing that fashionable party-goers come here, and the best DJs in the world arrange parties on this beach.
A feature of this beach is a beautiful landscape, especially at sunset, when the sun setting over the horizon paints the ocean in a burgundy color, and a deserted island connected to the beach by a thin sandbank seems to be on fire.
Talas Maritime Museum
This museum is one of the best attractions in Ayia Napa. This is not the only maritime museum in Cyprus, its uniqueness in the richest exposition, which is an eclecticism of ancient artifacts, paintings by famous artists, expositions dedicated to the underwater world.
The pearl of the museum collection is the only life-size replica of an ancient Greek ship in Cyprus. It was such a ship that was wrecked off the island in the sixth century BC. But besides the ship, there is something to see. Cypriot history is rich in interesting pages related to the sea. So a visit to the museum is an obligatory stage in getting to know the island.
If you are map friendly and want some adventure, get to the museum on your own using the Aya tourist maps. Fortunately, it is not too far from the hotel line, and a detailed map of the city is not uncommon in shops and hotels.
Advice! If you want maximum comfort and a walk in an unfamiliar area does not seem attractive, choose to order an excursion from the hotel.
Lighthouse in Ayia Napa
Another place, distinguished by its extraordinary beauty, is a lighthouse on the embankment of the city. It is quite old, but in Cyprus time is a relative concept, therefore, it is still impossible to call the lighthouse "ancient". After all, antiquity here begins from the age of five hundred and seven hundred years, no less.
However, it is a very visited point and one of the most spectacular sights. Especially beautiful views open up here at dawn. It is during this time that the lighthouse is popular for romantic dates. By the way, this building is not just an architectural monument. The lighthouse is still functioning, helping sailors to get home safely.
Advice! It is quite possible to get to the lighthouse on your own. And after visiting it, walk to the nearby small beach and enjoy the clean sea waters.
Attractions Ayia Napa on the map in Russian
Ayia Napa generally provides many opportunities for independent exploration of the sights and simply beautiful places. Those who wish will be helped by a city map in Russian, which can be purchased at any shop for tourists along with various souvenirs.
A separate day spent on acquaintance is the blue lagoon of Ayia Napa, a paradise for lovers of scuba diving and snorkeling. The rich aquatic world of the Mediterranean Sea will bring true aesthetic pleasure to the connoisseur.
Advice! Independent walks around the city and suburbs of Ayia Napa will give a lot of emotions, fresh impressions, and also save money spent on excursions. Moreover, all the main attractions are indicated on the map, and there is a short description of each of them.
Where to go and what to see with a photo
For photography enthusiasts, Ayia Napa offers many opportunities to hone their skills and get some really worthwhile shots. Those who are accustomed to traveling with a camera just need to use the services of rental agencies and rent a vehicle.
Especially popular are bicycles and electric scooters, which can be used to enter areas where vehicles are prohibited from entering. The rental costs will be more than compensated for by those positive emotions and pleasant impressions that a bike ride or a trip on a motor scooter will bring.
In addition, the presence of such transport is a chance to see non-tourist Cyprus, hidden from the eyes of most visitors, and to take non-standard photos of the real life of the inhabitants of Cyprus.
Lovers' Bridge (Monk Seal Arch)
Isn't it true that this name evokes thoughts of something similar to the famous Venetian bridges? In fact, everything is even more interesting. After all, the bridge is a natural formation of rock, partially washed out by sea waves.
Nature has created an intricate stone arch that stretches picturesquely over the turquoise sea waters. A photo of this place cannot convey all the beauty and splendor of this miracle of nature.
Sea grottoes
The grottoes formed by the sea are located very close to the city. A half-hour walk or fifteen-minute bike ride is enough, and tourists will see the results of the work of the wind and waves that have formed the difficult relief of the coast for centuries.
It is forbidden to swim here due to the abundance of rock debris in the water and on the shore, but this does not stop some tourists. The grottoes are densely populated with inhabitants, a huge number of fish and marine animals live here. You can find out how to get to the grottoes at the hotel, or see on the map.
Cape Greco
A favorite place for extreme sportsmen in Cyprus, the forest park of Kavo Greco, famous outside the island. They make trips here especially for base jumping jumps with a special elastic rope. And for other tourists, the cape is, first of all, a unique natural ecosystem and a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Advice! It is important to remember that comfortable sports shoes are required for this trip, as well as a very desirable Aya card in Russian.
Embankment
The best place for a leisurely evening exercise is the embankment of the city. It is here that quiet and colorful restaurants are concentrated, and a variety of yachts moored to the pier delight the eye.
Food lovers can try a variety of fish dishes, and then take a boat trip on a boat or yacht. The attractions that Ayia Napa is famous for in Cyprus are not located here, the Embankment is an attraction in itself.
Water World Waterpark
Finally, completing the description of Water World is a place, the description of which will not give an idea of the power of positive emotions received by numerous visitors. Even the scheme of this truly impressive structure amazes with 35 attractions of various directions, nine restaurants, and a large number of children's zones.
And all this with the highest level of service and safety, which is confirmed by numerous awards and the title of one of the best water parks in Europe.
Advice! There are also unique relaxation attractions designed for those who are tired of visiting attractions and want a relaxing holiday on the water.
Of course, not all interesting places were included in the review. In order to describe all the attractions that are literally within walking distance of any hotel, one article is not enough. After all, Cyprus is not only a paradise nature, but also an eventful and ancient history. And the services of guides and a similar Aya map will come to the aid of lovers of the ancient history of our planet.
