Ayia Napa is a world famous resort city located in the eastern part of Cyprus. It is famous for its beaches with clear water and fine white sand, famous for its developed tourist infrastructure. Historical and archaeological sights of the city also attract a huge number of tourists here every year.
Temples and sea caves, dizzying water attractions and impressive archaeological finds … What is there in this amazing sunny city, whose streets smell like the sea!
But those who have never been here, probably want to hear a more detailed story about local attractions. So what exactly is worth seeing in Ayia Napa?
Top 10 attractions in Ayia Napa
Cavo Greco
Cavo Greco
National park located near the city. Its area is almost 400 hectares. Dozens of orchid species grow here. In ancient times, on the current territory of the park there was a temple dedicated to the goddess of love Aphrodite. A walking path leads to the place where it once was located.
There are several viewing platforms in the park, with amazing views. There are areas specially created for picnics. The green shores of the park are washed by sea waters. Here you can go swimming and diving, rowing and parasailing.
Locals believe that somewhere here, under the cover of sea waters, there is a "friendly monster" - a kind of local landmark. Its existence has not been officially proven, but many tourists and locals claim that they were lucky enough to see this amazing creature.
Sea caves-grottoes
They are located near the city center. They can be reached on foot or by bike (rented in the city), and there is a bus stop at some distance from the grottoes.
For those who have chosen a hiking route, you can give this advice: it is best to wear shoes with thick soles, as you will have to walk on fairly sharp stones. But if your shoes are right, you can enjoy the walk.
One of the best ways to admire the beauty of the grottoes is from the pleasure boat. Tourists are given such an opportunity here. Many people take pictures of stunning beauty, photographing the grottoes during such a boat trip.
The splendor of the caves really deserves to be captured with a camera, although not all images posted on the vastness of the global network convey the charm of this incredibly picturesque area.
Lovers' bridge
Lovers' bridge
Rock arch of natural origin. One end of it descends into the sea, the other smoothly passes into the coastal plateau. Newlyweds and lovers of the whole world strive here. Many people believe that if you kiss on the bridge and make a wish at the same time, it will definitely come true.
However, not only lovers come here, but also everyone who wants to see the famous landmark, admire the magnificent sunset and the purest sea water. You can swim near the bridge, but diving from it is quite dangerous. It is recommended to go down to the water along the edge of the bridge that goes into the sea.
The rocky bridge is about 6 meters long and about one and a half meters wide.
Nissi beach
Nissi beach
The famous beach with fine white sand and perfectly clear waters with an amazing azure tint. Here you can go windsurfing, water skiing, this beach will also be appreciated by avid divers … In the evening twilight, live music sounds on the shore.
There are umbrellas and comfortable sun loungers on the beach; they can be rented for 2.5 euros. You can sit in a cafe or restaurant; a special playground has been built for volleyball fans.
The beach is about half a kilometer long. A few hundred meters from it, there are luxurious hotels, the rooms of which offer a wonderful view of the sea surface.
You can get to the beach by one of the intercity buses (there is a bus stop at some distance from the coast and hotels).
Ayia Napa monastery
Ayia Napa monastery
It was founded in the XIV century. An ancient legend says that there used to be a dense forest on the site of the monastery. A hunter, whose name has not been preserved in history, once found a cave in the thicket of this forest, and in it he saw an icon of the Mother of God glowing in the dark. More precisely, the ancient image was discovered by a hunting dog, which stood in front of the icon and began to bark loudly, which attracted the attention of the hunter. Later, a monastery was erected on the site of a mysterious cave.
It was originally Catholic, later became Orthodox. Centuries passed, in the turbulent course of which the monastery stood like an unshakable rock: it was practically never rebuilt, unlike many other monasteries on the island. But inside him, serious changes were taking place: his status changed several times, he was either male or female. Around it a settlement grew, which began to bear the same name as the monastery. Translated, it means "Theotokos of the forest." For the first time this name is found in written sources dating from the XIV century.
In the middle of the 18th century, the monastery was abandoned for unknown reasons. Its reconstruction began only 2 centuries later. Today it is a museum. There is a working Orthodox church nearby.
Rock Tombs of Makronisos
Archaeological site. Dated to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Includes quarries, shrines and about 20 tombs.
In the 19th century, the site suffered significant damage: many tombs were plundered by "black archaeologists". Official archeology became seriously interested in this monument only at the end of the 20th century. Today, excavations are underway here, but at the same time, tourists have free access to the attractions.
Museum of the sea
Museum of the sea
This museum opened just over 10 years ago. It is located in a cozy one-story building. From the outside it seems unremarkable, but inside there is an interesting exposition. It does not leave indifferent not only sea lovers who came here specifically to visit the museum, but even those who looked into this building by chance. You can come here with children: they get constant pleasure from viewing the exposition.
Here is the skeleton of a giant dolphin, and works of contemporary artists (dedicated to marine themes), and ancient fossils, and a collection of sea shells … One of the most interesting exhibits of the museum is a replica of an ancient ship (the original is in one of the museums in the northern part of the island). The vessel was found in the mid 60s of the XX century. It was discovered by a Cypriot diver, but it was impossible to pinpoint the exact location of the find due to the storm that broke out at sea. After 2 years, the ancient ship was rediscovered. This required divers to complete about 200 dives.
Everything suggests that the ship sank as a result of an attack by pirates. The tips of ancient weapons were found in its sides; on the ship itself, only amphorae for wine and vessels for cooking food were found - and not a single coin. The researchers concluded that the ship was robbed: the pirates took everything that was of value to them, after which the ship was launched to the bottom to hide the traces of the crime.
Sculpture park
Here you can see both copies of antique sculptures and innovative works. The authors are sculptors from around the world. Visitors to the park can enjoy not only a variety of works of art, but also magnificent views of the sea. The entrance to the park is free.
Amusement park
Opened in the late 90s of the XX century. Originally intended exclusively for children. Over time, the park grew and developed, more and more new attractions appeared in it, including those that take the breath away even among adults.
Today, about 30 different attractions are located in the park. Like many amusement parks around the world, there is a Ferris wheel. Its height is over 40 meters. From the top point, a wonderful view opens up, from there you can take wonderful photos.
Those who want to experience the thrill will be presented with the "Sling Shot" attraction: you will enter a special capsule, which then, in a matter of seconds, will be at a height of several tens of meters, where it will begin to sway! There are other attractions in the park that are not inferior to this in terms of the degree of extreme. And if you like a relaxing holiday, you can become a spectator of one of the bright shows taking place in the park, sit in a cozy cafe or take part in the lottery.
The entrance to the park is free, but having chosen one or another entertainment, for participation in it you need to pay with special tokens, which are sold here. Each token costs 1 euro. For the most extreme rides - the highest fees.
Water attractions center
One of the most popular attractions not only of the city, but of the entire island. The center was opened at the end of the 20th century, since then millions of tourists have already visited it. This is a real paradise for lovers of outdoor activities on the water!
The theme of the park's design is the myths of Ancient Greece, and each attraction is dedicated to any one character or plot. As an example, we can name the attractions "Hydra", "Trojan Adventures", "The Feat of Hercules", "Pegasus" … And diving enthusiasts can, together with an instructor, get to the ancient flooded settlements.
In the Center you can not only buy swimming trunks and towels, but even rent sailboats and canoes. To enter the Center, you need to buy a ticket, then you can spend at least the whole day at the attractions - you won't have to pay extra for anything.
