Cyprus Ayia Napa what a sea there is. Open left menu Ayia Napa. Holidays and special events

Life in Ayia Napa boils and seethes only at the very height of the holiday season in Cyprus; at the end of it, the streets and hotels of Ayia Napa are empty, the music fades away. This resort town is the youngest resort on the island and ideal place for youth holidays in Cyprus.

Ayia Napa is often called the “Ibiza of Cyprus”: when darkness falls, the quiet and peaceful resort turns into an endless playground, illuminated by neon flashes from the signs of local restaurants and taverns and dotted with nightclubs and beach discos. All the youth of Europe and the world know exactly when is the best time to relax in Cyprus: with the onset of the hot season, partying youth fill all the central hotels of Ayia Napa.

Ayia Napa can be called a unique resort in Cyprus: here, along with young people, it will be equally good for married couples with children and couples in love spending an active holiday. While vacationing in Cyprus with children in the resort of Ayia Napa, you should definitely go to an amusement park with a huge number of attractions aimed at visitors of all ages, a museum of the sea and one of the largest water parks in Cyprus, where it will be interesting not only for children, but also for them parents.

Beaches in the Cyprus resort of Ayia Napa

The best beaches in Cyprus are located on the coast that belongs to the resort of Ayia Napa.

Absolutely all the beaches of the resort have been awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union, indicating the cleanliness and well-groomed nature of the coasts. The most snow-white and beautiful beach in Cyprus is considered to be the beach of Ayia Napa - Nissi Beach, stretching along the sea for more than 1 km. Tourists from all resorts during their holidays in Cyprus are sure to add this item to the list of the most interesting places to visit on the island. Nissi Beach is a paradise for clubbers: this is where the best foam parties on the entire island are held, and even during the day, the latest creations of the best DJs in the world do not stop playing in the beach bars. Within walking distance from the shore, right in the middle of the sea, there is an island that every vacationing tourist goes to: it offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. From the highest point of the island - a rocky cliff at least 10 m high - everyone jumps into the open sea, receiving a colossal dose of adrenaline. The sea in Ayai Napa is almost always calm, because due to the location of the resort in the bay, the strong winds familiar to Cyprus do not blow here. Nissi Beach provides a great opportunity to enjoy all the views water activities: at the rental point you can ride a wide variety of buns, water scooters, skis, try to learn windsurfing, or sail a little from the shore and go scuba diving.

Clubs, bars and discos of Ayia Napa

The city center is a concentration of restaurants, nightclubs and discos, found at every step and around every turn. The best DJs in Europe come here to delight vacationers with their new masterpieces.

All bars in Ayia Napa have a theme: some play Trance, others play rousing House, others play R&B and calming Reggae. Tourists call the central street “Club Street” due to the location of establishments on it with completely different musical styles and interior atmosphere. The cost of entering clubs is usually 20 Euros; anyone can enter, because fairy control is often absent. There are a lot of bars located in the central part of the Cyprus resort that attract Russian tourists. The presence of such establishments is evidenced by signs with Russian names, menus with dishes of national Russian cuisine and waiters who know several phrases necessary for good service to visitors.

The most popular and interesting entertainment venues in Ayia Napa:

• Castle club - a club in the form medieval castle, where the atmosphere created by techno and R music reigns
• the most fun and themed club-bar Senior Frog;
• the Bedrock Inn club - an establishment in the style of the cartoon about the Flintstones;
• a club where you can meet mainly only tourists from Russia - club "Red Square";
• restaurant Teremok- an establishment where the menu great amount dishes of Russian cuisine, and the only place in Cyprus where you can sing karaoke with a repertoire of Russian songs;
• a sophisticated club with a luxurious interior, where some of the best discos in Ayia Napa are held - night club Soho.

Ayia Napa Hotels

Almost all hotels in Ayia Napa are located either on the beach or across the road from the sea coast. But there are exceptions: hotels located near the main street, but quite distant from the sea.

One rule applies here: if you want to come to a hotel after a busy day and sleep peacefully, then you need to choose hotels that are not located in the center of the resort, so that the music from night discos and the noise of parties does not interfere with peace and tranquility. Ayia Napa has a range of hotels ranging from apartments to 5-star luxury hotels.

Cyprus resort Ayia Napa - amazing place for relaxation, famous not only for its nightlife, the best beaches of the island, but also. Holidays in Ayia Napa may become best vacation in your life.

Feel the rhythm of life in Ayia Napa in reality!

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Ayia Napa - resort town in Cyprus, located in the eastern part of the island. Life on these streets is in full swing 24 hours a day, and popular places for swimming, with their piquant competitions and the incessant roar of the “tuber”, resemble a bizarre hybrid of a beach and a dance floor.

Video: Ayia Napa

Basic moments

Drowning in foamy parties, drinking gallons of exotic cocktails and wildly dancing on the bar, Ayia Napa is an ideal resort for those who “like it hot” and crave the most unexpected adventures. And if during the day the Cypriot sun warms tourists eager for a drive with its scorching rays, then at night this task falls entirely on the shoulders of local bars and nightclubs, which, it is worth noting, they cope with masterfully. Ayia Napa will also find something to attract adepts of passive relaxation and families with children: in and around the city there are enough clean and secluded beaches that the desperate party-goer has never set foot on. The main thing is to book a comfortable seat in advance. family hotel, since spontaneously searching for a room in local hotels at the height of the high season is obviously a failed idea.

History of the resort

He gave the name to the youngest resort in Cyprus ancient monastery, located in its center. The monastery itself received its name in honor of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God found in these parts, which, according to historians, was hidden here by the Christian community fleeing the persecution of the Byzantine emperor. At first, Cypriots christened the image of the Blessed Virgin "Panagia Napa", which in the local dialect was supposed to mean "Virgin of the Forest", but later the phrase was shortened to Ayia Napa. Gradually, the grotto in which the icon was hidden was expanded into a full-fledged temple, and Ayia Napa began to be called the entire area on the Mediterranean coast, extending to modern Protaras.

Best time to travel to Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa belongs to the subtropical zone, so the climate in the city is typical Mediterranean, characterized by long, hot summers and short and very mild winters. Holiday season it lasts from April to November, but the peak of tourist dominance occurs in the summer months, when the air and water are warmest, and most entertainment venues operate non-stop. The average temperature in July is +32 °C.

In autumn, the youth crowd gradually fades away, and hotels sharply lower their prices, so during this period the beaches of Ayia Napa belong entirely to older vacationers and families with children. The most pleasant bonus that comes with the autumn months is the absence of sizzling heat, while the water in the sea still remains comfortable for swimming. average temperature Ayia Napa September is +22 °C. The only thing that can spoil the impressions a little is velvet season, are torrential rains and winds that periodically visit the resort at this time of year.

From November to March there is a dead calm in the city, so during the low season only excursion fans flock to Ayia Napa. If you want to catch the Cypriot spring in all its splendor, it is better to plan a tour for April. For almost two months, Ayia Napa literally blooms and smells, and the city's flower beds and the surrounding area of ​​the resort are covered with a colorful carpet of flowers and grass. In addition, in the spring, local bars and nightclubs begin to emerge from their “winter hibernation,” which gives tourists a chance to have a good time.

Beach holiday

The beaches of Ayia Napa are a real Mediterranean fairy tale, and absolutely free: the entire coastline is considered a municipal property, so anyone can spread their towel on its golden sand. The same rule applies to sections of the coast assigned to hotel complexes: not only hotel guests, but also anyone who pleases has the right to relax on them. Inveterate eco-fans will be pleased to see the Blue Flag on local beaches: a prestigious European “indicator” of cleanliness and safety.

As for the tourist rating, the most trendy and “busiest” vacation spot remains Nissi beach. A wide strip of sandy shore with a clear azure sea, a developed entertainment industry and its own cozy bay has long become the calling card of the resort. Due to the abundance of bars and nightclubs, Nissi can be called the most party beach in Ayia Napa, however, despite the wide range of entertainment for 18+ and sultry young ladies sunbathing topless, children are also welcome in this part of the resort. The descent into the sea in the Nissi area is gentle, so this is a real haven for little ones who cannot swim. However, for the younger generation in Ayia Napa there are enough other pleasant places with a less unbridled contingent. For example, you can calmly splash around in the shallow waters and play volleyball at Green Bay and Landa Beach (aka Golden Beach).

Note: all sun loungers and equipped relaxation areas on Ayia Napa beaches are paid.

Behind the relative silence, fine-grained sand and the clearest sea with a flat bottom without a single pebble, it is customary to go to Makronissos. The beach does not promise riotous fun and alcoholic marathons in the Nissi style, but it will more than satisfy the need for a peaceful holiday and romantic gatherings against the backdrop of Mediterranean sunsets. Among the main benefits of civilization available to guests of Makronisos are: free wifi, a diving center, beach gear rentals and a nice bar with a tempting assortment of cocktails. On Sandy Bay, too, everything is decorous and noble, so mothers and children are frequent guests here. The beach is located in a small bay and attracts, first of all, developed infrastructure, as well as suitable conditions for paragliding. Those planning to soak up the sun at Ayia Thekla (also known as Ayia Thekla) should get slippers in advance, as the entrance to the sea is rocky. Otherwise, the place is considered quiet and decent, so beach regulars are, as a rule, lovers of a relaxed holiday and snorkelers. For your information, the coastal caves of Ayia Thekla are home to many species of nimble fish, so lovers of underwater photography will have a lot to do here.

Another Blue Flag holder scattered his holdings a couple of kilometers from Ayia Napa, west of Cape Greco. Kermia Beach (also known as Limnara) has a reputation as a paradise where people go for the weekend to escape the hustle and bustle of the resort for a little while. The range of entertainment here is also quite decent: some surf the waves of the lagoons, some dive, and others book a place on a pleasure yacht to rush along the coast with the breeze.

Nightlife in Ayia Napa

Tourists eager to “get away” will find not only beach disco bars in Ayia Napa, but also a whole Club Quarter. Travelers who love to label themselves have long dubbed the resort Cypriot Ibiza. However, despite the dance-alcohol euphoria that takes the city captive after dark, Ayia Napa is slightly inferior to its Spanish competitor in terms of gloss and luxury. And yet, the nightlife at the resort is unique in its own way, which once again confirms the surroundings of the local clubs. If you want to make sure of this, take a look at The Castle Club (Louka Louka Str.). The building, with an exterior in the style of a medieval castle, has three dance floors that can simultaneously accommodate up to 2,000 clubbers.

The legend of Club Street is the disco bar “Senior Frogs” (Agia Mavri Str.). Despite the fact that the musical accompaniment here, according to reviews, often slips into outright retro, the cocktails in the bar are some of the most delicious on the coast. More pretentious holidaymakers besiege the entrance to the Soho Club (Grigori Afxentiou Str.): the establishment “takes” its clientele with glamorous interiors, free entry for girls and VIP areas. Well, since the situation obliges, the prices here are an order of magnitude higher than in other similar places. If you're feeling really nostalgic, stop by Red Square Bar (Katalimata Str.). Here they will mix you a delicious cocktail, include Russian mixes, and provide you with company from your compatriots.

Starting from 9 pm, Ayia Napa bar barkers generously hand out flyers to passing tourists, guaranteeing the “giver” of the flyer free entry to a bar or a drink, so if you are eager to visit as many clubs as possible, but are afraid of being left broke, use this opportunity . Those who do not like to hang out on dance floors, but want to feel the atmosphere of the city at night, are ready to take into its suffocating embrace the Nightmare attraction (Eleftherias Str.). A walk through the labyrinths of the establishment and unexpected encounters with horror movie characters promise an uncontrollable adrenaline rush, so do not forget about the safe word (the name of the attraction), which automatically stops the execution and releases the martyr tourist into the light of day.

Attractions and entertainment

For those tired of the sun, sea and foam parties, the resort will offer quieter entertainment. In particular, the local monastery of Ayia Napa is among the top most visited attractions in the city. Behind centuries-old history existence, the monastery has accumulated a decent number of tales and myths, so it is better to take a guide on the excursion who knows how to captivatingly tell about the most outstanding moments of the institution’s biography. In the courtyard of the monastery there is another unusual and worthy of attention the object is a mulberry tree, which, according to legend, is at least 600 years old.

Walking along the city streets can be combined with a visit to the Thalassa Sea Museum, whose exhibition will show visitors all kinds of ocean creatures, as well as a skillful replica of an ancient Kyrenia ship that sank off the coast of Cyprus in the 4th century BC. e. To go down to the stone tombs of Makronisos, you don’t have to go far: the ritual rock structures are located next to the beach of the same name. According to historians, these crypts were built by the ancient Greeks, so archaeological expeditions to the rocky sites of Makronissos are frequent visitors.

Relaxing in Ayia Napa and not spending money on a subscription to the local water park is real blasphemy. In any case, your children will never forgive you for this. If you want more adventures, check out the resort harbor where the legendary Black Pearl dropped anchor. Unlike its movie prototype, this boat allows everyone on board, young and old. A voyage in the company of intrepid corsairs will cost around 35 EUR, which includes an exciting excursion, swimming in blue lagoons and fun quests for children and adults. Those who like to amuse themselves with extreme entertainment and let off steam can recommend visiting the local Luna Park Parko Paliatso. The attractions here are aimed at the most diverse audience, so while the younger generation will peacefully “spin” on retro carousels, older holidaymakers will have a chance to test the most dangerous inventions of the modern entertainment industry.

Owners of DSLRs, newlyweds and divers usually book an excursion to Cape Greco. The first are attracted here by the incredibly photogenic landscapes, the second by the romantic sunsets and the so-called “Lovers' Bridge”, and the third by the legend of the inhabitant ocean depths a mythical monster that has been ruining the lives of local sailors since the time of Homer. Having explored the most hidden parts of the cape, it’s worth taking a walk to national park“Cavo Greco”, where you can ride bicycles and horses, admire the rarest varieties of crocuses and orchids blooming in the park flower beds, fool around in the Cyclops’ cave and, finally, have a wedding photo shoot against the backdrop of the charming church of Agia Anargyri.

From Ayia Napa you can rush to Famagusta, a city of difficult fate. The port once saw better days, and its luxurious beaches in the Varosha quarter were literally occupied by the Cypriot elite. But, after the political coup of 1974, the Greek Cypriots were expelled from here by the Turks, after which the luxury resort turned into a “ghost town”. Today, the apocalyptic ruins of Varosha are of interest only to tour groups: tourists, of course, will not be allowed into the quarter itself, but hardly anyone will prohibit anyone from observing the city turning into a pile of concrete from the outside.

Do not forget

• Take a photo with the Ayia Napa mermaid and the farmer in the background - surreal monuments installed in the resort harbor and city center.
• Lounge on Nissi beach and test drive your own cardiovascular system by jumping from a 50-meter bungee.
• Visit a tiny house-museum of local life, located next to the Ayia Napa monastery.
• Take a walk in the park modern sculptures on the outskirts of the resort, simultaneously trying to comprehend the creative intent of the creators of such extraordinary monuments.
• Buy a ticket for the “Slingshot” attraction in Luna Park and “fly away” into the night sky, filling the resort surroundings with heartbreaking screams.

Where to stay

The most expensive hotels Ayia Napa is concentrated in the Nissi beach area. Most hotels are 4- and 5-star options aimed at family holidaymakers. As you move away from the sea, housing at the resort becomes cheaper. In particular, you can find a relatively inexpensive hotel in the city center: unlike the fashionable beach area, economy hotels already rule here. Well, since almost all the drinking and entertainment establishments of Ayia Napa are located in its center, rooms in this part of the resort are rented mainly by reckless and thrifty young people. There are relatively few four-star hotels in the city center, which is explained by the specifics of the area: due to the noise and too vibrant nightlife, wealthy tourists prefer not to stay here.

Regarding the level hotel service and prices, both the first and second ones in Ayia Napa are quite high. For example, even in the most budget hotel, a tourist has the right to count on a room with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, but all these amenities of civilization will cost more than a similar “set” at neighboring, less popular resorts. The cost of accommodation in Ayia Napa "three rubles" in high season ranges from 60 to 100 EUR, a room in a four-star hotel located in the coastal area will cost 90-140 EUR, and you can rent an apartment in a local “five” like Grecian Bay for no less than 170-200 EUR. In addition, the service of at least half local hotels“tailored” for guests with children, which means the presence of all kinds of “goodies” for young tourists, ranging from a children’s menu to enchanting show programs organized by professional animators.

Useful information: Due to the growing popularity of the resort, accommodation in Ayia Napa during high season should be booked at least several weeks in advance.

Food in Ayia Napa

There are two ways to solve the issue of food at a resort: put this task on the shoulders of hotel chefs, choosing an establishment with full board or the all-inclusive system, or get acquainted with the local cuisine in numerous restaurants and cafes. Despite the fact that the basis resort menu consists of all kinds of fast food; you can try traditional Cypriot food in Ayia Napa in any tavern. By the way, one cannot blame the owners of local catering outlets for their stinginess: the portions in cafes are almost always huge.

The first place in the list of local delicacies unconditionally belongs to meze, which is an assorted snack of meat and fish delicacies. Among the must-eat Cypriot dishes, tourists also name moussaka (a Mediterranean variety of domestic casserole), Greek cabbage rolls “dolmades”, pork skewers “souvlaki” and baked eggplant salad “melinzanosalata”. Fresh and deliciously prepared seafood in Ayia Napa can be found in every self-respecting tavern. The prices for all this delicacy are typical resort prices, that is, quite inflated. The cost of meat dishes starts from 9 EUR, seafood like octopus and mussels goes for 18 EUR, and a snack with a giant sandwich will cost 6-7 EUR. If you come to the resort not only to sunbathe, but also to practice your culinary arts, local supermarkets, markets and grocery stores are at your disposal, but keep in mind that during the low season, some private shops may not be open.

Holidays and special events

Despite the fact that every high season in Ayia Napa is one continuous youth carnival, the resort is periodically covered with a wave of all kinds of religious holidays and festivals. Cypriots celebrate Maslenitsa especially magnificently, staging theatrical performances and parades in the streets. In May, the Anfestiria flower carnival comes to the city, during which the resort is buried in floral arrangements. In October, a medieval festival sets up its tents near the walls of the Ayia Napa monastery, giving residents and guests of the city the opportunity to take part in funny costume competitions, listen to medieval music, and also watch fire shows and staged fights.

Shopping

Traditional Cypriot goodies such as honey, olive oil, soap, wine and symbolic souvenirs can be purchased at resort shops such as Taste of Life and Planet Store. It’s worth visiting Brilliance Jewelery to admire skillfully cut diamonds, or to buy yourself some jewelry, if your finances allow it. Fashion gurus usually do not recommend updating your wardrobe at the resort, but if necessary, in Ayia Napa you can get hold of inexpensive clothes from no-name brands. But the prices for products from famous manufacturers in local stores are not the most attractive.

For something more authentic, head to Lefkara, famous for its amazing lace. The products, of course, are not cheap, but considering that the lacemakers' products were presented as a gift to the Pope himself, it is worth spending money on. In addition to patterned napkins and openwork tablecloths, silver jewelry made by the hands of local craftsmen is usually taken away from Lefkara. Painted ceramics can be found in almost every provincial shop, as soon as you leave the resort. But for baskets made of wicker, it is highly recommended to take a ride to the village of Liopetri.

Transport

Ayia Napa is a small resort and it is easy to get around on foot. Those who don't like such extreme savings can rent a bike, scooter or a fun version of the local electric transport iGo, which is a pumped-up version of a children's tricycle with an electric motor. There are special road lanes for cyclists in the city, so you won’t have to maneuver in the traffic flow, risking your own life.

When renting a scooter or bike at a resort, you should first agree with the rental employee about the boundaries of movement, since most companies prohibit their clients from traveling outside the city. Well, for those who planned sightseeing tour in the surrounding area, it would be wiser to splurge on an ATV, which is equally convenient to drive on “polished” roads and along bumpy country roads. As for rental rates, for a day's rental of a bicycle in Ayia Napa they ask from 5 EUR, a scooter costs 15 EUR, and an ATV or buggy costs 50 EUR.

If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can trust resort buses. Most often they travel to neighboring cities and villages to buy souvenirs or to the beaches. All buses depart from central square resort, but the traffic schedule directly depends on the tourist season. In the summer, this type of transport darts along the city streets every hour, but in the winter, you will have to literally catch the necessary route. Taxi in Ayia Napa is a separate issue. There are a lot of cars, they are all comfortable, but due to constant traffic jams in the high season, driving them is not very pleasant. The minimum cost of a trip is usually 5 EUR.

Car rent

Before renting a car, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of local traffic regulations. In particular, in Ayia Napa, as throughout Cyprus, traffic is on the left. Speed ​​limits also apply here:

• 50 km – trip within the city;
• 80 km – limit for country roads;
• 100 km is the maximum permissible speed on highways.

The resort also has a specific system of fines. So, for example, you can get into a tidy sum by smoking in your own car if there is a child in the car with you.

A driver between 25 and 70 years old can rent a car in Ayia Napa. Persons under 25 years of age also have the right to drive, but under special conditions: if they have driving experience (at least 2 years), and for an additional fee. It is better to conclude a rental agreement immediately at the Larnaca airport, and here the tourist has a choice: stay with international offices like Europcar, Herz, Avis or trust local companies. Prices per day of operation vehicle economy class starts from 20 EUR.

If you do not take into account the traffic jams that clog the resort's roads during the high season, then driving through the streets and surrounding areas of Ayia Napa can be called comfortable. However, be prepared for the fact that free parking in the city you will have to search for a long time and, most likely, to no avail. In summer, all parking lots are packed to capacity, and in such cases only paid parking lots can help out, with tariffs starting at 0.5 EUR/hour.

Safety

Ayia Napa is a safe resort in all respects. And yet, it’s not worth provoking city thieves with your own carelessness and ostentatious prosperity, especially since every hotel has safes for storing especially valuable things. Another enemy of tourists who come to Cyprus during the high season is the local sun. It is very easy to get a burn or sunstroke here, so spending on sunscreen cosmetics and hats in Ayia Napa can be considered as justified as possible. Travelers who decide to rent a scooter should immediately get a helmet: firstly, in order to protect their head in the event of an accident, and secondly, so as not to run into a fine.

How to get there

To get to the beaches of Ayia Napa, you will first have to get to the airport closest to the resort in Larnaca. Domestic air carriers fly here: Aeroflot, and foreign air carriers: AirBaltic, Emirates, Air Berlin. In addition to traditional flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg, you can also fly to Larnaca from Yekaterinburg and Krasnodar.

The section of the journey between Larnaca and Ayia Napa can be traveled by taxi (price starts from 40 EUR) or by bus. The second option is relatively cheap, but less convenient, since you first need to buy a ticket for bus No. 425 to get from the airport to Larnaca, and upon arrival in the city, transfer to route No. 711, which departs from the Archbishop Makariou C Avenue 1 stop (beach area Finikoudes) towards Ayia Napa. Ticket price – 1.5 EUR. A faster and more expensive option is Intercity Buses, which do not stop at all stops, so the journey from Larnaca to Ayia Napa will take about 40 minutes. The ticket price in this case will be 4 EUR.

Calendar of low prices for air tickets

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The coastline of Ayia Napa is 8 kilometers, on which there are 14 sandy beaches. All of them have a “blue flag” - an indicator of the highest quality of water, safety and excellent infrastructure.

Now all the beaches of Ayia Napa are municipal. Until 2015, the beaches belonged to private individuals and organizations, but at the end of 2014 they became municipal property. The former owners protested and even sued the municipality, but the courts rejected all claims. Now the beaches bring 3.5 million euros to the city budget annually.

For tourists, this situation is only beneficial. The infrastructure on the beaches in Ayia Napa is excellent. The beaches are regularly cleaned and there are changing cabins and toilets everywhere. All beaches are free, but you have to pay for umbrellas and sun loungers - 2.5 or 5 euros per day. The big minus is that there is no hourly pay, because not all tourists are going to spend the whole day on the beach.

Nissi Beach(Nissi Beach) is considered the main daytime party spot in Ayia Napa. It is always noisy here, bars are open, competitions are held, often very frivolous. This is clearly not a place for families and older tourists. Read our detailed story "".

Sandy Bay Beach(Sandy Bay) is considered best beach for a relaxing holiday. The sand here is great and there are several restaurants. However, the beach is small, so be prepared for the unpleasant moment that there will be no places available upon your arrival.

Grecian Bay Beach(Grecian Bay) is the most big beach cities. Most of the 4 and 5 star hotels are located along it. The beach is quiet, ideal for family vacation. This beach has many names: Gluki Nero (translation: “sweet water”), Pantachou or Luccas tou Manti.

Makronissos Beach(Macronissos Beach) is not even one beach, but three, one main one in the center and two cozy bays on the sides. It is calm here, the sand is a pleasant golden color. Makronissos is located on Makronissos beach Beach Club, where they host a lot of entertainment and the famous Kandi beach Party. The beach is located in the western part of Ayia Napa, next to the WaterWorld water park.

Landa Beach(Landa Beach) is also called “Golden Beach” because of the color of the sand. The beach is small and close to the city center and hotels. Because of this, it is always crowded here. There is a barbecue area (fees apply) and a children's play area.

There is no point in talking about all the beaches. Our advice is simple: rent a car or, better yet, bicycles. Drive along coastline, fortunately it is not so long, look at the bays and beaches and choose the best one just for you!

Hotels

Now in Ayia Napa there are about 140 full-fledged hotels (with assigned stars). Half of them are classified as 3 stars. This is quite logical, because in Ayia Napa most tourists come to the beach during the day and to a disco in the evening; in this case, a luxury hotel is not needed.

Almost all hotels are located along the waterfront, along Nissi Avenue (west of the city) and Krio Nero (east of the city). We recommend that when choosing a hotel, pay attention to its location - book the hotel that is closer to a good beach.

There are only 6 5-star hotels here, among them there are no hotels worldwide well-known networks. Adams Beach is considered the most luxurious Hotel Deluxe, near this hotel private beach, however, according to reviews from tourists, it does not deserve the title of “the most luxurious”.

Entertainment and attractions

Ayia Napa boasts a balanced range of interesting places to visit. There are cultural attractions, natural attractions, and amusement parks.

The most awarded water park in Cyprus, over the 20 years of its existence it has received 24 international awards. It's 18 here big slides and many water attractions for children.

Entrance costs 38 euros for adults, 24 euros for children. Getting to WaterWorld is convenient; a bus runs along the hotel zone; you can get there for just 1.5 euros.

The WaterWorld water park is stylized according to the theme of ancient Greek gods and heroes, for which it has received more than one award.

This is the same monastery that was built in the 11th-12th centuries on the site of the miracle of the discovery of the icon of the Virgin Mary. It was the monastery that gave the name to the area and the resort.

Quiet and calm monastery located in the heart of the bustling resort. The contrast between these phenomena is fascinating, and the halls with ancient icons make you think about the eternal.

Admission is free, and it is convenient to get there by buses 101 and 102 for only 1.5 euros. The entire monastery can be seen in one to two hours.

Perhaps this is the only worthwhile place in Ayia Napa for lovers of outdoor activities.

The cycling and walking routes in the Cavo Greco National Park are 16 kilometers long with stunning cliffs and bizarre stones. Several endemic (only found here) plants live here. You can see the ruins of the ancient temple of Aphrodite.

Visiting the cape and the national park is free. It is convenient to get there by buses 101 and 102.

Read our detailed review « ».

Located in the east of the city, at the end of Pantachou beach. Perched high on a rocky plateau are 155 statues by 115 sculptors from around the world.

Visiting is free. You can get there by buses 101 and 102. We recommend visiting after 17-00, so that it is still light, but not hot. Stock up on comfortable shoes, the park area is 2 hectares, the soil is rocky.

Among the sculptures in the park there are works by Russians, especially good feedback about Vasilisa Chugunova and her sculpture “In the Sky”.

Located to the east of the Sculpture Park, many tourists pass by without even realizing what an interesting place it is.

More than 10,000 cacti and other desert plants are collected here. This is the largest park of its kind in the Mediterranean. Volunteers from local residents.

If you walk south from the park, you can get to the “Bridge of Love” - this is a natural rock shaped like a bridge. Kiss here and love will be forever.

This museum is dedicated to the sea and its influence on the life of Cyprus and Cypriots. Located in the very center of the city, near the Ayia Napa Monastery. Entrance - 4 euros.

The first part of the exhibition is dedicated to ancient marine life. Here you will see fossilized shells, corals, and fish. The oldest fossils date back to the Cretaceous period - 165 million years ago.

The second part of the exhibition shows ancient artifacts raised from the bottom of the sea - ceramics, fragments of statues, sarcophagi.

The main exhibit is the Kyrenia 2 ship, an exact copy of the famous Kyrenia ship depicted on. This copy was created in 1985.

Amusement park Parko Paliatso

Located in the city center, south of the monastery. This is the largest amusement park in Cyprus, with an area of ​​3 hectares and 26 attractions. In 2010, a record-breaking Ferris wheel for Cyprus with a height of 45 meters was installed here.

« Business card The park's main attraction is the Sling Shot. Its two masts shine with neon lights at night. Ropes are stretched down from the tops of these masts. The cabin is attached to these ropes. The cabin is released, and visitors to the attraction fly upward. Very extreme entertainment.

Finding the park is very easy, just look for the Ferris wheel. The park has a complex payment system. You can pay for each attraction, or you can buy two types of passes - for 38 or 25 euros, which give unlimited access to some attractions and a certain number of rides on others.

is one of the most popular and affordable resorts in the Mediterranean. It's dazzling Cote d'Azur with snow-white houses climbing up the mountain. The town of Ayia Napa is exactly like that, with an atmosphere of carelessness and peace. Young people choose this resort for its fun nightlife, an endless holiday.

In ancient times, these places were a forest. Once, while hunting, a local resident found himself in a cave, where his dog attracted him with its barking. It turned out that the cause was not some living creature, but the luminous miraculous icon of Panagia Napa (translated as the Most Holy Theotokos from the Forest). Apparently it was hidden here during the period of iconoclasm (a movement in Byzantium aimed at fighting against the veneration of icons) in the 7-8th century.

Local residents, having learned about such a miracle, flocked to the cave to worship the icon. In the 14th century, a temple was built over the cave, which was called Ayia Napa, the meaning of the translation of the name includes the words holy and arboreal. This name began to be applied to the surrounding area and settlement. The development of tourism in Ayia Napa began in 1970.

By plane to Cyprus

We fly to Cyprus from Larnaca airport. Four hours of flight - and you are in Cyprus! The cost in both directions is about 350 euros. On the Aviasales website you can choose the best flight option in terms of price and flight time. From the airport to Ayia Napa 56.5 km. We arrive at the resort by bus in a little over an hour. Those interested can pre-book a transfer from the airport. An economy taxi for 3-4 people will cost 50 euros, the price of a more comfortable car is 87 euros.

Mediterranean climate of Ayia Napa

The resort welcomes tourists with affection warm sea and the dazzling sun. The beach season begins in April, the water warms up to +20 and Russians who miss the warmth are happy to welcome water treatments. In the middle of the season (July-August) the air temperature rises to 30-35 degrees, and the water to +27. You can swim in the sea until October. In winter, the air temperature does not drop below +17-15. There is little precipitation, mainly in early autumn. The lowest temperature is observed in January, but for local residents this is frost, but for Russian people it is pleasant, comfortable weather.

How to get around the city

Public transport

In Ayia Napa it is possible to get around by bus or taxi. But it is unlikely that a tourist would want to take a ride in the heat rather than walk. By bus, it is recommended to take an independent excursion to neighboring villages and cities. The fare depends on the distance from 2 to 10 euros. Taxi prices around the city start at 5 euros.

Young people prefer to rent bicycles, rent is 5 euros, ATVs and buggies - from 50 euros. Those who want to ride a scooter will pay 15 euros per day. It is necessary to clarify within what limits you can drive and be sure to wear a helmet, otherwise you will have to pay a fine. A small clarification: rent a car if absolutely necessary, since city traffic jams and queues for free parking spaces can ruin the mood even at the resort.

Travel on your own

For such a holiday, tourists are recommended to rent a car. It is more profitable to do this at Larnaca airport, since prices in Ayia Napa will be higher. Good reviews about the local company Privilege Rent a Car, well-known international companies also provide rental services.

The price of a budget car is 20-30 euros, expensive cars from 150 per day. Free parking in the city large quantities, but finding free space can be quite difficult.

What to see around

For curious tourists and for those who are “tired” of lying on the beach, there is leisure. In addition to water activities, the surrounding area offers interesting places for visits.

The main attraction is the Ayas Napas monastery, the same one from which the city began to develop. The uniqueness is that most Cypriot monasteries were restored after destruction, but this one can be seen in its original condition. Even during the period of Ottoman rule, it was not converted to another faith; it always remained Christian and Orthodox. Now there is a museum here.

The monastery was founded in the 15th century during Venetian rule. There is an extraordinary legend about its origin. A girl from a noble family was forbidden by her parents to marry an ordinary guy. As a sign of protest, she took refuge in a cave that was already familiar to us.

So, subsequently, the parents built a church here and other monastic premises, including a mill. This happened in 1500. And later a monastery was founded and a chapel was built. In the courtyard you can see a marble fountain in the shape of a boar's head. And behind it is a stone two-story building in which that same runaway girl lived.

She, according to legend, planted a tree behind the monastery that can be seen today. A gazebo with a fountain was also built by order of this Venetian woman, where she asked to be buried. If you're intrigued by this story and it's not over yet, take a tour. The guide will tell you what refugees from Thessaloniki did here, and what monks or nuns lived there.

Not far from beautiful beach Makronissos, are rock tombs. Burial of the Greco-Roman period. History buffs will be interested in taking a look at the excavations that are still ongoing. Stone steps lead to the tombs; the entrance was covered with stone slabs. In the mid-19th century, when the burial was discovered, it was partially looted. Now this place is under the protection of the International Archaeological Society.

Cape Greco will be an interesting place to visit. This beautiful place is the southern end of Famagusta Bay. People come here to admire the beauty of the local landscapes. On the territory of the cape there is a reserve with exotic plants (out of 36 species of orchids, most can be seen only here). The park has bicycle and walking paths and picnic areas. You can do various types water activities.

Along the pedestrian path you can go to the ancient temple of Aphrodite. Visit this corner of protected nature and you will be able to see all the sights for yourself, including the Bridge of Sinners and the Church of Ayia Anargyri.

Beaches of Ayia Napa

Why do most tourists go to Cyprus? Of course for a beach holiday. What will they please you with? local beaches? What can be seen from afar: these are waving blue flags, which indicates cleanliness, quality and safety. All beaches are owned by the municipality. Admission is free, but you need to pay to rent a sunbed and umbrella. The set costs 7.5 euros.

There is Wi-Fi on the beach, which you can use for free for 3 hours; for more pleasure you need to pay extra. The code is indicated on the receipt. Data transfer quality is mediocre. But that’s not why people go to the beach!

It is located 5 km from the city center, close to rock burials (you can take a walk on an excursion when you get tired of lying). White sand, gradual gentle entrance to the water. On the beach there is everything for a comfortable stay: changing cabins, a toilet, a cafe. Bus 102 will take you from the city center for 1.5 euros. By bike in 20 minutes, parking is free for them.

Golden Beach or Landa

Parents with children should take a closer look at this beach. There is a gentle entrance to the water and a large space is occupied by shallow water. Everything you need to relax is on the beach. The water is naturally clear and clean.

Nissi beach

The most popular party beach. There is everything for entertainment: water views, cafes, taverns, parking. The distance to the beach from the center is 2 km. If you are not a fan of noisy companies, then you should avoid this beach. There are always a lot of people on the beach, it is noisy here 24 hours a day. The youth! You should go there!

Sandy Bay

This beach is a 10-15 minute walk from the center. It is located in a cozy cove, one side is rocky. Here you will find everything you need, water activities and a special slope equipped for the disabled. Near the beach there are parking lots for all types of transport. Gradual entry into the sea.

Pernera Beach

Unlike the listed beaches, the bottom of the sea is rocky. Located 1.5 km from the center. Peaceful holiday with kids.

Limanaki

The beach, located in the city center, is divided into three. Near the port (what is the water like there?) Limanaki beach, then Pantachou and at the end Glyki Nero. All of them are equipped, but are crowded, as they are located within the city. The entrance to some is not very comfortable, the bottom is rocky, you need slippers. You can swim from the pier of their bags.

There is a choice for tourists, sea ​​water Everywhere is clean, the sand is white, the sun is blinding. What else do you want?

Do you want to have fun?

As already mentioned, Ayia Napa is a youth party resort. The entire infrastructure has been organized for this purpose. It is already clear that you can have fun on the beach around the clock. Take an evening stroll through the Club Quarter, where cafes, bars, nightclubs, and discos are located. At the beginning of this street is Nightmare - a labyrinth of fear. Episodes of famous “scary” thrillers are recreated there, and so authentically that many, without waiting for the end of this “action,” shout the exit password: “Nightmare.”

Many cafes and bars offer drinks and food in a more relaxed atmosphere. In some discos the entrance fee ranges from 10 to 17 euros.

The city has a lot of bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants, where you can often see popular DJs from different countries, it is especially worth visiting the districts of Grigoriou Afxention and Louka Louka, about main square. There are also many shops where you can buy interesting souvenirs. Free concerts are held in the main square. Enjoy national dances, such as the famous glass dance. In addition, the city often hosts various holidays and festivals.

Don’t think that there is nowhere for a child to have fun in Ayia Napa. There is a water park where you can spend the whole day. The park administration was awarded several awards for organizing children's leisure time and their safety.

At the local amusement park, children and adults will find plenty of entertainment for themselves. Carousels, trampolines, slot machines and many other attractions will help you have a fun whole day.

It is better to visit the resort with children in April-May. At this time there are no such noisy parties as in summer.

Cuisine and national dishes of Cyprus

You can have a tasty snack everywhere. If we talk about food, the main local dish is meat. In the city's restaurants you can try the national specialty called kleftiko, young lamb meat that is cooked in a wood-burning oven for several hours.

In addition, it is also worth trying these meat dishes Cyprus, like “suvla” - kebab made from large pieces of meat and “souvlaki” - kebab made from small pieces. They are wrapped in a flatbread and served with sauces. Try the local wine, young and pleasant. Lunch at the tavern will cost 8-15 euros, dinner from 20 euros per person.

Housing price

Hotels and apartments can be selected in Ayia Napa in advance and for every taste and cost. Of course, everything is more expensive here, but the quality of services remains at a high level even at 2 stars. Prices for a room start at 25-30 euros per day, in hotels starting from 4 stars 65-80 euros.

For independent rest You can book an apartment or other accommodation in advance through the homeaway or Airbnb website. If your vacation lasts more than 3 weeks, then you can save money by booking your accommodation in advance. It is also cheaper to cook on your own than to eat in a cafe (this is if the trip is not on a package).