A Guide 2 Ayia Napa - Cyprus

Description:

Ayia Napa lies at the south eastern coastal end of Cyprus and is a bustling tourist resort with beautiful white sandy beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The name Ayia Napa means ‘wooded valley'. In ancient times this area was covered with thick forest. According to local legend, a hunters dog following its prey discovered a cave in which an original icon was found. Upon discovery, the icon was named the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa. The present monastery, built in 1500AD, was built around the cave in honour of the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa.

It is also said that until 1790, no one lived within close vicinity of Ayia Napa. Once inhabited, the village sprang up around the monastery. 
 
Until the early 1980's Ayia Napa was a sleepy fishing village. Since then the village has grown into a thriving holiday destination.

Discover golden sandy beaches beside crystal clear turquoise waters. Enjoy all the latest sea sports, or take a boat trip from the recently upgraded harbour. Shop in trendy boutiques or wander picturesque streets. Treat yourself to delicious local and international cuisine. 
 
There are many restaurants, pubs, cafes, tavernas and clubs within Ayia Napa. Many local tavernas serve the Cypriot meze, which is comprised of many traditional island dishes. The centre of Ayia Napa comes alive in the evening with street entertainment.

The image of Ayia Napa is slowly changing from what used to be a clubbers paradise to a more cosmopolitan, multicultural town serving families and couples.
 
Climate:
Temperatures vary from 15 degrees in Jan/Feb to over 40 degrees in Jul/Aug. The mild climate in winter attracts an older clientele looking to escape the European cool climate. Whilst the summer months see sun worshippers flock to the golden sandy beaches.

To Visit:
Ayia Napa Monastery - built in 1500AD located near the centre.

 

Ayia Napa WaterWorld WaterPark - Currently it is the largest water theme park in Europe featuring rides, slides and more relaxing wave pools for a variety of ages. From the Quest of Heracles, the Fall of Icarus to the more relaxing Aphrodite's Bath, the theme gives a real feeling of being in Ancient Greece.

 

Macronissos Tombs is to the west of Ayia Napa in the Macronissos area. To date, 19 tombs have been excavated. Evidence shows the tombs were actively used during the Hellenistic and Roman eras.

 

Events:
May annually - Kataklysmos Festival - in all coastal towns in Cyprus.
 
June annually - Medieval Festival - performances at Ayia Napa Medieval Monastery by European groups.
 
September annually - Ayia Napa Festival in Sepheris Square in Ayia Napa Monastery is held for a weekend in late September.
 
Ayia Thekla Market held near to the Ayia Thekla church every Wednesday and Friday.

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