Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa (Greek: Αγία Νάπα; Turkish: Aya Napa; today officially transliterated into English as Agia Napa) is a resort at the far eastern end of the south coast of the island of Cyprus, famous for its sandy beaches. In recent years, apart from being a family holiday destination, it has become a 'party capital' similar to Ibiza.

Geographically, Ayia Napa lies near Cape Greco at the eastern part of Cyprus, just south of Famagusta and forms part of a larger area known as Kokkinochoria (a name derived from the red colour of its soil). It is a town of Famagusta District. Ayia Napa is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) away from Protaras, a town that has recently seen similar development, but still manages to remain low-key and remains more favorable for families and Cypriot locals.

The name Ayia Napa was taken from a Venetian-era monastery of the same name, located in the center of the town, next to the square which today is the clubbing center. The word 'Napa' is archaic and it means "wooded - valley". In ancient times the area surrounding the town was covered with thick forest.

The Agia Napa coastline attracts a large number of tourists, thanks to its golden sandy beaches. Watersports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving and speed boating. The Cyprus Tourism Organization supervises the beaches and is responsible for protecting the interests of all tourists. All beaches in Agia Napa have been awarded with the EU blue flag for their level of cleanliness and the comprehensive facilities offered in line with the uniform standards set by the European Union.

The Square, central to the town, is filled with restaurants, nightclubs and shops, and for many is seen as the focal point of the Agia Napa night-life.

Cape Greco is a 15 minute drive from the centre of Ayia Napa, and is considered the most beatiful place on the island.

Before 1970, Agia Napa was a small fishing village. Today it is a lively tourist area with lots of shops, tavernas, bars and nightclubs. In the centre is the famous Agia Napa monastery. Built in the 16th century to mark the spot where an icon of The Virgin Mary, ‘Our Lady of the Forests' was found and where Agia Napa gets its name. It is still a working monastery today and at night becomes very busy as a popular meeting point.

The beaches of Agia Napa are beautiful long stretches of sand with crystal clear water. Nissi beach is well worth a visit with sea caves and Nissi isle. Another much quieter beach is Macronissos, with it’s soft white sand. Tucked away and hidden from view are the little known tombs dating back some 2000 years. The fishing harbour in Agia Napa is surrounded by tavernas were you can sit and watch both the fishing and pleasure boats come and go and watch beautiful romantic sunsets.

Just a short distance from Agia Napa is ‘Potomas’, which means by the river. This is a perfect spot for a tranquil picnic. It overlooks a little estuary which is filled with multi coloured fishing boats and views across the sea back to Cape Greko. You may catch the aromas of fresh fish cooking on charcoal at the small waterside restaurants where you can sit and watch the quaint docks.