Sights of Ayia Napa – 11 most interesting places

Ayia Napa is often compared to Ibiza. However, in this city you can find not only dance floors where world-famous DJs play tracks, but also many interesting places. The sights of Ayia Napa deserve no less attention than its nightlife. And, in order not to get lost in them, you can study the list of the most-most, below.

Water World

Water World is the largest open water park not only in Cyprus, but throughout Europe. However, it is famous not so much for its size, but for its interesting organization – the whole space is decorated in the spirit of Ancient Greece. Each pool, each attraction has a symbolic name. So during the time spent here, you can not only have fun and get a lot of positive emotions, but also make a real journey through time.

As for the slides, Water World has plenty of them. Some are ridden by families, while others are only for fans of extreme entertainment. Guests vacationing with a company can even arrange a competition. For example, you can go down parallel “snakes” together, on the Labors of Hercules attraction, or take part in Chariot Races together with four. But still, the Fall to Atlantis is considered the most unusual – guests descending on a three-seater boat are accompanied by musical and lighting effects.

Those who do not like active entertainment will also find something to their liking in Water World. Near each of the three pools, named after Poseidon, Pegasus and Aphrodite, there are sunbeds. And trees and umbrellas allow you to hide in the shade from the scorching sun. Naturally, there are bars and cafes on the territory where you can have a bite to eat or just drink something cold. A special zone is equipped for the little guests – they will have to make the Trojan adventure and overcome the Labyrinth of the Minotaur.

The only thing that upsets the guests of the water park is the high cost of tickets. An adult will have to pay 36 euros per day, children (aged 3 to 12) – 22. However, there is one trick. If you book a ticket on the website, you can save 3 euros and, in addition, receive a small gift – a coupon for a free cocktail. In addition, there is a so-called season pass, which costs 50 euros. A great option for those who want to spend a few days in the water park.

Water World is located on the outskirts of Ayia Napa, you can get to it by a special bus or taxi. Working hours – from 10-00 to 18-00. It should be noted that each slide operates according to its own individual schedule.

Blue Lagoon

Cyprus is rich in natural attractions, among which sea and coastal areas occupy a special place. But even among all this splendor, the Blue Lagoon, located near Ayia Napa, stands out significantly. She got her name not by chance. The water here is really bright and transparent, almost heavenly in color. When you look at the horizon, it seems that the two planes merge together and continue on their way together. The coast of the lagoon is no less picturesque. Rocks are adjacent to more gentle mountains, on the slopes of which spruce trees grow. The landscape is, without exaggeration, fabulous.

There are two ways to view the lagoon – from the water or from the shore. The first is completely safe and easy – pleasure boats depart from the port quite often. For some of them, the Laguna is the final destination, others follow further. But, nevertheless, almost everyone makes a stop here so that tourists can swim. The cost of a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon depends on the chosen route and can vary from 8-10 to several hundred euros (we are talking about a trip for several days). Also here you can meet yachts traveling on an individual route.

The lagoon can also be viewed from the shore, but this option requires a certain level of physical fitness. In addition, traveling around these parts on your own, without knowledgeable guides, is not recommended.

Forest Park Cavo Greco

Not far from Ayia Napa is the beautiful Cavo Greco National Park, where you can perfectly diversify your vacation, go in for sports, get a dose of adrenaline or spend time alone with nature. The territory of the park is, in fact, a forest on the coast. Its employees do everything to ensure that their projects fit into natural landscapes as harmoniously as possible. So, for example, an orchid park or a collection of bulbs, daffodils, crocuses and irises, which are absolutely not superfluous in Cavo Greco.

For lovers of outdoor activities, a huge number of bicycle routes and walking paths have been laid in the park. All of them are divided into difficulty levels, however, any tourist can overcome the most popular one, the Aphrodite trail. Moreover, along it there are many shops, excellent viewing platforms are equipped. Walking through the park, one cannot ignore the local sights – the ruins of the ancient temple of Aphrodite and the slightly more modern, but no less interesting church of Agia Anargyri. By the way, the latter stands out noticeably against the background of the surrounding landscapes, as it is built of white stone.

Those who do not find enough walks can tickle their nerves by flying on a hang glider and once again admire the beauty of Cavo Greco, looking at it from a bird's eye view. Getting to the park from Ayia Napa is not difficult – it can be done by bus, taxi or private car. However, it must be taken into account that public transport in Cyprus is often an unpredictable phenomenon that does not obey any laws. Entrance to the territory is free, at any time of the day or night.

Lighthouse

Lighthouses have served as a guide and salvation for ships for more than one hundred years. The one located in Ayia Napa is no exception. However, in addition to sailors, it has gained popularity among tourists. The snow-white tower, at the foot of which there are large stones, attracts romantics and just those who want to be alone with the sea and their thoughts. Of course, from an architectural point of view, the lighthouse is nothing special, but, nevertheless, it looks impressive.

Visitors to Ayia Napa often think about climbing to the top and taking a look at the surroundings. However, this is impossible to do – the lighthouse is operational and outsiders are not allowed there. But even below you can enjoy the beautiful seascape and views of the city. Not far from the lighthouse is the popular Karousos beach, one of the best in Ayia Napa. Therefore, a day trip can be combined with a pleasant pastime by the sea. But in the evening you can continue the route along the embankment and have dinner at one of the local cafes or restaurants.

Finding a lighthouse is not difficult – it is located at the end of the embankment on a small spit that goes into the sea, and is visible from afar. You can look at it at any convenient time – the territory is not fenced and not guarded. Entrance tickets are therefore not required. However, it is not even worth trying to climb up in any way – the guardians of the order will immediately be found.

Monastery

Ayia Napa in Greek means “Sacred Forests”. That is how the people called this place, who accidentally discovered the icon of the Mother of God in an abandoned cave and decided to settle nearby. Later, the settlement grew and became a fishing village. And in the 20th century, it completely turned into a modern resort. But, the memory of the affairs of bygone days is alive to this day. At the place where the icon was found, a church was first erected. Then a monastery appeared here, built by order of one of the noble Cypriot persons. Having experienced an unhappy love, she decided it was here, in captivity, to spend the rest of her days.

Today, her grave, located in the marble Fountain House, is one of the main attractions of the monastery. Perhaps the most popular is the veil, which Jesus received from Saint Veronica on the way to Golgotha. Not only tourists, but also pilgrims from all over the world strive to look at this shrine and touch it. In addition, guests must be shown a tree near one of the walls of the monastery. Judging by the stories of local guides, he is already over six hundred years old. Whatever it was with the tree, but the architecture of the monastery, built in the 16th century, really deserves attention. Moreover, since then, despite alternating periods of dawn and desolation, its appearance has not changed much.

The monastery is located in the center of Ayia Napa. You can visit it from 9-00 to 18-00 for free. Also inspection is part of any sightseeing tour of the city. In September, the territory of the complex is transformed and becomes the venue for the autumn fair.

Sea caves

Nature sometimes creates such masterpieces, the beauty of which a person can only admire. In the vicinity of Ayia Napa, she tried especially carefully – there are plenty of beautiful places here. However, even against the background of all this magnificence, the sea caves-grottoes stand out noticeably. It's hard to believe, but all of them are the result of the centuries-old efforts of the waves that are zealously beating against the rocks. It is simply impossible to convey in words the beauty of the grottoes of Ayia Napa – this is exactly the case when it is better to see once.

This can be done in several ways. Firstly, while walking on a yacht or boat. They swim as close to the shore as possible. Some moor here for several hours, giving tourists the opportunity not only to admire the caves from afar, but also to swim closer to them. Others, after standing for a few minutes, go on.

You can also look at the caves from the shore. The road from Ayia Napa to this beautiful place will take no more than half an hour if you go on a trip on foot. Even less on a bike. There is also a public transport stop nearby. However, in any case, you need to make sure that the shoes are stable and comfortable – the descent to the caves is rocky. The most extreme tourists, ignoring the numerous signs with prohibitions, jump from steep rocks into the water and swim directly into the grottoes. There are rumors that the wish made inside will certainly come true. However, before deciding to take such a step, it is worth carefully weighing the pros and cons.

bridge of lovers

The bridge of lovers is one of the most popular attractions among honeymooners and just romantic couples. Connoisseurs of natural attractions and just curious tourists often drop in here as well. The bridge, as it is commonly called, is a rock-arch, one end connected to the shore, and the other going into the water. An unusual and impressive creation of nature, which photographers often use as a backdrop for photo shoots. It has long become a tradition among Cypriot newlyweds to come here and take a few pictures as a keepsake.

Tourists also have their own custom associated with the bridge of lovers. It is believed that if you join hands and jump into the water from it, then the feelings will never cool down. By the way, this entertainment is quite safe and not prohibited, but still not everyone decides on it. Guests who are not in the mood to get a dose of adrenaline also do not remain indifferent to the bridge of lovers. Too beautiful landscapes open from it – it can rightfully claim the status of one of the best viewing platforms in the vicinity of Ayia Napa.

You can look at the bridge from the shore or from the sea. Pleasure boats regularly depart from the port, the route of most of them passes here. Many make a stop so that guests can swim and swim under a stone arch. The wish made at the same time must certainly come true. Walking from Ayia Napa to the bridge of lovers will take about 30-40 minutes, you can “speed up” by renting a bike or using a taxi.

Cape Greco

In order to fully feel and understand what the “blue flag” is and what it is given for, what kind of water can be called clean and have an idea of ​​the beauty called unsurpassed, you need to do not much – to visit Cape Greco, located in the vicinity of Ayia- Napa. You can come here at any time of the day or night – Cape Greco is always beautiful. However, very special, bewitching panoramas open during sunset and dawn. To sit together on the edge of the earth and watch the sun set or rise – what could be more romantic?

Cape Greco was chosen not only by romantic couples, but also by divers. Some of them just enjoy the rich underwater world, others are looking for the mysterious sea monster Scylla, half-dog, half-woman. According to Homer, many years ago she snatched sailors from passing ships. Over the past few hundred years, this has not happened, the terrible creature is limited to periodically tearing the nets of fishermen.

It's hard to believe, but civilization has reached even such a beautiful place as Cape Greco. It is not fully accessible to tourists, as part of it is occupied by a carefully guarded American radar station. It does not fit into the surrounding landscape at all, but some inquisitive tourists come just to look at it at least from afar. You can get from Ayia Napa to Cape Greco by taxi, rented bike or private car. With public transport in this area, the situation is extremely poor, so it is better not to count on it.

pirate caves

Pirate Cave is a complex located right in the center of Ayia Napa. It is difficult today to say when and for what purpose incomprehensible stone structures were erected. However, locals claim that many years ago they were a real pirate backwater. If you turn on the imagination, then you can really imagine that this is a primitive defensive line, and treasure chests are still stored at the bottom.

Be that as it may, in our days there is a Black Pearl ship standing here, reminiscent of a ship from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Walks on it are not ordinary, but thematic. Guests are offered snacks in the style of “sea dogs”, as well as games and competitions. So you can end the trip not only with a good mood, but also with a souvenir. Periodically, the ship goes on a night voyage; pirate parties for adults are held on board. In any case, the main ringleaders and actors, day and night, are the legendary Jack Sparrow and his fellow Captain Barbosa.

But even if you don't plan to go on a sea voyage, it’s still worth looking at the pirate caves from the shore. Moreover, it is quite simple to do this – just walk to the center of Ayia Napa. But it is better to clarify the schedule according to which the Black Pearl goes to sea in advance.

Port of Ayia Napa

The port can rightly be considered the heart of the resort of Ayia Napa. A special atmosphere reigns here, which attracts tourists no less than beautiful beaches. Of course, there are no cruise ships on the pier, but there are authentic fishing boats, small boats and romantic yachts. The first thing you can do in the port is to book a boat trip. There are a huge number of them – on different routes and different durations. In any case, those who decide on such an adventure are waiting for beautiful landscapes and swimming in the open sea.

Fishing lovers will also find something to their liking in the port. Local fishermen are happy to take guests with them to the sea and share the secrets of fishing with them. But even if you don’t manage to catch anything here, in the port, every morning there is an impromptu market where you can buy fresh seafood delicacies. At the request of the client, they can be prepared. True, you will have to wait – after all, they will most likely do it at home.

The streets attached to the port also attract tourists. Interesting architecture, colorful cafes and, of course, the opportunity to try the real fish meze, made exclusively from fresh seafood. You can complete the port walk by admiring the evening sunset. The port is located in the central part of Ayia Napa, so you can reach it on foot from almost anywhere in the resort. For those who do not like walking, there are buses. Before you get into one of them, check if it goes to the port.

Famagusta

Not far from Ayia Napa is a city that has witnessed the history of Cyprus, its ups and downs, tragedies and joys. This is Famagusta, founded many centuries ago and was the residence of Richard the Lionheart in the distant Middle Ages. Until 1974, Famagusta was considered one of the most elite European resorts. Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and many other well-known political and economic figures, representatives of the creative elite rested here.

However, difficult relations with Turkey led to the fact that the central region of Varosha was completely destroyed overnight, turning into a ghost town. Local residents, inviting for a walk around the block, claim that there are still “traces of a past life” there, and clothes that were fashionable in the 70s hang in stores. But this, of course, is a myth. Immediately after the tragedy, everything was looted.

However, despite all the ups and downs, the city has preserved many ancient ruins worthy of attention. First of all, this is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Rumor has it that a fig tree next to it was planted at the same time that the foundation was laid, in 1298. The old city is surrounded by a wall – the fortification, built in the Venetian style, is considered the best surviving in Europe. A trip to Famugusta is one of the most popular Cypriot excursions. You can buy it at any local agency. For those who decide to get to the city on their own, it is best to rent a car – public transport in Cyprus is bad and a situation may arise that, having left one way, you can only return by taxi.