Ayia Napa

Origin of Ayia Napa

The name Ayia Napa is derived from name of the monastery, which was located in the town centre during the Venetian era. In old times town was surrounded by a dense forest and word “Napa” means “wooded valley”, “Ayia” means “holy”.

Ayia Napa has a long history, it was even featured in the Venetian maps and mentioned by Leontios Machairas, Mas Latrie and Florio Bustron. It has been known before the advent of the Venetians in Cyprus.

Info about Ayia Napa

Georgaphically, Ayia Napa is located at the Eastern coast of Cyprus, Near Cape Greco, in Famagousta district (part of the district, which remained unoccupied during the Turkish invasion in 1974. It is conveniently located within only 46 km from Larnaca International Airport. Before 1970 Ayia Napa was a small village. After 1972 there were erected numerous hotels and hotel apartments.

Today Ayia Napa hosts a large number of tourists and is famous for its white sandy beaches, various popular water sports and night life. Beaches are strictly supervised by the Cyprus Tourism Organization in order to keep them in a “perfect shape” for the tourists. Every beach in Ayia Napa is awarded with Blue Flag – a titul given to the beaches that pass strict criteria in water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. Harbour Beach, which is also known as Limanaki or Pantahou beach, is the longest beach in Ayia Napa, is a very relaxing beach and is mainly attractive for the families. Other popular beach in Ayia Napa is Nissi Beach, which is mainly popular amongst the clubbers and the youth. Lanta (Landa), or the New Golden Bay beach is a less busy beach with large variety of facilities on offer.

Over the years Ayia Napa has transformed from a “fishing village” to a nightlife paradise. Best Europe’s DJs play music here during the summer months. It is also favorite place of many footballers, such as Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Andy Cole and other celebritiess.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

The little harbor (Limanaki)

All life in the pass focused around this fishing shelter. Its limestone branches, colourdul boats and various fish restaurants are still very impressive.

The Square

It is a central part of town, where you will find various night clubs, shops, restaurants and. It is considered by many a center of night life in Cyprus.

Macronissos Tombs

Excavations of this site, sponsored by the Ayia Napa Improvement Board, were undertaken between the end of November 1989 and early January 1990. Nineteen rock-cut tombs have been excavated as well as a small sanctuary located to the east of the burial grounds. An ancient quarry was also discovered there, prolonged use if which has unfortunately affected the tombs. These tombs were used during Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Marine Life Museum (Thalassa museum)

You can find it in the Town Hall of Ayia Napa's. This museum is unique as it is the first museum of this type in Cyprus. Marine life of past and present is presented there. A special emphasis is made on the of the marine life preserving. Even the specimen shown in this museum are removed from their habitat after their death.

Ayia Napa Monastery

Ayia Napa Monastery is the most imposing cultural monument of Ayia Napa. Its architectural details clearly indicate its Venetian character. According to the local legends in a cave, which today forms Orthodox Chapel of the monastery, Icon of Virgin Mary was discovered. After that the cave turned into a sacred site and was worshipped by the locals.