Once only a small fishing village, Ayia Napa has become one of the world’s best travel destinations, known as a cosmopolitan resort area. Located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, it is a town of great beauty, full of history and culture, with friendly and hospitable people. Nearby Protaras is a popular resort area with some of the world’s best golden beaches, crystal clear waters and lively entertainment. Whether you are looking for fascinating history, vibrant culture and nightlife, astounding natural beauty or a relaxing beach vacation, together these areas make up one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable destinations.

Blue Flag Beaches

Ayia Napa Boasts 14 Blue Flag beaches which from East to West are Konnos Bay, Kermia, Ammos tou Kambouri, Glyki Nero, Pantachou, Loukkos tou Manti, Katsarka, Pernera, Vathia Gonia (Sandy Bay), Nissi, Nissi Bay, Lanta, Macronissos and Agia Thekla. Most of the beaches in this area have lifeguards available during daylight hours from April until October. All have warning flag systems and locations of other facilities such as toilets, showers, snack bars and watersports.

Location

Ayia Napa lies near Cape Greco at the eastern part of Cyprus, south of Famagusta, and forms part of a larger area known as Kokkinochoria (“Red Villages”, a name derived from the vivid red colour of the soil).

History

The oldest building in the town is the Ayia Napa monastery which is built around 1500. The name “Ayia Napa” means “Holy wooded valley”. Far in the past, the area around the town was a forest.

Ayia Napa Annual Events

Ayia Napa offers a variety of annual events, including :

Ayia Napa International Festival – The festival has events that reflect the historical, cultural and agricultural traditions of Ayia Napa and all of Cyprus. Visitors have the opportunity to learn the traditions and customs of the local people, the musical traditions and folk art, also to enjoy the warm Cypriot hospitality.

BCL Music Festival – Held at the stunning beachside venue of Poseidon Beach, Ayia Thekla. Watch your favourite artists perform on stage whilst you dance under the stars. BCL aims to bring some of the most popular acts from around the globe every year – Previous line-ups have seen artists such as Craig Davids TS5, Chase and Status, Pendulum and many more.

Kataklysmos Flood Festival – The action down in Ayia Napa lasts for several days as locals enjoy a public holiday while all sorts of fun water-based activities come to life. Each year, the Ayia Napa Municipality organises a whole host of music and dance performances down by the harbor.

Ayia Napa Cultural Winter – The festival includes symphonies, concerts, and recitals by talented local and foreign musicians whose performances are thoroughly enjoyed and anticipated with enthusiasm. With art, music, theatre, and dance thrown into the mix, there is something for every taste.

Fig Tree Bay

Fig Tree Bay is the most precious gem on this coastal tiara and is named after the solitary fig tree that was planted here by eastern invaders in the 17th century. A selection of watersports abounds at these beaches, ranging from skiing and paragliding to snorkeling and scuba diving, and boats wait on the piers to take you on unforgettable trips. The bay also has excellent facilities, it provides disabled access and is serviced by a lifeguard.

Agios Nicolaos Fishing Harbour

The small scenic harbor of Agios Nicolaos is located in the resort of Pernera and is overlooked by the chapel of Agios Nicolaos, which adds some island colour to the place. Visitors can rest and have a coffee while enjoying fine views of the sea and the harbor and watching the boats come and go. At sunset, the whole scenery is even more breathtaking.

Konnos Beach

Located to the East of Agia Napa, Konnos bay stands out from within the Cape Greco National Park. Found in between Protaras and Agia Napa, the beach is prominent for its white sands and crystal clear water. Flanked by rocky hills full of pine trees, the road to the beach offers excellent opportunities for amazing photographs. Special plastic sun beds, tailor-made for this beach and which can be used on water, are available for rent. Many yachters drop anchor here to relax for hours.

Ayia Napa Nights

Ayia Napa offers a variety of nightlife and entertainment that suits all, including:

Traditional meze at a selection of restaurants
Cocktails in trendy lounge bars
Live artist performances
Cliff bar with stunning views

Bar Crawls
The buzz of the harbor at night
Kids entertainment
Ayia Napa sculpture park at sunset

Ayia Napa Monastery

Seferi central square, Ayia Napa

Located at a prime position in town within the central square, this Venetian monastery built in Gothic style dates back to the 15th century. Offering a haven of tranquility in this lively resort, visitors can enjoy a lovely courtyard and fountain while the sycamore tree near the south gate is said to be over 600 years old. Between 1978 and 2006, the complex was used as an ecumenical center.

Ayia Thekla Chapel

Situated by Agia Thekla Beach, Ayia Napa

Ayia Thekla is located just by the stunning Ayia Thekla beach, a few kilometers west of Ayia Napa, and lies on the boundaries between Ayia Napa and Sotira village. The steps at the front of the chapel lead to the so-called Ayia Thekla Catacomb, originally used as a burial cave which was converted to a place of worship by the early Christians.

Makronissos Tombs

Located by the Makronissos beach strip, Ayia Napa

It’s not often that you can enjoy a bit of history while lazing on the beach, but the Makronissos tombs prove to be a great exception to the rule. With these tombs used during the Hellenistic and Roman period, nineteen of them have been excavated to date alongside a small sanctuary to the east of the burial grounds and part of an ancient quarry adjacent to the cemetery. Recent studies indicate that some of the tombs suffered as a result of the continuous use of the quarry.

Nissi Beach

Nissi Avenue, Ayia Napa

Nissi Beach is often hailed as one of the most gorgeous beaches in the entire Mediterranean region by international media. If you love to work on your tan with a hub of activity around you then this will be your idea of beachside paradise. That’s not to forget thrilling water sports rides and bustling beach bars where tourists and locals mix and mingle.

New Developments and Investments in Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa Marina

The Ayia Napa Marina will host approximately 600 yachts, alongside two one-hundred-meter-tall apartment towers and beach villas. Incorporated into the design of the marina is the commercial aspect of the project that will include high-end shopping, featuring a fitness and spa center. Once completed it will add a new dimension to Ayia Napa and attract yet another segment of the tourism industry.

Vivo Mare

Nowhere in Cyprus will you find a residential development that can compare with Vivo Mare. The combination of sizeable villas directly on the sea, set in a private and natural environment yet only a few minutes from daily amenities is unique. Vivo Mare is limited to only 9 magnificent villas offering a choice of 5 inspiring designs surrounded by generous gardens. A home at Vivo Mare is not just a favourably priced exclusive residence, but also a guaranteed investment.

Future Developments and Projects

The economic growth in Ayia Napa and Cyprus continues to increase, many locals and individuals around the globe have realised the opportunities that Cyprus has to offer. With an expanding tourist season and investment programs provided by the government, Cyprus is reaching its full potential. Currently many projects are under construction, however, the opportunity to invest is still present as many new developments and projects are coming to fruition. If you wish to invest in the up and coming Island of Cyprus contact SkyPrime today.