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 best, given below.
Water World Water Park
Water World is the largest outdoor water park not only in Cyprus, but throughout Europe. However, it is famous not so much for its size as 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, there are plenty of them at Water World. Some are ridden by families, while others can only be reached by fans of extreme entertainment. Guests vacationing with a company can even arrange a competition. For example, two of you can go down parallel "snakes", at the Feats of Hercules attraction, or four of you can take part in the Chariot Race. But still, the Fall to Anlantis is considered the most unusual - guests descending on a three-seater boat are accompanied by musical and light effects.
Those who do not like active entertainment will also find something to their liking in Water World. There are sun loungers next to each of the three pools, named after Poseidon, Pegasus and Aphrodite. 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 snack or just drink something cold. A special area is equipped for young 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 here. If you book a ticket on the website, you can save 3 euros and in addition get a small gift - a coupon for a free cocktail. In addition, there is the so-called season pass, which costs 50 euros. An excellent option for those who want to spend a few days in the water park.
Water World is located on the outskirts of Ayia Napa and can be reached by a special bus or taxi. Opening hours - from 10-00 to 18-00. It should be borne in mind that each slide functions according to its own individual schedule.
Blue Lagoon
Cyprus is rich in natural attractions, among which the maritime and coastal have a special place. But even among all this splendor, the Blue Lagoon, located near Ayia Napa, stands out significantly. It got its name not by chance. The water here is, indeed, light and transparent, almost heavenly in color. When you look at the horizon, it seems that the two planes merge and continue on their way together. The lagoon coast is no less picturesque. The rocks are adjacent to more gentle mountains, on the slopes of which spruce trees grow. The landscape, without exaggeration, is fabulous.
There are two ways to view the lagoon - from the water or from the shore. The first one is completely safe and simple - pleasure boats leave from the port quite often. For some of them, the Laguna is the final destination, others follow. 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 route chosen and can vary from 8-10 to several hundred euros (we are talking about a trip for several days). Also here you can find 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, it is not recommended to travel around these parts on your own without knowledgeable guides.
Forest park Kavo Gkreko
Not far from Ayia Napa, there is the beautiful Cavo Greco National Park, where you can perfectly diversify your vacation, go in for sports, get a rush of adrenaline or spend time alone with nature. The territory of the park is, in fact, a forest on the coast. Its employees do their best to ensure that their projects fit into natural natural landscapes as harmoniously as possible. For example, an orchid park or a collection of bulbs, daffodils, crocuses and irises are 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 path of Aphrodite. Moreover, there are many benches along it, wonderful viewing platforms are equipped. Walking through the park, you cannot ignore the local sights - the ruins of the ancient temple of Aphrodite and the slightly more modern, but no less interesting church of Agii Anargyri. By the way, the latter stands out noticeably against the background of the surrounding landscapes, as it was built of white stone.
Those for whom walks are not enough can tickle their nerves by taking a hang-glider flight 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 - you can do it by bus, taxi or private car. However, it should be borne in mind that public transport in Cyprus is often an unpredictable phenomenon that does not obey any laws. The entrance to the territory is free, at any time of the day or night.
Lighthouse
Lighthouses have been serving 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 being a sailor, he gained popularity among tourists. The snow-white tower, at the foot of which there are large stones, attracts romantics and simply 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 cannot be done - the lighthouse is active and outsiders are not allowed there. But even below you can enjoy the beautiful seascape and city views. Not far from the lighthouse is the popular Karousos Beach, one of the best in Ayia Napa. Therefore, a day walk can be combined with a pleasant pastime by the sea. But in the evening you can continue the route along the embankment and dine at one of the local cafes or restaurants.
It is not difficult to find the lighthouse - it is located at the end of the embankment on a small spit leading into the sea and is visible from afar. You can look at it at any convenient time - the territory is not fenced or guarded. Entrance tickets are therefore not required. However, you shouldn't even try to climb up in any way - the keepers of order will immediately be found.
Monastery
Ayia Napa translated from Greek means “Sacred forests”. This is the name given to this place by people who accidentally discovered an 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 turned into a modern resort altogether. But, the memory of the deeds of bygone days is still alive today. 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 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. The most popular is perhaps the veil that Jesus received from St. Veronica on the way to Calvary. Not only tourists, but also pilgrims from all over the world strive to see and touch this shrine. In addition, guests must be shown a tree at one of the walls of the monastery. Judging by the stories of local guides, he is 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 the alternating periods of dawns and desolations, its appearance has practically not changed.
The monastery is located in the center of Ayia Napa. You can visit it from 9-00 to 18-00 absolutely free of charge. Also, the inspection is part of any sightseeing tour of the city. In September, the territory of the complex is transformed and becomes the venue for an autumn fair.
Sea caves-grottoes
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 splendor, the sea caves-grottoes stand out noticeably. It's hard to believe, but all of them are the result of centuries-old efforts of waves that beat with zeal against the rocks. It is simply impossible to convey in words the beauty of Ayia Napa's grottoes - this is just the case when it is better to see it 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 further.
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 foot. Even less on the 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, not paying attention to the numerous prohibition signs, jump from sheer cliffs into the water and swim directly into the grottoes. There are rumors that the wish made inside will certainly come true. However, before deciding on such a step, it is worth carefully weighing the pros and cons.
Lovers' bridge
Lovers' Bridge is one of the most popular attractions among newlyweds and just romantic couples. Connoisseurs of natural attractions and just curious tourists often drop in here. 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 been a tradition among Cypriot newlyweds to come here and take a few pictures as a souvenir.
Tourists also have their own custom associated with the bridge of lovers. It is believed that if you hold hands and jump from it into the water, the feelings will never cool down. By the way, this entertainment is completely 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 up 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 leave the port on a regular basis, 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. A walk from Ayia Napa to the Lovers' Bridge 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, there is not much to do - 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, mesmerizing panoramas open up during dusk and dawn. To sit together at the end of the earth and watch the sun go down 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, a half-dog, half-woman. According to Homer, many years ago she snatched sailors from passing ships. Over the past several hundred years, this has not happened, the terrible creature is limited to periodically tearing fishermen's nets.
It's hard to believe, but even to such a beautiful place as Cape Greco, civilization has reached. It is not fully accessible to tourists, as part of it is occupied by a closely guarded American radar station. It does not fit into the surrounding landscape at all, but some curious tourists come precisely to look at it at least from afar. You can get from Ayia Napa to Cape Greco by taxi, rented bike or private car. Public transport in this area is extremely bad, so it is better not to rely on it.
Pirate caves
The Pirate Cave is a complex located right in the center of Ayia Napa. Today it is difficult to say when and for what purpose the incomprehensible stone structures were erected. However, local residents claim that many years ago they were a real pirate backwater. If you turn on your imagination, then you can really imagine that this is a primitive defensive line, and treasure chests are kept at the bottom to this day.
Anyway, in our day, there is the Black Pearl ship, reminiscent of the ship from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The walks on it are not ordinary, but thematic. Guests can enjoy sea wolf-style snacks as well as games and contests. So you can end your trip not only in a good mood, but also as a souvenir. From time to time, the ship goes on a night voyage, and pirate parties for adults are held on board. In any case, the main instigators and characters, day and night, are the legendary Jack Sparrow and his comrade Captain Barbosa.
But even if you do not plan to go on a sea voyage, it is still worth looking at the pirate caves from the shore. Moreover, it is quite simple to do it - it is enough to walk to the center of Ayia Napa. But about the schedule according to which the Black Pearl goes to sea, it is better to clarify in advance.
Ayia Napa Port
The port can rightfully be considered the heart of Ayia Napa resort. There is a special atmosphere here that attracts tourists no less than the beautiful beaches. Of course, you can't find cruise liners at 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. A huge number of them are offered - along different routes and of different durations. In any case, those who decide on such an adventure will find beautiful landscapes and swimming in the open sea.
Fishing enthusiasts will also find something to do in the port. Local fishermen are happy to take guests with them to the sea and share with them the secrets of the trade. But even if you can't catch anything yourself here, in the port, every morning there is an impromptu market where you can buy fresh seafood delicacies. They can be prepared at the request of the client. True, you will have to wait - after all, this will most likely be done at home.
The small streets leading to the port also attract tourists. Interesting architecture, colorful cafes and, of course, the opportunity to taste the real fish meze made exclusively from fresh seafood. You can end your boat trip 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 are not attracted to walks, there are buses. Before getting 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 the former 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 famous 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 the stores. But this is, of course, a myth. Immediately after the tragedy, everything was plundered.
However, despite all the twists and turns, the city has preserved many ancient ruins worthy of attention. First of all, it is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. It is rumored that the fig tree next to it was planted at the same time the foundation was laid, in 1298. The old town is walled - the Venetian-style fortification is considered the best preserved in Europe. A trip to Famugusta is one of the most popular excursions in Cyprus. You can purchase it from 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, it will be possible to return only by taxi.
