15 Best Things To Do In Ayia Napa

Learn the best things to see and do in lovely Ayia Napa. Located in one of the most beautiful parts of Cyprus, Ayia Napa offers some of its most outstanding beaches, has its liveliest nightlife, and has stunning coastal landscape features to explore in Cape Greco National Forest Park.

This city runs along the southern coast of Cyprus, from just west of the Ayia Napa Marina to Cape Greco point on the its southeastern tip, then up around the corner towards Protaras.

The name Ayia Napa is derived from the ancient word Napa, which means forest-covered valley, from the dense juniper forest that once covered this area. Adding Ayia to Napa makes it Holy Forest. Today, this forest is a variety of mostly sparse, low level pine, but still delightful, dotted with beautiful, golden sandy beaches and the azure-blue Mediterranean in the distance.

Best Things To Do In Ayia Napa 

These are over 30 beaches in Ayia Napa, with 14 of them Blue Flag beaches (a certification that the beach is sustainable and meets stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria). It’s best Blue Flag beaches are noted below, listed from west to east along the coast.

Makronissos Beach

Makronissos Beach is a family beach, located closer to the western side of Ayia Napa. The land here forms a small cape, that looks a bit like a mermaids tail from above. It’s flanked on the sides by golden sand. This quiet, family beach, has shallow, calm clear-blue water, perfect for all ages. Plus, at the tip of the tail, you can find some tombs that you can explore for free.

Similar to other beaches in Cyprus, there are several restaurants and bars, restrooms, and changing facilities, and you can rent lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a variety of water-sport equipment.

How To Get To Makronissos Beach

Located about a mile (1.6 km) east of Ayia Napa Marina, you can drive or take the bus. To get here by bus, take the 101/102 (depending if heading east/west) to the Makronissos Beach bus stop on Nissi Avenue. It’s about 1 mile (1.6 km) west of Nissi Beach.

Nissi Beach

Nissi Beach is consistently noted as one of the most beautiful beaches of Ayia Napa (and Cyprus). The sand is soft and plush, the water is clear, azure blue, and there is a small islet, Nissi islet, across from the bay. This islet actually is how the beach gets its name (the word nissi means “island” in Greek).

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It’s connected by a sand bar, so depending on water levels, you walk on the sand, or wade through the water to get to Nissi islet from the bay. Make sure to bring your shoes though, as the island itself can be a bit rocky.

There are several bars/cafes on the beach here, like Nissi Bay Beach Bar, Isola Beach Bar, and Luma, and there’s usually a party going, day and night. DJ’s are also usually playing, so on top of attracting a young, cool crowd, it’s definitely a party beach. The dance floor below also hosts foam parties Tuesdays and Fridays from 15:00 to 18:00.

How To Get To Nissi Beach

To get here, take the 101/102 (depending on if heading east/west) to the Nissi Beach bus stop on Nissi Avenue by the Vassos Nissi Plage Hotel.

Glyki Nero Beach

Also called Maistrali Beach for the lovely Maistrali Seafood Seaview Restaurant above it, Glyki Nero Beach is another one of the more beautiful beaches in Cyprus. It’s located roughly 4 miles (6 km) east of Nissi Beach. The plant-lined cliffs by this beach give it a dramatic, different look, yet the golden sand is fluffy, and the water is calm and shallow, so perfect for all ages.

There’s also a sports center here, for jet skis, parasailing, and more, as well as a bar for snacks and drinks, and restaurants nearby. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and there are restrooms and changing facilities.

The Bridge for Lovers (see below) is about 1/3 miles (.5 km) east of here, so you can swim there from this beach. There are several sea caves along the way which you can explore by sea. Or take a boat tour of the area. You can also walk to Lovers Bridge from here. Just bring good footwear for the rocky coast.

How To Get To Glyki Nero Beach

To get to Glyki Nero Beach, take the 101/102 (depending on if heading east/west) to Krio Nero Avenue 1 or 2, by the Alion Beach Hotel, Grecian Sands, and Melissi Beach Hotels, and Maistrali Restaurant. From there, walk down to the beach.

Konnos Beach

Konnos Beach is north of Cape Greco point, up the eastern side of Cyprus. Technically, it’s on the border of Ayia Napa and Protaras. The beach is surrounded by high rocky headlands on either side, covered with pine. This gives it an exclusive feel. Several points along the headland offer beautiful views down to the beach.

There are steps leading down to the beach area, which has soft, golden sand and shallow water, making it safe for families. The water also has some interesting rock formations, which add to its beauty, as well as making this a good place to snorkel.

There is a cafe/bar, restrooms and changing facilities, as well as lounge chairs and umbrellas available for rent. There are also a variety of water sport options if you want something more active, like jet skis, kayaks, snorkel equipment, and more.

How To Get To Konnos Beach

To get here by bus, take the 101 to the Konnos Bay bus stop on Leoforos Konnou Avenue by Konnos Bay Hotel.

The Blue Lagoon

There’s a place called the Blue Lagoon on both the west side of Cyprus (see my post on Paphos) and in Ayia Napa on the east coast. The Blue Lagoon in Ayia Napa is located on the north side of Cape Greco Peninsula, at the southeastern tip of Cyprus in a rocky coastal Park called Cape Greco National Park. There is no sand here, only rocky outcrops zig-zagging along the coast, and amazingly clear azure-blue water to jump in for a swim. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon swimming. It’s also popular for boaters and boat tours.

You need to have good mobility to walk around here, due to the rocks. The rocks can also be a bit slippery when wet, so water shoes are a good idea here.

The Blue Lagoon has several mobile food and drink stands, where you can get lunch, ice cream, snacks, and a nice variety of alcoholic beverages. Especially in peak season. There are also several dirt roads in the area, so it’s very popular to rent a buggy to drive here and race around the tracks.

How To Get To The Blue Lagoon

You can arrive via car (or buggy), boat, or bus. There is a parking area nearby if arriving by car and multiple boat tours visit the lagoon. To get here by bus, take the 101/102 bus to the Kavo Greko bus stop near the Kavo Greko Visitor Center. When you get off the bus, head east (towards the Visitor Center). You’ll see a weather-worn sign to Aphrodite Path on your right hand side. Follow the rocky trail down to the peninsula. It’s a little less than a mile, taking about 20-minutes. This path is a bit rocky and uneven, so re

If you’d prefer a tour, I recommend this one: Lazy Day Cruise, Sea Caves, Blue Lagoon, & Lunch, which leaves from the Ayia Napa Harbor, or the Daily Boat Trip to Cape Greco and Blue Lagoon, which leaves from the Protaras Harbor.

Bridge of Lovers

This popular natural arch, called Bridge of Lovers, or Love Bridge, is located east of Glyki Nero Beach, along the coast, also in Cape Greco National Park. According to local legend, kissing your lover on the bridge will make your wishes come true.

One of the most beautiful attractions on Cape Greko coast, this rocky, natural bridge is about 20’ (6 m) long. They say it’s dangerous to jump, which it probably is, as there are rocks underneath, but you’ll see a stream of people doing so anyway. At least when the water levels are high enough. Please research water levels before jumping in yourself.

How To Get To The Bridge Of Lovers

You can arrive by car, boat tour, or combination bus/walking. Boat tours leave from Ayia Napa and Protaras multiple times a day. However, they’re usually packed with people and only rest for few minutes, so I personally think it’s better to visit in person (unless you’re not comfortable with the rocky terrain).

To get here by bus, take bus 101/102 (depending on if heading east/west). Get off at the Marina bus stop, by the Marina Hotel, just below the Ayia Napa International Sculpture Symposium. From there, follow the road and paths down towards the sea.

Sea Caves 

Roughly 3 miles (5 km) east of Lovers Bridge, towards the eastern tip of Cape Greco, are the Sea Caves. According to local legend, pirates once used these caves to hide their booty. Today, it’s a very popular place to watch the sunset. It’s also a poplar spot for photography, especially weddings. I visited twice, and both times there was a couple with a professional photographer taking pictures.

Make sure to walk to the edge of the cliffs on the left-hand side. That’s where you’ll find the spot to climb down to one of the caves (where I got this photo). Remember to wear good footwear (or go barefoot). Many people will be climbing up and down here, and there can be quite a few people jockeying for space in the cave. As sunset draws near, it will start to thin out.

This is also a popular place to cliff jump. Access out of the sea is the same place as the access to the cave above, making it even more crowded.

How To Get To The Sea Caves

Located about 1/2 mile (.8 km) east of the Grecian Sands Hotel by Glyki Nero Beach, you can drive (there is a parking lot in the dirt) or take the bus and walk. The road to turn down or walk down is not marked and looks like it’s in the middle of nowhere on E307, so use your GPS if driving. All you will see is a gravel road to the sea with a tiny sign that says “Sea Caves”.

To get here by bus, take the bus 101 from Ayia Napa or 102 from Protaras. Ask the driver which stop it is, or track it on your phone. You need to cross the (busy) street and walk down the gravel road to the coast. If you arrive near sunset, there will already be a crowd.

Cape Greko Viewpoint

Cape Greko Viewpoint, or Cape Greco Viewpoint is another popular place to watch the sunset. The viewpoint is 311’ (95 m) above sea level, so a bit of a hike.

Between this and the sea caves, I actually preferred the latter, but only if you plan to watch the sunset from inside the cave at the end. If you have 2 nights, please do both! The. Let me know below which is your favorite.

How To Get To Cape Greko Viewpoint

Located about a mile (1.6 km) east of the Sea Caves, you can drive or take the bus/walk. If driving, there is a car park partway up the hill, saving some walking. To get here by bus, take the bus 101 from Ayia Napa or 102 if coming down from Protaras, to the Kavo Greko bus stop near the Kavo Greko Visitor Center. When you get off the bus, head southeast (away from the Visitor Center) following the road to the viewpoint. It’s a little less than a mile, taking about 15 to 20-minutes to walk up to the cliff top.

Kamara Toy Koraka, or Sinners’es Bridge

This is a natural bridge near the coast, north of Cape Greco Peninsula. Unfortunately, it’s damaged and crumbling, so surrounded by fencing to prevent people from climbing on it. I took the photo below through the wire fence grid, but it’s completely enclosed. It’s still an interesting place to visit if you have an abundance of time. If not, skip it. If you do, I think it’s best at sunrise, to see the sun rising over the arch. There are also walking trails in the area.

How To Get To Kamara Toy Koraka

To get here by bus, take the bus 101 from Ayia Napa or 102 if coming down from Protaras, to the Kavo Greko bus stop near the Kavo Greko Visitor Center. After getting off the bus, follow the road towards the Visitor Center. At the fork in the road, turn to the left and follow this road around to the coast.

Ayia Napa Nightlife: The Best In Cyprus

Ayia Napa is renowned as the best in Cyprus, with many bars nightclubs, some say over 80. Each has a unique theme or vibe to,explore. They get started late, around 11 PM, and stay open until early morning. There’s a mix of DJ’s places, live events, festivals, and concerts, with the party often spilling into the street.

With so many pubs you may not know where to start. If this is the case, try a pub crawl to hit the best hot spots. This way you’ll also meet up with kindred partiers.

The most popular place to be is what is known as The Square, which is on the main drag in the heart of town, close to the I Love Ayia Napa sculpture.

The Ayia Napa Sculpture Park

The Ayia Napa sculpture park is a free, open air garden near the sea. There are a variety of sculptures created by more than 50 artists from around the world. You’ll see animals, beasts, mythological works, busts, modern installations, and more with the backdrop of the sea behind them.

This park is located on Kavo Greko road across from the Marina Hotel. To get here by bus, exit at the Marina bus stop.

The Ghost Town Of Famagusta

Varosha, in Famagusta, once the most famous beach in Cyprus and visited by the rich and famous, became an inaccessible military zone and ghost town after it was taken over by the Turkish Cypriots in 1974. If you want, you can take a guide tour here. I recommend this one: Ghost-Town Famagusta Tour, which picks you up from your hotel in Ayia Napa.

You will learn the sad fate of this town (which may be disturbing to some people), walk the barricaded streets of Varosha, and see its top sites. Note that a passport or European ID is required for this tour.

WaterWorld Waterpark

The family friendly waterpark of WaterWorld, has an ancient Greece theme, with water slides, wave pools, and kids’ areas.

Check their website for the height restrictions on various rides before booking (they vary), to make sure there is no disappoint. Look under each ride under the Rides and Attractions page.

There are many eateries and snack bars in the park. They say not to bring your own.

How To Get To WaterWorld Waterpark

You can drive or take the bus to get here. To get here take the 101/102 to Agias Theklas 1, which is located directly in front of the parking area.

Dive The Zenobia Wreck

The Zenobia Wreck Dive Site is actually located off the coast of Larnaca, but many (many) dive shops offer trips from all over the island. This Swedish ferry sank here on its maiden voyage in 1980. Thankfully all passengers survived.

The wreck, which is now a haven for aquatic life, is located 137’ (42 m) down, and you can still see the 100 cargo trucks chained to its deck. It’s ranked as one of the best wreck dives in the world, although I think mainly due to the fact that it’s close to shore, so easy to access. Being so deep, it’s not something you can see snorkeling or in a glass bottom boat.

I didn’t do this dive, but talked to a dive shop that planned 2 dives in one day to see it, as it’s quite large. Once to see the exterior and once to enter/exit through a door/window. It will need to be a future trip for me.

MUSAN

MUSAN (Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa) is an underwater sculpture park, with 130 sculptures created by a reef artist. the sculptures are designed from materials that attract coral, and are set between kelp, which will grow to become an attractive wildlife habitat.

You can snorkel or dive here, although only divers will be able to access the deepest parts of the park, which can range down to 26-32’ (8-10 m).

How To Get To MUSAN

MUSAN is situated off the coast of Pernera Beach in Ayia Napa, east of Nissi Beach.

Where To Stay In Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa

When I visited Cyprus, I had no idea where to stay and ended up near Fig Tree Bay. It was nice up there, and known to be a little quieter, but next time I will stay near Nissi and Makronissos Beach, which was my favorite area. I’ve researched and found a few in this area that get great ratings.

Shoestring

• House of Nissus has dorms for solo travelers located north of Nissi Beach. This ‘house’ gets good reviews for sociability and is only a 15-minute walk to Nissi Beach.

Budget

• Millie’s Apartments are highly rated budget apartments located less than a mile east of Nissi Beach. They feature a kitchenette and dining area along with a balcony with city views. 

Affordable

• Nissi Villa is a 2 bedroom villa with a kitchen and a balcony with sea views. It’s also a 7-minute walk from Latchi Adams beach and an 11-minute walk to Lamda Beach. 
• Silver Sea Holiday Apartments are budget apartments located a 5-minute drive east of Nissi Beach. The apartments have a kitchen and balcony with city views.

Moderate

• The Vassos Nissi Plage Hotel is just a 2-minute walk to Nissi Beach. It has an outdoor and and indoor swimming pool, a sauna and fitness room and rooms have balconies and sea views.

Splurge

• Leo Boutique Beachfront is about a 5-minute drive west of Nissi and Makronissos beach that gets great reviews. The vacation home has 3 bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, so is great for a group.

Where To Stay In Protaras

Protaras

You can also stay in Protaras, which is on the eastern coast above Cape Greco. I did not know the best place to stay when I visited and chose to stay here. It was (relatively) nice and quiet, as it’s more of a family area.

The place I stayed at near Fig Tree Bay Beach has closed for renovation, so I selected other options that are highly rated in the Protaras area. As noted above, buses run regularly alomg the coast, so it’s relatively easy to stay in one area and visit multiple beaches.

Affordable

• Emerald Suites offer a kitchen and sea views with a balcony. It’s located between Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Beach.

Moderate

• Catherine Coastal Palace is a 2 bedroom apartment with kitchen and a terrace with city views within walking distance of Fig Tree Beach. Some rooms offer sea views.
• Romeo and Juliet are modern villas with 3 bedrooms and a kitchen located between Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Beach. There is also a private pool and sea views.

Splurge

• The vacation home of Fig Tree Residences is a short walk from Fig Tree Bay. It has 6 bedrooms and sleeps up to 14, making it perfect for a group. It also has 4 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a private pool and a terrace with sea views. A sauna and hot tub are also available.

Want To Learn More About Cyprus?

Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, offers a variety of beautiful beaches, intersting history, fascinating ruins, and lovely landscape.

To see all the highlights of this unique island, it’s best to rent a car and zoom around to see the highlights in Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Protaras, Nicosia, and nearby scenic areas. I’ve listed them all in one place in Top Tourist Attractions of Cyprus.

I also created a Travel Guide for Cyprus to see the highlights, as well as how to get around, safety, visa issues, money matters, and more.

Safe Travels!

Julie

Want to learn more about me? See my About Me page to understand why I love traveling so much and my philosophies on travel.