Ayia Napa, Cyprus

1. Ayia Napa Sea Caves

Set between Kermia Beach and Cavo Greco at the start of Cape Greco National Forest Park, Ayia Napa Sea Caves are a sight to behold with its rugged natural beauty and the azure waters that surround them. A popular spot for cliff jumpers, these sand-colored geological rock formations are a must-see landmark for visitors and locals alike with impressive features ranging from tunnels to hidden caves and rock bridges. Along with admiring the sea caves from above and below, there are other recreational activities to keep people busy, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Accessible by land and sea, the caves are said to be the hiding place of pirates’ booty over the years.

Sea Cave, Ayia Napa E307, Ayia Napa, Cyprus

2. Makronissos Tombs

Archaeology enthusiasts will want to make their way to the Makronissos Tombs, to explore the relatively recent unearthed site in Ammochostos just west of Ayia Napa. Excavations commissioned by the Municipality of Ayia Napa led to the discovery of a necropolis of 19 ancient tombs along with remnants of an altar and quarry. Experts believe the tombs date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The stone-carved tombs are similar in style and provide a glimpse into the ancient burial practices introduced by the Greeks. Entrance to the archaeological site, which overlooks the Mediterranean is free.

Ammochostos, Cyprus, Phone: +357-23-81-63-00

3. WaterWorld Park

Billed as the biggest themed water park in Europe, WaterWorld Park is a thrill-seekers paradise with slides, wave pools, and other attractions that are sure to make a splash with the entire family. Among the ancient Greece-themed attractions are Apollo’s Plunge, a raft ride with all sorts of surprises and the more relaxing adults-only Aphrodite’s Baths with refreshing waterfalls and fountains within a gorgeous grotto. Over at Drop to Atlantis, the brave of heart speed down a slide before plunging into the pool below. When hunger strikes, there are several options for food and drink, such as the main eatery, Dionysos Temple Restaurant, Homer’s Burger Palace, and Minotaur’s Pizza.

18 Ayia Thekla Road, Ayia Napa (Ayia Napa) 5345, Cyprus, Phone: +357-2-37-24-44

4. Beaches of Ayia Napa

When it comes to beautiful sand and surf, sun-worshippers can take their pick of one of the 14 Beaches of Ayia Napa, some of which are considered the best in the Mediterranean. Each has distinctive features and feel, so it depends on what people are in the mood for at the moment. Perhaps the most popular is Nissi Beach, which is two connecting beaches with two different experiences—one is party central with DJs and parties during the summer months, and the other more east is smaller and more chill. Another possibility is the neighboring Vathia Gonia Beach, or Sandy Bay, known for its fine white sands and serene ambiance, and a top choice among families. Watersports abound here especially jet-skiing and parasailing along with snorkeling.

Ayia Napa, Cyprus

5. Sculpture Park of Ayia Napa

Exquisite works by artists from Cyprus and abroad are on view at the Sculpture Park of Ayia Napa. Nestled near the Paleontological Cave of Hippopotamus, in the area of Strotiskilounarou, the outdoor cultural site was inaugurated on May 2014 and is one of the newest landmarks. Surrounded by natural beauty and panoramic views, the project was spearheaded by the Municipality of Ayia Napa to “promote art and culture, and to offer its citizens and visitors a breath of culture an enviable space they will enjoy.” Among the sculptures to see, are Europa and Zeus, a two-figured composition of male and female by Mischa Pertsev, and The Goddess of the Sun, a limestone creation by Josee Leroux, and Memory of the Wind by Sestilo Burattini.

Kavo Gkreko, Ayia Napa Cyprus, Phone: +357-23-81-63-07

6. Cape Greco Forest Park

Natural splendor is on full display in Cape Greco Forest Park Spanning 885 acres, the national forest park is set between Ayia Napa and Protaras. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do from hiking to biking, picnicking, and even scuba diving and snorkeling, thanks to the crystal clear waters and underwater sea caves. Wildlife is abundant throughout the thick juniper and pine forest, and visitors are likely to encounter lizards and butterflies, as well as spot foxes, hares and a variety of colorful birds. Other notable points of interest worth exploring include a lighthouse, ancient ruins of a temple to Aphrodite, Konnos Bay and the seaside cliffs of the Mediterranean.

E307, Ayia Napa, Cyprus, Phone: +357-22-80-55-11

7. Thalassia Ayia Napa Municipal Museum

In a three-story marble, onyx and wooden building in the heart of Ayia Napa, the Thalassia Ayia Napa Municipal Museum showcases the splendor of the sea. At the center of its collection is a remarkable replica of the Keryneia II trading ship, offering visitors different perspectives of the vessel including a bird’s eye view. Along with exhibits dedicated to marine life with fossilized fish, shells and more, the museum also has several significant Cypriot antiquities including a composite vase from the Early Bronze Age and a clay model ship depicting the Cypro-Archaic II period, among other rare objects.

Leoforos Kryou Nerou, 14, Ayia Napa, Cyprus, Phone: +357-23-81-63-66

8. Ayia Napa Nightlife

Nightlife is never boring in Ayia Napa with several venues to dance until dawn. Considered among the best nightlife in Europe, the clubs in Cyprus usually begin to open for business around April with almost all open by May. Each place offers a different scene playing everything from EDM to pop hits, house and more to the delight of those who are looking to party. The Castle Club is the spot to hear a little bit of everything with different “arenas” dedicated to a different type of music such as R&B and Hip Hop on the second level and trance on the third, while the fourth floor is all about the luxury VIP experience known to bring in A-list DJs and celebrities. Club Ice is known for its themed events such as the Foam Party and UV Paint Party, while Carwash Disco takes you down memory lane playing everything from the seventies, eighties, and nineties.

Carwash Disco: Ayia Napa, Famagusta Cyprus 5330, Phone: +357-23-72-30-29

The Castle Club: 20-22 Louka, Louka, Ayia Napa 5330, Cyprus, Phone: +357-97-77-55-50

Club Ice: 16 Louka, Louka, Ayia Napa 5330, Cyprus, Phone: +357-23-72-46-17

9. Ayia Napa Monastery

In Famagusta region, the Ayia Napa Monastery is a stunning structure named after the Virgin Mary of Napes, who is known as the Saint of the Woods. Although the exact date of the origin of the building is unknown, it has been around since the 15th century during the Venetian rule in Cyprus. Interesting to note is while other monasteries were destroyed during the Ottoman empire, Ayia Napa Monastery was spared. Restored in 1950, the building now serves as an Ecumenical Conference Center.

Ayia Napa, Cyprus, Phone: +357-23-72-17-85

10. Boat Trips and Cruises From Ayia Napa

One of the best parts of being in Ayia Napa is being on the water, and boat trips and cruises are excellent ways to unwind, get out and explore the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. There are several boat tours and cruise operators in the area, each featuring fabulous, must-see spots from Cape Greco to Konnos Bay, and different experience from adventure tours, sunset trips and more. For instance, Summerline Cruises offers the Lazy Day Cruise aboard the Aphrodite II which travels along the East coast of Cyprus, offering incredible views of the beaches and bays, lunch onboard and time to swim.

Lazy Day Cruise: Ayia Napa Harbor, Phone: +357-23-72-25-96