The 12 Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Ayia Napa in Cyprus is one of the most stunning areas of the Mediterranean. Characterized by glistening turquoise waters and jaw dropping sea caves, this is a must visit for your island stay. Keep reading and you'll see why this is the most desirable region to visit in Cyprus.
Cypriots flock to this area of the country for vacation, and it is apparent why. Come to Ayia Napa and you will find some of Europe's best beaches, and some real hidden gems. Here are 12 best things to do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus.
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Where is Ayia Napa in Cyprus?
Ayia Napa is located on the south east end of Cyprus, on the very end of the Greek side of the island. Located right on the coast, the small town is highly frequented by both tourists and locals alike.
Ayia Napa is in the south east of Cyprus.
How to Get to Ayia Napa in Cyprus
Cyprus is a relatively small island, making it pretty easy to get most places. There are two airports that serve Cyprus internationally, which are Paphos and Larnaca. Paphos is about 145 km away, and takes 2 hours and 45 minutes in bus. Larnaca is just 44 km away, and takes a little over a half hour to drive to.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Everywhere". This way you can see which cities in Europe are the cheapest to fly to (once you're in Europe it's super cheap to get to Cyprus). Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for your getting there!
Search for a flight to Cyprus:
We definitely suggest renting a car to get to Ayia Napa, as it is very easy to do so in Cyprus, and is the best way to explore in our opinion. There are also buses that you can get, which we have mentioned down below.
Want to visit Ayia Napa but don't have a car? Here are a few options to choose from:
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Entry Requirements for Cyprus
Want to know the requirements to enter Cyprus? We cover all of the visa and Covid-related requirements in our "Complete Guide to Visit Cyprus" that you can check out by reading our blog below:
Local Adjustments
Cyprus is a country that is interesting, as it is actually influenced by a couple of countries. Here are a few important things to know when you visit Ayia Napa in Cyprus.
What Language is Mostly Spoken in Cyprus?
The two official languages in Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. In Ayia Napa the language spoken is Greek, but there are also plenty of people that can speak English too.
Does Cyprus Have It's Own Currency?
The official currency in Ayia Napa Cyprus is the Euro. Currently, (October 2023) the euro and the dollar are almost equal. Most things in Cyprus can be paid with credit card, but we suggest keeping some cash for tipping and small markets.
Can You Use British Pounds in Cyprus?
No, you cannot you British Pounds, Dollars, or other currencies in Cyprus. We suggest going to a local ATM to take out Euros while you are in Cyprus.
What Plug Do I Need for Ayia Napa?
This one is a bit of a curveball. Although Cyprus is part of the EU, this is where they are actually more influenced by the British. Make sure to remember to bring an adapter with you, as the plugs are the three pronged outlets that are found in the UK.
Is it Okay to Drink Tap Water in Cyprus?
The water is completely safe to drink on this island. While it is custom to drink bottled water in restaurants, there is no problem ordering tap water instead. We suggest having a refillable water bottle to take around with you and keep you hydrated. We use the 17oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle by Cafago, as it holds the temperature well.
How Much Do You Tip in Cyprus?
Tipping is not super typical in the culture here. If you feel like you've gotten very good service, you can simply round up to the nearest euro, or leave up to 5% of the bill.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Now that you know where Ayia Napa in Cyprus is located, how to get there, and some of the local adjustments, let's jump into the fun part! Here are the best things to do in Ayia Napa.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #1: Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in all of Ayia Napa in Cyprus. With its pristine waters and white sand, it's no wonder that tourists flee to this spot. The bay is lined with hotels, lounge chairs, and plenty of amenities.
Nissi beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Cyprus.
Nissi beach offers an array of water activities from snorkeling to pedal boats with slides. There are several kiosks for food & drinks, as well as souvenir shops. In addition, parking and restrooms with showers are both available on site. This beach is great to spend the entire day with all it has to offer.
Check the photo below for all of the different activities that you can do on Nissi Beach.
Nissi beach also has a number of water sports to choose from.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #2: Love Bridge
The Love Bridge of Ayia Napa in Cyprus is one of the most beautiful formations on the island, and definitely one of our favorite things to do in Ayia Napa. The giant rock arch stretches over the turquoise waters, creating a natural bridge. We also suggest this for one of the most beautiful spots to watch the sunset in the area.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #3: Sea Caves of Ayia Napa
The sea caves of Ayia Napa in Cyprus are some of the most outstanding landscapes on the island. Climb down and witness the rock cave. It's a natural window facing the gorgeous formations in the back, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Cyprus.
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In order to get here you should have a 4x4, as it is a pretty rough dirt road leading up to it. If you don't have the proper car we suggest parking near the main road and walking.
The Sea Caves are one of the most popular spots in Ayia Napa.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #4: Cape Greco
Speaking of great spots for sunset, this is another one of the best in the area. Cape Greco marks the point of Ayia Napa in Cyprus. The small peninsula features numerous trails for hiking and cycling, as well as some gorgeous sea cliffs. Cape Greco is the perfect place to explore in Ayia Napa for an afternoon.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #5: The Blue Lagoon
Looking for some of the most turquoise waters on the island? Well the blue lagoon is one of them. It is actually a little confusing, as there are two different Blue Lagoons. One is located near Paphos, and the other in Ayia Napa.
Just a stone's throw from Cape Greco, the Blue Lagoon is a great place for snorkeling, swimming, and diving.
The Blue Lagoon has some of the bluest waters in the area.
Note: Due to the sharp rocks, there aren't really a lot of places to sit or relax, so is better to stop here strictly for the water itself.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #6: Konnos Bay
Another great place for a swim is Konnos Bay. Here there are not just great waters, but a long stretch of sandy beach to relax. With lounge chairs and plenty of water activities, Konnos Bay is the perfect place to spend an entire beach day.
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The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #7: Fig Tree Bay
Just minutes away from Konnos Bay is the equally stunning beach area of Fig Tree Bay. Here you can find parking, plenty of restaurants, and some of the clearest waters in all of Europe.
Fun Fact: Fig Tree Bay was once rated as the third most beautiful beach in Europe, so you can see why so many people visit here!
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #8: Agioi Saranta Cave Church
This is one of the most unique churches that you will ever visit. Agioi Saranta is a tiny church that has been built right into a small cave. This spot is a true hidden gem, and is located in the heart of Ayia Napa in Cyprus.
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The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #9: Ayioi Anargiroi Church
Here is another picturesque church in Ayia Napa. Ayioi Anargiroi is right next to the Blue Lagoon. This tiny white building with a blue domed roof is perched up right next to the deep blue waters, making it a great picture stop.
The churches in Cyprus are very similar to the typical blue and white churches in Greece.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #10: Ayia Thekla Chapel
This adorable chapel is located right next to Poseidon beach, one of the first beaches when entering the area of Ayia Napa in Cyprus. With the white walls, blue dome, and the ocean as its backdrop, this spot is super picturesque, and a popular wedding spot.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #11: Sculpture Park
Located right in the heart of Ayia Napa in Cyprus you will find a park with a huge collection of sculptures. Over 50 artists from around the world have contributed to the park. Perched up on a hill, you can enjoy the park for free admiring the great works of art with the stunning blue waters in the background.
The Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus #12: Cyclops Cave
Ayia Napa in Cyprus is covered with some pretty awesome rock formations, and here's another. Cyclops Cave is one of the areas best kept secrets, and is home to tons of the island's history. This spot is just 700 meters away from Konnos Bay, by a 15 minute trail by foot. Not only is the cave itself beautiful to explore, but the water around it is a great area for diving.
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Want to plan an excursion in Ayia Napa? Here are some other fun activities that we found:
Ayia Napa in Cyprus: Local Food & Drink
We absolutely loved the food in Cyprus! Ayia Napa has a delicious Greek inspired cuisine. Their dishes are light, fresh, and tasty, with local olive oil, lemon, and seafood. Some of our favorite dishes also include spicy feta dip (local cheese), spanakopita (spinach pie), and baklava (a traditional Greek dessert). Don't miss out on the fresh fish options, as well as a delicious Greek salad to start off your meal.
Getting Around Ayia Napa in Cyprus
We rented a car and truly think it is the easiest way to explore the area of Ayia Napa in Cyprus. However, the area isn't too big, so if you don't want to drive, there are other options! There are some buses, and you can also get taxis while you are in the area, but they can get quite expensive. Uber is not available, so you'll have to call a cab if you don't have a car or want to take the bus. Truthfully though, renting a car in Cyprus definitely the way to go!
Suggested Read: Island Road Trip: Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Cyprus
Ready to rent a car in Ayia Napa? Here is a site that works with local companies:
Where to Stay in Ayia Napa
When we visited Ayia Napa, we found that there were hardly any accommodation options left in August, as it was high season. Therefore, we ended up staying 45 minutes outside the city. As far as location goes, we would suggest trying to stay close to Nissi Beach, or near the peninsula. Book well in advance, and stick to smaller hotels for a better experience.
Look for places to stay in Ayia Napa:
Is Ayia Napa in Cyprus Safe?
Cyprus is an extremely safe country, and has a super low crime rate. We felt comfortable all day every day, whether we were solo, or even if it was dark out at night. Just another great reason to add this beautiful place to your bucket list!
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Ayia Napa in Cyprus
Now that you know almost everything there is to know, here are a few other tips for traveling to Ayia Napa in Cyprus.
What is the Best Month to Visit Ayia Napa, Cyprus?
Ayia Napa gets particularly busy in the summer months of July and August. If you like to be surrounded by a lot of people, then this is the time you'll want to go. If you want equally beautiful weather but fewer crowds, then we suggest visiting in June or September.
Weather in Ayia Napa
Cyprus is one of the countries in Europe that has the most sunshine, and stays hot as late as October, and warms up sometimes as early as April. The island experiences hot dry summers, and very mild winters.
How to Pack for a Trip to Ayia Napa in Cyprus
Here are a few of the things we suggest bringing to Ayia Napa, Cyprus:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Bathing Suits
- Flip flops (our favorites are Havaianas)
- Power bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Zippered bag or backpack- here's a list of the best backpacks for travelers
- Sneakers
- Nicer beachy clothing to go out in
- Action Camera (for all water activities) we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof
- Drone (You can get awesome shots at the beaches! We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and high quality)
- Waterproof phone pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Travel Adapter (we use Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
- Water Bottle (we use Cafago Water Bottles because they hold the temperature well)
Is Ayia Napa Worth Visiting?
Some of the best things to do in Ayia Napa were our favorite on the whole island! We definitely think Ayia Napa is worth visiting. Covered with gorgeous beaches, dramatic rock formations, and plenty of hotels and restaurants, Ayia Napa in Cyprus is definitely one for the bucket list. We only got to spend two days in the area, but we definitely suggest spending a full weekend, or even a week to fully enjoy all of the best things to do in Ayia Napa.
Want to see what the other places in Cyprus have to offer? We have a complete guide for everything you need to know, and more articles to check out!
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