Places of Interest

Thalassa Municipal Museum

The museum has the sea as its subject-matter. The exhibits cover a chronological span, from paleontological to prehistoric periods until present times and includes among other exhibits the replica of a Mesolithic (9200 B.C.) papyrus vessel, an exact life size replica of the ancient ship of Kyrenia of the Classical period ( 400 B.C.) , a traditional Cypriot ship of 19th century, known as “Passara”. The sea museum also houses Cypriot antiquities, bones and skulls of endemic pygmy hippopotami and elephants of Cyprus (8000 years old) as well as fossilized exhibits such as sea-urchin, and corals. Visitors can also look at stuffed mammals, fish, sea turtles and marine organism such as shells, barnacles, starfish, sponges, crabs, lobsters, and marine plants. These are just some of the indigenous examples on display which come from all around the island.

Ayia Napa Monastery

No one knows exactly when the Monastery was built. The cave, the hiding place and the well, testifies to the presence of a Christian community there during the Byzantine years (11th century). The first part of the temple was built during the Frankish period (13th – 14th century), while the rest of the Monastery was completed in the 15th century. As the Monastery stands today it is widely accepted that is a construction of the 15th century, a time during which Cyprus was under the Venetian regime. The monastery is held as the most prominent landmark in the heart of Ayia Napa. It is accessible to everyone who desires to study it, or light a candle for a loved one, and is located in the central square, about 2km away from the harbour. Among some of the well-known visitors of the monastery was the Nobel Prize poet Giorgos Seferis, a Greek man, who was awestruck by the beauty he beheld when he visited it. He decided to dedicate a hymn to the Monastery, thus writing the poem “Ayia Napa B’ ”which can be found in his collection of poems titled “Emerologio Katastromatos C” (Logbook III.)

Ayia Napa Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park is an area of 20.000 square metres found on the crossroad of Cavo Greco Avenue and Kryou Nerou. It is an expanse of unbelievable natural beauty and breathtaking panoramic view. It’s a park gem, the first of its kind which acts as an oasis of culture, not only for Ayia Napa, but also for the whole free area of Famagusta district. The park is adorned with sculptures which have been created by a number of worldwide known artists who participate in the Sculpture Symposium organized every year by the Municipality of Ayia Napa.

Cape Greco National Park

Explore the multitude of intriguing nature trails lined with pine trees and a diverse botanical splendour whilst pausing to take in the spectacular views from the sea cliffs looking down to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Many benches are spread out along these trails to take a break from the walk and admire the surroundings in stillness. One of these nature trails forms part of the European Long Distance Trail E4, running from Cyprus to Gibraltar. Then there’s the Aphrodite nature trail which stretches 2 km along the North-East coast of Cape Greko which doubles up as a Cultural Route due to the mythical birth place of Aphrodite.

Profitis Elias Chapel (Protaras)

The Byzantine church of Prophet Elias was built in 1984, around the older ancient chapel. Set on a 100m high granite hill a short distance from the heart of Protaras, it stands out as an imposing landmark. It was built using indigenous stones of the area, blending in with the natural surroundings of the area. The chapel is especially awe-inspiring in the evenings when it is lit up from all sides. Ascending the 156 steep steps to the chapel of Prophet Elias rewards the visitor with spectacular panoramic views of the area. Encompassing it base is the multicolored, cosmopolitan tourist location of Protaras. Due east is the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea with its crystal blue waters. Gazing north you can see Famagusta, Pentadaktylos, and on a clear day one may even see the Karpasia Peninsula; all of which are in the occupied part of Cyprus..!

Ayia Thekla Beach & Chapel

Agia Thekla (Saint Thekla) is a small beach named after the old small church which is has stood there for centuries. The beach, which lies a few kilometers from Agia Napa, is covered with fine golden sand and surrounded by crystal blue waters. The general area of Ayia Thekla is a huge development of villas, and a mix of residential and holiday lettings. The seafront area of Ayia Thekla has its own beach as well as many smaller, secluded spots along the coast. Explore this wonderful area and take in the tranquility and beauty.

Sea Caves (Cape Greko)

There are many caves along the coastline from Agia Napa to Cape Greko National Park. Many people come here to snorkel and the locals come here before the crack of dawn to fish. The Palace caves and the Smugglers caves are deep passages in to the cliffs which are only accessible from the sea. Some extend as deep as 240 feet in to the rock. During calm seas and at low tide it is possible to swim and even walk in to most of them. Although they have a rock-strewn environment the waters are wonderfully clear. Boat trips regularly pass by daily. There are spots of deep water amongst the rocks where spirited folks engage in the extreme sports of cliff diving/jumping.

Limanaki (Ayia Napa Harbour)

This contemporary harbour is fully renovated with a large fleet of fishing boats, speed boats, sailboats and cruise ships. The land mass incorporates pedestrian lanes which lead to the two lighthouses located in the area. The charming Ayia Napa Harbour is unquestionably one of the main features of the town, after Cape Greco and the Medieval Monastery. Many decades ago, the harbour was merely a tiny bay with a few fishing boats. In the beginning of the 70’s, the first breakwater was constructed which basically marked the beginning of the current development of the harbor. The area around the harbour includes an open theatre, fountains, old-style cafes, fish taverns and restaurants. The ambiance around the picturesque harbour is a palpable adornment and it is rightfully classified among the most contemporary and colurful harbours in Cyprus.

Ayios Nikolaos Chapel

The small scenic harbour of Agios Nicolaos (Saint Nikolas) is located in the resort of Pernera and is overlooked by the chapel which lends its name to the harbor. The humble chapel adds a charm and subdued beauty to the harbor area. You can rest and enjoy a coffee while taking in the peace-inducing views of the sea and the harbor and watching the sea vessels come and go on the waters. At sunset the whole scenery takes a more breathtaking view. In an attempt to honor their protector – Saint Nicolaos - everyone involved in marine professions in Paralimni, decided to build a chapel dedicated to him (the saint is considered by all Cypriots to be the protector for the seas). The chapel is found next to the sea overlooking the harbor where fishermen tie their boats. Small in size, whitewashed with a blue painted dome, the chapel of Agios Nicolaos, is reminiscent of some of the chapels found on the Aegean islands.vessels come and go on the waters. At sunset the whole scenery takes a more breathtaking view. In an attempt to honor their protector – Saint Nicolaos - everyone involved in marine professions in Paralimni, decided to build a chapel dedicated to him (the saint is considered by all Cypriots to be the protector for the seas). The chapel is found next to the sea overlooking the harbor where fishermen tie their boats. Small in size, whitewashed with a blue painted dome, the chapel of Agios Nicolaos, is reminiscent of some of the chapels found on the Aegean islands.