Ayia Napa
Region: South Cyprus
White sand and clear water at Nissi and Fig Tree Bay, sea caves and cliffs at Cape Greco, and a Venetian-era monastery in the middle of town.
Ayia Napa and neighbouring Protaras, on the south-east corner of the island, have some of the clearest water and finest sand in Cyprus. In high summer Ayia Napa is known for its nightlife; in spring and autumn the beaches and coastal paths are quiet and warm.
Nissi Beach and Fig Tree Bay
Nissi Beach is a curve of white sand with a small island you can wade out to. Further north, Protaras's Fig Tree Bay is sheltered and shallow, good for children and snorkelling, with many smaller coves in between.
Cape Greco
Cape Greco is a national forest park of limestone cliffs, sea caves and natural arches, with walking and cycling paths along the edge. The sea caves are best seen from a boat or by swimming in from the rocks on a calm day.
The monastery and the sea museum
In the middle of town, the Ayia Napa Monastery dates from the Venetian period, with a quiet courtyard and an old sycamore tree. The Thalassa Museum nearby tells the story of the sea around Cyprus, with a full-size replica of an ancient ship.
