14 Best Things to Do in Ayia Napa

Nissi Beach is where weary partygoers choose to recharge their batteries during the day before embarking on another lively night on the town. Spanning 500 metres of fine, white sand and transparent waters reflecting bright shades of blue, it’s wholly deserving of its Blue Flag status. Just a stone’s throw from Cyprus’ nightlife capital, Ayia Napa, the beach is easily accessible by foot or car.

Nissi Beach also offers ample parking spaces, toilets and changing facilities, along with bars and restaurants with views of the ocean. It’s a popular spot for water sports, and organised events such as beach parties and DJ sets often take place on the beach. Visit when the tide is low, as you’ll get to walk out to the small islet of Nissi, where the beach gets its name from.

Ayia Napa Central Square is a great starting point for a day exploring the area. You can make your visit to the square a lengthy or quick one, depending on how much you want to see, how many photos you want to take and how leisurely you like to go about seeing the sights during your travels.

The square’s highlight is the I Love Ayia Napa sculpture, which tourists flock to for photos and selfies taken between the heart and the city’s name. There are also fountains, memorials and sculptures and some green space, as well as a few coffee shops, restaurants and historical churches surrounding the square.

You’ll need your hiking boots to thoroughly explore Cape Greco National Forest Park. This beautiful park along the Mediterranean shore features loads of nature trails offering views of sea cliffs, ocean waves, beaches and pine forests.

Hike part of the European Long Distance Trail E4, which passes through Cape Greco National Forest Park on its way to Gibraltar. Trek the Aphrodite Cultural Route, which is said to visit Aphrodite’s birthplace, or search out Agoi Anargyroi, a tiny church within the park that offers visitors a chance to take a dip in some holy water off the coast. If you’re not up for walking or hiking, many of the paths are suitable for cycling.

Just a short walk from town, the Ayia Napa International Sculptural Park combines culturally significant artworks with natural flora and fauna for a unique (and free) experience. Among the 1,500 Cypriot trees and other plants, artists from around the world have erected an array of sculptures of all shapes and sizes.

In total, the park covers about 20,000 sq m, so you could easily spend a good while exploring, taking photos and enjoying the views of the stark white sculptures set against the deep blues of the ocean beyond. The park expands regularly, with new sculptures added each winter.

The Monastery of Ayia Napa stands in all its medieval glory just a few steps from Ayia Napa Central Square. The 1500s structure was built to resemble a castle and is surrounded by a high wall. While the monastery still hosts religious events and festivals, it also acts as a museum filled with artefacts from the historic site itself, as well as the region and throughout the rest of Cyprus.

Visitors enjoy wandering the grounds, gardens and living quarters. The architecture isn’t the only historical point of interest on the site, though; the sycamore tree on the monastery grounds is believed to be more than 600 years old.

The Thalassa Museum, located not too far from Ayia Napa Central Square, focuses on Ayia Napa and Cyprus’ relationship with the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the first museum in the Mediterranean to solely focus on the body of water’s impact on its residents and the museum does so in an engaging, entertaining manner.

Artefacts are everywhere you look – encased in the floor, hanging from the ceiling or just freely placed in the middle of the museum, for visitors to explore from all angles. Check out historic ship replicas, shipwreck reconstructions, Cypriot antiquities, fossilised fish, sea life and more.

Take a ride through Cape Greco National Forest Park to find Kamara Tou Koraka Beach. While the beach itself is lovely (though keep in mind you’ll have to trek down some rocks to get to the beach from the hill above, so wear sturdy shoes), it’s not the main attraction here. That would be Kamara Tou Koraka Bridge, a natural landmark and wonder, carved over time from the rough shore rock.

The waters off the shore are popular for snorkelling and diving. A small refreshment stand provides drinks and light snacks and you’ll likely need them – there’s little to no shade in sight.

A trail runs between Ayia Napa and the neighbouring village of Protaras and many Ayia Napa travellers take this trail to Profitis Ilias Church (the Church of the Prophet Elias). While the church isn’t historic – it was built in the 1980s – it’s notable for its stellar views.

Built on top of a hill, the church is only accessible via a 300-stair climb. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy views of Protaras town, the Mediterranean and all of the surrounding region. The trail between Ayia Napa and Protaras, which takes less than 2 hours to traverse, is not too far from a beach at both the beginning and the end, so you're perfectly positioned for an impromptu dip in the sea to cool down.

Hike out to the Makronissos Tombs, near Makronissos Beach, to explore remnants of the region’s Hellenistic and Roman eras. The rock-hewn tombs, more than a dozen in total, as well as a quarry, altar and sanctuary, date back to 300 BC.

Take the steps down into the cool earth and peruse the burial chambers, which were dug by hand and partially illegally excavated in the late 1800s. Now, the tombs are under the watchful eye of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, who, after some scientific testing, found that each tomb was home to a clay sarcophagus housing the deceased and that the archaeological site also featured funeral pyres at one point.

Located adjacent to the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park, the Ayia Napa Cactus Park features an array of cacti and Mediterranean plant life. The free attraction is a quiet spot to enjoy a bit of fresh air and the views of the waters beyond the low-growing plants. Keep an eye out for the animal residents that occasionally enjoy the cactus park, like the native lizards.

During the day, the cactus park is a popular, family-friendly stop on an Ayia Napa itinerary, but at sunset, just before the park closes, it’s a wonderfully romantic spot to stroll with your favourite person.

With Cyprus’ hot and sunny weather being one of its biggest draws, there’s no better place to take a break from the heat than at the award-winning WaterWorld Themed Waterpark in Ayia Napa. Priding itself on being one of the biggest and best waterparks in Europe, the park has a Greek theme, so you can expect to see some strategically placed ‘ancient’ pillars and statues among the brightly coloured rides.

Speaking of rides, they’re all rather aptly-named, too, so check out the likes of Odyssey River, Apollo’s Plunge and the adrenaline-pumping Drop to Atlantis. There are over 35 rides and attractions in total, all but guaranteeing fun for everyone.

Parko Paliatso Luna Park is an enjoyable evening activity. Since the park only opens after 6pm, a visit to this small amusement park is a way to spend those post-dinner hours when the kids get a little burst of energy before calling it a night. The park is also great value for those who worry a few of their family members won’t be as into the rides as others, as you only pay for your individual rides, not an overall entry fee.

Introduce your kids to some classic carnival rides, including a small rollercoaster and a Ferris wheel, grab a bite of deliciously greasy carnival food and watch as the neon lights of the rides light up the night sky.

Famed for having some of the best nightlife in Europe, Ayia Napa is the place to head to for the ultimate party in Cyprus. Not for the faint-hearted, a night out in Ayia Napa can start with sophisticated sunset cocktails on the beach and end in one of the late-night clubs, being greeted by the sunrise as you leave.

Summer is the ideal time of year to experience Ayia Napa at its very best, with world-class DJs spinning the decks, as well as themed parties, pool parties and boat parties galore. You’ve got over 80 bars to choose from, plus at least 12 big clubs. Aqua, Club Black N’ White and the huge, 5-arena Castle Club being 3 of the best.