When people plan their dream Cyprus holidays, Aiya Napa is at the top of their to-go list. It is a beautiful, fun-filled, glamorous destination that is an emerging gem in the Mediterranean. There is so much to see and do in Ayia Napa that we don’t know where to start. In order to enjoy everything Ayia Napa has to offer, you have to get there first. Budget travelers can score several cheap flights to Cyprus in travel and airline deals sites over the internet.
Beaches
Ayia Napa, at the south-eastern part of Cyprus, is a resort town famous for its sandy beaches. The bathing beaches attract a large number of tourists annually and boast plenty of water sports activities. Windsurfing, canoeing, water-skiing, scuba diving and speed boating are among the most popular.
The most popular beach in Aiya Napa is Nissi beach. It is a beach frequented by younger people and can get quite crowded in the summer! Harbour Beach, the longest beach in Aiya Napa, caters to families. If you’re looking for a less crowded beach that still offers plenty of activities, the New Golden Bay (Landa beach to locals) is for you. It is interesting to note that all the beaches in Aiya Napa have been awarded the EU blue flag for their extreme cleanliness and excellent facilities. So you don’t have to worry about broken glass, dirty changing areas and broken-down facilities in your Cyprus holidays!
Clubbing Nightlife
While it is primarily a family’s Cyprus holidays’ destination, Ayia Napa has quickly become a ‘party capital’ synonymous with Ibiza, Rimini and Mykonos. Its clubs have become popular with music artists, like UK and Scottish Grime, House, Garage, and MCs so expect club music at its finest.
The center of the town, known as The Square, is filled with high-end retail shops, hopping nightclubs and fine restaurants. Most of the clubs are usually open early and close late (Hard Rock), some open after midnight and close at dawn (Castle Club), there are even after-club clubs (try the River Island Reggae) that only open when the others are closing! So expect whole day partying in Ayia!
Entrance fees range from free to the very exclusive. Try to get club tickets from touts in the street as they can be cheaper than buying at the club’s door. Club music and entertainment varies, so ask concierges and locals. There are light shows, water fun, foam, bubbles, you name it, they have it. There is even a party boat, not for the prudish or faint-of-heart, that you can get into as an alternative to clubs.
Restaurants
There are many restaurants dotted all over the town. Dining experiences range from taverna, to casual al fresco, to fine dining. As it’s a resort town, casual attire (shorts, shirts, skirts, short dresses) is acceptable for most eating establishments except for the fine dining ones. Don’t bring a suit and tie or long gown, unless you want to! Slacks and a nice shirt are fine for men, sundresses or the ubiquitous little black dress for women.
For fresh seafood, try the fishing restaurants and tavernas at the Limanaki port area. Prices can get a little steep, so we suggest you choose one with a bar, order a drink or an ice cream, and then ask for a menu to take a peek at the price list. The Aragma Café and Restaurant is a popular eatery with cocktails and snacks for those under a budget. The Taverna Napa at Democratias Street offers a wide selection of sublime dishes and wines. It is extremely popular, priced a little higher than bar food but you get great value for your money. Book in advance to end your Cyprus holidays with a bang!
Other Activities
No Cyprus holiday is complete if you don’t visit the country side. A ten-minute drive from the centre of Ayia Napa is Cape Greco, considered one of the most beautiful places on the island offering sightseeing, cliff jumping and a variety of other activities.
Ayia Napa has certainly changed over the years, from a sleepy fishing village, to a hidden Mediterranean paradise, and has now become a multicultural melting pot that caters to all tastes. It is quickly becoming a popular celebrity destination, hosting the Beckhams, Beyonce and other internationally famed athletes. For your own Cyprus holidays, visit Ayia Napa, it offers everything from relaxation to recreation and you never know when you might bump into a famous face!
