We have you covered if you’re looking for the best things to do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. From the best restaurants to eat in Ayia Napa to amazing places to stay and attractions to see, we’re digging into this famous Cypriot city.
Ayia Napa is one of the most popular areas to visit in Cyprus, especially for young Europeans looking to party in the Mediterranean. However, this area isn’t only good for drinking and dancing the night away. The whole area on the island’s eastern side has some of the best beaches, crystal clear water, unique historical sites, and some of the best weather in Europe.
After landing at Larnaca airport late at night, we made our way to the island’s southeastern coast for the second time. We were wondering what to do in Ayia Napa, but the next morning, we woke up to sunshine and incredibly blue water. What else could we want?
Things to Do in Ayia Napa
Cape Greco
Cape Greco National Park is one of the country’s most beautiful natural spots. The waters at Cape Greco are heavenly, and the cape is famous for its clear blue waters and an array of natural rock formations, many of which feature hidden caves. This spot is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers for cycling, hiking, cliff jumping, swimming, and even snorkeling in the rock’s sea caves.
This area is also said to be home to the Ayia Sea Monster (known locally as the Friendly Sea Monster). It’s supposedly not a harmful monster, and it’s said that the only things you’ll end up with if you cross paths with the creature are a feeling of awe and a very cool story.
Book a Jeep Safari Around this Area!
Makronissos Beach & Tombs
This region of the Mediterranean has no shortage of beaches, so it should be no surprise that Cyprus is full of them. Makronissos Beach is located a few miles west of the city center. It is a quieter alternative to the party vibes of Nissi Beach, though its ideal swimming conditions (soft, white sand and calm, clear waters) make it a popular spot with tourists and locals. This is a great place to do beach activities like waterskiing, paddle boating, and diving.
However, the one thing that sets Makronissos apart is the archeological tombs carved into the rocky ground nearby; they are not manned, so it is a nice opportunity to do some unobstructed exploring. Even steps are carved into the stone for an easy descent into the crypts. If you get a little spooked, the beach is just a stone’s throw away, a good place to cool off before heading on to the next part of your day.
Thalassa Museum
When the scenery is as beautiful as in Cyprus, it’s sometimes hard to pull yourself away from being outdoors. This gem is a perfect place to soak up a little local history and culture and check out various fascinating artifacts relating to the region.
Among the sea-related exhibits, which include a wide array of taxidermy fish and other ocean creatures, the museum’s most attractive feature is the fully reconstructed shipwreck found off a nearby coast. There are varying levels of glass walkways and stairs to allow visitors to view the fascinating wreck from every angle. The museum is open year-round (but closed on Sundays during the winter season), with entrance fees for adults and students.
Ayia Napa Monastery
Warm, ancient, sunbaked stone, underground tunnels, arches and pillars, and a hidden cave—the Ayia Napa Monastery is shrouded in an air of magic and mystery, particularly given that its exact age and origins are unknown. Its construction has been roughly dated to the 15th century, when Cyprus was conquered and taken by Venetians.
Many local folk tales surround the elements of the monastery, from a hunter whose dog found the golden icon and the monastery subsequently built around for the daughter of a wealthy family who came to take refuge after being forbidden to marry her true love.
With history and energy echoing around the ancient walls, it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon and feel the whispers of antiquity within the grounds. The monastery is free to enter, though donations are welcome. It is open year-round.
Ayia Napa Sea Caves
Sandy beaches aren’t the only claim to fame for this part of Cyprus. Its incredible coastline is dotted with massive, formidable rock formations often found in natural sea caves and hidden passageways. The Ayia Napa sea caves are a hugely popular spot for diving, snorkeling, and swimming, making this area a perfect addition to the list. According to legend, ancient pirates would hide stolen booty in these caves and use them as hideouts.
You can access the caves by land and sea, with many companies offering transport and boat tours. Fishing and cliff jumping are just as popular as swimming and diving. There’s only one main spot where you can cliff jump from safely, although I’m sure the locals may know of a few hidden gems. The jump down is about 10 meters, and you will have to face your fears if you’re scared of heights.
Ayia Napa Sculpture Park
Since many things are related to the landscape and history, here’s an option for something to do that makes the area unique and refreshing. The Sculpture Park is exactly what it sounds like a public park scattered haphazardly with an array of statues, sculptures, and art installations. This spot is atop a cliff, making the sea view a wonderful photo backdrop – especially if you stand within the huge square sculpture.
The park has only been open since 2014, making it an anomaly among the ancient structures usually found in Cyprus. Sculptors from all over the world contributed to the ‘museum’, which covers an area of over 20,000 square feet and features no shortage of artwork.
Konnos Bay
With the region around Ayia Napa being as popular as it is, a beach that’s a little quieter can be hard to come by. If you all want a seaside day without the party vibes, you’ve found it at Konnos Bay. The area is secluded, so the still water makes perfect swimming conditions. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, but stop atop the rocky cliffs for some seriously stunning views of the crescent-shaped bay and the turquoise waters lapping at the white sand.
The beach isn’t deserted; thanks to the calm waters, watersports are available. In the summer, it will also be lined with sun chairs that you can rent for a few hours. Rock formations shelter the area from windier days, so the beach’s warmth adds luxurious laziness to your overall day here. When the heat gets a little, there are a few cafés and a Greek restaurant just a stone’s throw from the sand, where cool frappes and local cuisine await.
Kamara tou Koraka
Kamara tou Koraka is a natural bridge in the rock formation, set high up for mind-blowing views of the turquoise sea and the skyline (pro tip: this is also an amazing sunset spot). Though the bridge is no longer free to walk on and is fenced off (decades of tourism have eroded away the rock), it still makes for some amazing photos and views. It is near many other nearby sights, so it’s a good spot to cross off your list if you happen to be in the area. Plus, many of the immediate sights are within walking distance.
9. Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach is your go-to option for excitement and fun in Ayia Napa. It’s a stunning little slice of heaven (thanks to gorgeous waters and soft white sand) and a party-happy resort area. Located in the resort region of Ayia Napa, Nissi Beach is a popular destination for travelers and locals for its music and club scene, which usually involves live DJs and soapy foam parties in the evening. If you want something to do in Ayia Napa at night, head this way! If you want a quiet and secluded beach day, Nissi Beach is not for you. It’s extremely crowded and has a very young vibe.
The beach has 500 meters of white sand and sparkling, clear blue water. You can spend your days lounging and tanning in the sun or easily transition to party mode for the evening festivities. The area is named for the tiny islet across the water, easily accessible on foot when tides are low. The islet is uninhabited, but it’s a fun spot to hang out with other beachgoers before returning to start the nighttime fun.
Ayia Napa Square
Another one for the fun-lovers, Ayia Napa Square, is a clubber’s dream. The square has all the best bars, nightclubs, and restaurants squeezed into a pretty small corner of the city, which is great if you like to bar-hop and aren’t in too rough shape yet. Ayia Napa can turn into a shitshow in the summer with young Europeans at obnoxious stag parties. However, this is your jam if you want drinks, short skirts, and loud music.
The area, while rowdy, is at least friendly, so this is a fun spot where foreign groups and travelers can feel safe but included in the party activities. If you’re new to European partying, it’s not like North America; the pre-festivities don’t usually begin until 11 pm or midnight, so clubs are still going strong well into the early morning light.
Profitis Ilias Church
This iconic church sits along a rocky outcrop above the entire town of Protaras. The hike is short and steep but is easily doable if you’re in decent shape. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the entire area. In the spring, this area blooms with life. The inside of the church is uniquely decorated with beautiful paintings. It’s worth sticking around here until sunset as you will have 360-degree views of Protaras.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is exactly what it sounds like. Welcome to the clearest water you’ve ever seen, rock formations keeping the waves gentle, and a hot sun that makes you feel like you’ve just entered paradise. Because of the perfect conditions, this is a hotspot for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
Visitors can hire motorboats or open-air go-kart buggies to take them to the best spots, but if you’d rather go it alone, there’s always the option to rent bikes and take the scenic route, as you can still access the lagoon from land. We rented a car in Cyprus, which got us everywhere we needed. Though the water is clear enough to see the bottom, goggles will help you spot all the little signs of sea life to make the most of your experience.
Kalamies Beach & St. Nicholas Church
Kalamies Beach is another gem loved for its warm, clear water and unspoiled sandy shore. However, it has something extra: the St. Nicholas Church sits along a spit of land that extends out; its whitewashed walls and turquoise-domed roof give the area a distinctly Greek feel.
The area is backdropped by a line of palm trees from a nearby hotel, so it has a bit of a tropical vibe. Are you starting to get a little hungry? Stop by the Kalamies Beach Restaurant for something to eat; the restaurant has long been loved by locals and tourists alike for its seafood. Its lobster, oysters, and mussels are amazing, or try the feta-stuffed calamari for something truly Mediterranean.
While this beach is packed on weekends through July and August, weekdays tend to be quiet, so try coming by when it’s a little more mellow for a more relaxing stay.
Day Trip to Machaira Monastery
Only an hour and a half drive from Ayia Napa, the Machaira Monastery is a day trip worth taking if you’re planning to be in Ayia Napa for more than a few days. The monastery’s origins are shrouded in legend. According to the tale, a hermit smuggled one of Luke the Apostle’s 70 icons into his cave.
It remained undiscovered until after the man’s death (retrieved by two other drifters who had to machete their way into the overgrown cave). Once retrieved, the monastery was built on the now-holy site and named after the Greek word for knife, makhaira.
The monastery offers an impressive collection of manuscripts and sacred objects and is open year-round. Today, it is inhabited by a brotherhood of monks who practice an extremely devout lifestyle. Though open to the public, no photography or videography is permitted on-site to protect the holiness and austerity of the site.
Day Trip to the Ancient City of Salamis
The beauty of an island as small as Cyprus is that nearly anything can be turned into a day trip. Case in point is the ancient city of Salamis. Located only an hour’s drive from Ayia Napa. The age of the now-ruined city is suggested to be as old as the 11th century BC, which has been deduced based on ancient artifacts found at the site. Excavations of the area began in the 19th century, and many finds are on display at the British Museum in London, but nothing beats exploring the original spot.
Among the ruins, visitors can see the sprawling amphitheater, the pillar and foundational remains of a temple dedicated to the god Zeus, and even the remains of carved statues, presumably of goddesses. While not enormous, this city was the first capital of Cyprus, and it is quite a feeling to wander through the silent stones and imagine the life that once existed here. It is in Northern Cyprus, so you must cross the border. Bring your passport!
Day Trip to Mount Olympus
Located about a two-hour drive from Ayia Napa, this day trip is a little more commitment, so be prepared to get up early and attack the day. If you’re a fan of hiking, adventuring, or just a lover of the outdoors, add Mount Olympus to your list of things to do in Ayia Napa. It’s the highest point in Cyprus, so you can count on beautiful views; it’s even high enough to find a ski resort here! It’s one of the best hikes in Cyprus!
Plus, winter views are spectacular, with the dusting of snow covering the hills and peaks below. A chair lift takes visitors up part of the mountain, but the summit requires a moderate hike of around seven kilometers across somewhat challenging terrain.
The top peak houses a British long-range radar, but there are still accessible lookout areas perfect for the view you climbed the mountain for. According to historical records, the ancient Greek geographer Strabo indicated that one of the mountain’s peaks had a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, so if the goddess of love was revered here, you could bet it’s a beautiful spot.
Waterworld Waterpark Aya Napa
A few waterparks are scattered throughout the country, and they make for a great trip if you’re looking for something to do in Cyprus with kids. The Waterworld waterpark near Ayia Napa provided us (three grown adults) with a lot of fun for the day, but I still think it’s one of the best things for families to do in Ayia Napa. It’s well-managed, clean, and has plenty of rides. With the Mediterranean climate, waterparks in Cyprus generally stay open until the end of October. Come during the week or in the offseason for fewer crowds.
Travel Details
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The Best Restaurants in Ayia Napa
- Glasshouse Lounge Restaurant ($$$): One of the fanciest and best restaurants in Ayia Napa at the Adams Beach Hotel right near the water. They serve up delicious seafood in a decorative environment. Save this place for a nice date night out.
- The Agrotikon Restaurant ($$): Right on Nissi Ave is an amazing restaurant that dishes up classic dishes. Because of its location, it’s a super convenient place that most visitors in Ayia Napa can easily walk to.
- Sesoula Kalamaki ($): If you’re craving fast and convenient Greek food like Halloumi and Gyros, this is the joint for you. They are vegetarian-friendly and even have vegan options.
Getting to Cyprus
Getting to Cyprus from mainland Europe has never been cheaper, with budget airlines like RyanAir servicing the island. Larnaca city buses run €1.50 one-way. Meanwhile, long-distance buses to other cities typically cost around €7.
An automatic rental car can go for €15 a day in the low season up to €35 a day in the higher seasons (automatic) and will ensure you get to all the best places in Cyprus and around Ayia Napa efficiently. Knowing how to drive a manual car will get you better prices in Europe. If you’re traveling as a group, it is worth your while to hire a car. We traveled around Cyprus for one week last time and paid about €25 a day in the high season, which was a pretty decent deal!
Search and Compare Prices for Rental Cars
- DiscoverCars.com – We use them to search and compare rental car prices around the globe.
- Auto Europe – Compares the best rates!
When is the best time to visit Cyprus?
Being located in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is pretty ideal all year round. Most travelers head to Ayia Napa during the summer from June-August, so you’ll enjoy your Ayia Napa attractions with plenty of crowds if you decide to visit then. In my opinion, Cyprus is best visited in the shoulder months. May, September, October, and November! The sun is shining when the weather is mild, and the European tourists haven’t descended on the island.
We visited in October and November; both were awesome (and when all these summer pictures were taken). October is the best month to visit Cyprus in general. The water is warm enough to swim in, the rates are low, and there are plenty of beaches without the summer crowds.
Plan Your Trip to Cyprus
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Travel Credit Card: If you’re a responsible credit card user, I highly recommend looking at these travel rewards credit cards and earning points and miles for your purchases. My favorite is the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
- Travel Backpack – We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Rent a Car – We use Discover Cars to find the best deals on car rentals. See our rental car tips here.
- Travel Adapter – Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
