My recent trip to Cyprus was a memorable experience, and I'm excited to share my thoughts on Ayia Napa, one of the island's most popular destinations. As I browsed through the photos and considered visiting Ayia Napa, I felt a strong emotional connection to the place.
Ayia Napa is a favorite among tourists and locals alike, and while it's not the cheapest option, I opted for Protaras, which is just 11 kilometers away. I stayed at a family-run hotel in Protaras and spent my days exploring Ayia Napa's beaches, historical sites, and attending the medieval festival.I'm a fan of Seline Dion, but I woke up in the 'Quarter'! Cyprus' pricey trio is cheaper in Turkey.TO THE POINT: There are no direct flights to Cyprus, only connecting flights. However, if you're determined, choose Larnaca Airport, as the second airport, Paphos, is 175 km away from Ayia Napa. We flew into Larnaca and reached Ayia Napa in 30 minutes by bus.
If you're staying in other towns and only planning to visit Ayia Napa, I recommend renting a car. The buses are infrequent, and the taxi fares are steep. We did the same, and I suggest choosing the smallest model with an automatic transmission. Even if you're used to driving a manual, it's worth switching to the left side, as it might cause problems.CLIMATE: As a large Mediterranean city, Ayia Napa has a warm and sunny climate. The winter season begins in May and ends in late October. We visited in mid-October, which is my favorite time, known as the 'woolly season.' The weather was perfect, with temperatures around +30°C, clear skies, and warm seas (approximately +25°C).
During our 10-day stay, it only rained once, and we didn't experience a single cloudy day.BEACH:Nissi Beach, one of Ayia Napa's most popular beaches, was a huge disappointment for me. It's overcrowded, and the facilities are not well-maintained.
I initially thought the name Nissi Beach came from the Greek word for 'island,' but it actually means 'beach' in Greek. The beach itself is not impressive, but the nearby Protaras has much better beaches.
Nissi BeachNissi Beach has a decent infrastructure, including showers, trash cans, and a rescue ladder. However, the beach itself is dirty, and the main reason is the nearby roads, where boats and yachts pass by, leaving behind a strong gasoline smell.
The worst part is the algae in the sea. Despite the clear water, the beach was covered in algae, which kept appearing in front of me. Locals say the algae start appearing in late autumn. I didn't see such a problem in other beaches in Larnaca, Limassol, or Protaras.Overall, I would rate Nissi Beach as one of the worst beaches in Cyprus.
HIGHLIGHTS:Ayia Napa's natural beauty and stunning sea views are the main reasons to visit this destination. The scenery is breathtaking, and it's a must-see for anyone visiting Cyprus.
1. Heritage Site (Kavo Greko) - Located at the easternmost point of the island, it's one of the most beautiful spots in the Middle East.
The view from Kavo Greko is stunning, with a unique landscape that seems to have been carved out by the sea. The colors of the water and the surrounding rocks are breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for photography.
2. Sea Caves.
The sea caves are a must-visit attraction in Ayia Napa. They're located along the Kavo Greko coastline and offer a unique glimpse into the island's geological history. The caves are now a popular spot for boat tours and snorkeling.
3. Sevdişin Bridge. This is a unique rock formation that juts out into the sea, creating a natural bridge. It's a great spot for photography and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Sevdişin Bridge is a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. It's a bit off the beaten path, but the views are well worth the effort.
The coastline around Sevdişin Bridge is rugged and scenic, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Ayia Napa's old town is a must-visit attraction, with its narrow streets and historic buildings. The castle is a great spot to explore, and the views from the top are stunning.
FESTIVAL:The medieval festival in Ayia Napa is a must-see event. It's a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, with plenty of activities and performances to enjoy.
We attended the festival on October 12 and 13, and it was an unforgettable experience. The performances were impressive, with a mix of music, dance, and theater. The festival is a great way to experience the culture and history of Ayia Napa.
The festival is a great way to experience the culture and history of Ayia Napa, and it's a must-see event for anyone visiting the island.
The festival is a great way to experience the culture and history of Ayia Napa, and it's a must-see event for anyone visiting the island.
Unfortunately, we missed the opening ceremony, but we managed to catch some of the performances. The festival is a great way to experience the culture and history of Ayia Napa, and it's a must-see event for anyone visiting the island.
The festival is a great way to experience the culture and history of Ayia Napa, and it's a must-see event for anyone visiting the island.
Ayia Napa's old town is a must-visit attraction, with its narrow streets and historic buildings. The castle is a great spot to explore, and the views from the top are stunning.
Ayia Napa's old town is a must-visit attraction, with its narrow streets and historic buildings. The castle is a great spot to explore, and the views from the top are stunning.
AYA NAPA:Ayia Napa is a lively and youthful city, perfect for partygoers and those who love nightlife. The city is filled with bars and clubs, and the streets are bustling with people until the early hours of the morning. I spent a few nights in Ayia Napa, including a night during the festival and another night exploring the city. However, the latter was a bit of a disappointment, as the bars and clubs didn't really appeal to me, and the streets felt unsafe.
FOOD:
We only had a few meals during our stay, as our accommodation included a 'full board' package. We had a traditional Cypriot dish called 'gyro,' which was delicious and popular among the locals.
The food in Ayia Napa is a mix of traditional Cypriot dishes and international cuisine. We also tried some Greek salads and grilled fish, which were delicious.
Unfortunately, my experience in Ayia Napa was great, but I decided to choose another destination. If Cyprus is still open to Russian tourists, I'll probably go back to Protaras or Paphos. That's why I gave Ayia Napa 4 out of 5 stars.
ADVANTAGES:
- scenic coastline;
- old town;
- festival;
- prices are more competitive than in Protaras and Paphos.
DISADVANTAGES:
- lack of green spaces;
- beach;
- noise from bars and clubs at night;
- many people are drunk in the evenings.