Ayia Napa is most widely known for its nightlife scene and, while it serves up clubs and party venues in spades, that’s hardly all it offers travellers. Whether you’re an adventurous globetrotter looking for a Mediterranean destination with a mix of both nightlife and history and culture, or a family with absolutely no interest in nightlife activities but still looking for a fun and new destination, you can find lots to love in this popular town on Cyprus' eastern coast.
Beyond the glow of neon lights and pumping music of clubs, Ayia Napa offers stunning beaches, breathtaking natural features and significant cultural and historical monuments. Here are some of the best things to do in Ayia Napa.
Protaras is one of Cyprus' favourite seaside resorts for families on vacation. The beaches here – particularly Fig Tree Bay – have fine white sand and incredibly clear and calm waters that are great for kids to splash about in safely.
The town itself has an easy-going vibe far from the hustle and bustle of bigger resorts, and most people who holiday here come strictly for lazy beach days.
The small church of Agios Elias is on a peak beside the main road into town, and if you do feel like a short climb, the summit offers great views along the entire coast.
Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus with a population of approximately 180,000. Located on the southern coast, Limassol stretches around westward to the Paphos district. In addition to the recognized popularity as a tourism destination, Limassol is also an administrative and business centre, a port, a resort, the centre of the wine industry and home to many archaeological sites.
Larnaca is a port city located on the southern coast of Cyprus. It is the third largest town after Nicosia and Limassol and home to the second largest commercial port. The city which is built on the ruins of ancient Citium is endowed with numerous attractions such as Larnaca Castle, the Church of Saint Lazarus, Hala Sultan Tekke etc.
Larnaca’s waterfronts, scenic vistas, parks and beautiful beaches with leisure and sporting facilities enhance its beautiful coastline.
The city’s International Airport is located on the fringe of the city with easy access to and from the city centre.
The divided capital city of Nicosia. With parts of its Old Town both in the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, you’re able to see the two sides of this island in one place. Venturing through the massive Venetian walls that surround the Old Town, wander its maze of narrow streets taking in the mix of modern and colonial buildings and cafe culture.
Sooner or later, you’ll bump into the Green Line, the makeshift border that carves through Nicosia. Take this as a prompt to cross the border at the Ledra Street Border Crossing and see the Turkish Side in Northern Cyprus. While there, make sure to find your way through the bazaar and visit the Büyük Han, a beautiful caravanserai. Having explored to your satisfaction, return across the border, and find the Cyprus Museum, a well-regarded archaeological museum full of the island’s history.
The largest mountain range in Cyprus stretching cross a third of the island, is the Troodos mountains. Located at the western side of Cyprus, its highest peak also known as Chionistra, is 1,952 meters high. A cool escape during the summer months at the green heart of the island and a snow filled winter destination with four ski slopes: Skiing in Prodromos
The ski season in Cyprus typically lasts between January and April. Based on Mount Olympus, with four ski lifts and eight alpine ski runs the Cyprus Ski Club accommodates skiers of all levels on its picturesque runs.
Paphos or (Pafos), a town famous for its beauty and rich history from ancient times, is one of the towns one can explore and travel through time. The Old town Paphos, also known as Ktima. Within the old town you will find medieval, Ottoman and neoclassical builds demonstrating the island’s rich colonial history.
Located on the southwest coast of the island of Cyprus, Paphos (Pafos) boasts a temperate climate and one of the healthiest lifestyles in the Mediterranean. Paphos (Pafos) is ideal for basking in the sunshine all year round and experience the hospitality of its people wherever you go. Plunge into the sparkling warm waters of the Mediterranean in summer or venture out on a splendid nature trail and observe fields blanketed in wildflowers in the spring; visit ancient and historical landmarks in autumn and keep fit with a plethora of outdoor activities in winter. Whichever way you look at it, Paphos (Pafos) is a year-round destination with many reasons to visit. The Pafos (Paphos) Region caters for all types of travelers in search of something unique, while revealing in the culture and local traditions. It offers the most idyllic and romantic settings to commemorate your love or create lifetime memories for the whole family!
