Ayia
Napa is located near the south
east tip of Cyprus close to the
scenic point of Cape Greco. Cyprus’ moderate
climate and geography has throughout
history made it a desireable location,
demonstrated by the many occupations
with each civilisation clearly
leaving its mark on the character.
From 7000 BC with the first settlements
of the Neolithic age, to colonisation
by societies such as the Greeks
1400 BC, the Phoenicians, the Egyptians,
the Persians, the Romans, the Byzantines,
the Ottomans, and finally the British
who in 1878 assumed the administration
of the island from the Ottoman
Empire. Finally 1960 saw Cyprus
declared an Independent State and
declared a Republic.
Only a couple of decades ago,
Napa was a tiny fishing village
clustered around an ancient monastery
and the harbour was the most
important asset for the local
population. Today its central
square each evening hosts literally
thousands of people who come
to party and socialize.
Nearby and worth a visit is
the 15th century Venetian monastery,
a church built on a cave where
an icon of Virgin Mary was found.
Years later a stone aqueduct
was built in order to bring water
to the sacred place from a natural
spring found 2km into the hills
of Napa. This water still runs
from a marble fountain shaped
like the head of a wild bear
and is offered as holy water.
Within 15 minutes drive from
the center of Napa you can also
visit some of the local 'Red
Soil Villages' such as Paralimni,
Dherynia, Sotira, Liopetri and
Xylophagou.
Approximately 10km outside of
Ayia Napa on the route to Larnaca,
Potamos is a popular spot for
those looking for a local taste
of Cyprus. Dine among the locals
on regional fish specialties
at very reasonable prices. To
get there use the new coastal
road and take time to explore
the beautiful coastline, including
the little church of Ayia Thekla.
As expected in Cyprus, there
is no shortage of beautiful beaches
in and around Ayia Napa. Water
sports can be found at most of
the larger beaches. Going east
to west, try the best known beaches
of Konnos Bay, Cape Greco, Grecian
Bay, Sandy Bay, Nissi Beach,
Makronissos and Ayia Theckla.
Konnos Bay is small but most
beautiful and relatively quiet.
About 7km out of town is Cape
Greco with its lovely secluded
rock formation on a Cape with
lovely views of Napa. Grecian
Bay, commonly known as harbour
beach is right in front of the
town square. Sandy Bay is a picturesque
horseshoe bay about 2 km from
town which offers everything
for couples and family. Nissi
Beach is the best known spot
for the rich and famous. It has
everything you’d want for
water sports, a diving center
and plenty of bars and restaurants.
Makronissos Beach is most popular
with Cypriots on the weekend.
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Cyprus Airways and British Airways
offer direct, regularly scheduled
flights from London Heathrow to
Larnaca International Airport.
Many other European carriers including
Air France, KLM, Alitalia and Olympic
Airways offer direct flights from
their major capital hubs. During
the summer season, Excel Airways
and other charter airlines offer
flights from major city airports
across the UK.
Transfer to Ayia Napa in 1 hour
15 minutes by coach and 50 minutes
by taxi transfer from Larnaca’s
Airport.
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