Ayia
Napa
Ayia Napa Ayia Napa is a resort at the far eastern
end of the south coast of the island of Cyprus, famous
for its sandy beaches. In recent years, apart from
being a family holiday destination, it has become
a 'party capital' similar to Ibiza, Rimini, Mykonos,
Coventry, Staines and Slough. As of late, it has become
particularly popular with UK Grime, House & Garage
artists/MCs for holidays and gigs in its clubs/venues.
History According to local legend, the now renowned
original icon was accidentally discovered by a hunter
in hot pursuit of his prey. Upon discovery, the icon
of Virgin Mary was called Virgin Mary of Napa, eventually
shortened and now know as Ayia Napa. The present monastery,
built in 1500, was built around the cave, in honour
of the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa. According to local
tradition, until 1790 no-one lived within close vicinity
of Ayia Napa. The first inhabitants who actually appeared
and settled were twenty men from Salonica, Greece,
and so began the village of Ayia Napa. Geography Ayia
Napa lies eastward of the Dhekelia SBA Geographically,
Ayia Napa lies near Cape Greco at the eastern part
of Cyprus, just south of Famagusta and forms part
of a larger area known as Kokkinochoria (a name derived
from the red colour of its soil). It is a town of
Famagusta District, in the remaining southern part
of the district not occupied by Turkish forces in
1974. Ayia Napa is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) away
from Protaras, a town that has recently seen similar
development, but still manages to remain low-key and
remains more favorable for families and Cypriot locals.
Cyprus is a beautiful island and as
it takes under two hours to travel its length, it
is possible to see most of its attractions in a short
time. Its gleaming sands that shelve gently into translucent
waters are enjoyed in guaranteed sunshine bringing
thousands of holidaymakers to its shores every year.
There are many ancient ruins, museums and churches
all waiting to be explored. Originally a small fishing
village in the north east of Cyprus, Aiya Napa is
now a major tourist centre. Other than the beautiful
beaches and warm, safe sea in this area and plenty
of beach events, Ayia Napa has become very popular
for its magnificent night life there are hundreds
of night clubs and bars to choose from. Aiya Napa
is within easy reach of Larnaca airport.
Cyprus Car Rental
Who Is Ayia Napa Popular With?
Ayia Napa has widespread appeal. The beautiful beaches
offer both safe bathing for families with small children
and water sports with varying degrees of excitement
for adults. The nightlife appeals to young party animals
who spend their days resting on the beach preparing
for the night time exertions.
When To Go To Ayia Napa?
The summer season begins in April when the temperature
is a pleasant seventy degrees. This can soar to the
high eighties from June until September. Winters are
pleasant at sea level but it is the rainy season and
there can be snow in the mountains.
Ayia Napa Rent-A-Car
Ayia Napa - The Place
Cyprus is often chosen as a holiday destination by
British tourists and the village of Ayia Napa is one
of its most popular resorts. This one-time fishing
village with its sixteenth century monastery has exploded
in a few short years into a vibrant holiday centre.
Its harbour is alive with bobbing fishing boats supplying
the nearby restaurants with the freshest of ingredients.
The beaches are one of Cyprus’
main assets. Their fine gold and silver sands glisten
in the bright sunshine and the clear blue sea invites
more than a toe in the water. There are all kinds
of water sports from water skiing to paragliding and
from sailing to scuba diving. Nissi Beach, only three
kilometres from Ayia Napa, has a small island very
close to the coast which offers shelter from any winds.
It is well served with bars, cafes and small restaurants.
Ayia Napa has a large number of shops
providing holiday essentials and an even larger number
of gift and souvenir shops where mementoes can be
purchased.
The town centre is extremely lively
after dark with many pubs, bars, discos and clubs
that remain open until dawn. Those wishing for more
mellow evenings will find pleasant venues in the outskirts
of the resort.
An Ayia Napa holiday provides all
the necessary ingredients for an enjoyable summer
break. One of the biggest attractions to Ayia Napa
are the surrounding beaches;
Ayia Napa Main Beach
This beach stretches from the fishing harbour of Ayia
Napa for more than a kilometre and follows an easterly
direction. Thousands of people visit it every year
.Facilities for all sea sports are provided for. Cafeterias,
snack bars and restaurants are abound in the area.
The fishing harbour of Ayia Napa with its small colorful
boats adds colour to the view and it is a happy reminder
of the past
Macronissos Beach
A cluster of bays forms Macronissos beach.The three
bays stretch out in different directions one to the
west, second to the southwest, whereas the third one
stretches in a southeasterly direction with the result
that is well sheltered from winds
Ayia Thekla
It is situated six kilometres west of Ayia Napa. It
is not one of the big ones. It has a small island
within its grasp and it is within walking distance
from the main road taking you to Ayia Napa. It has
taken its name from a small old church in that area
bearing the same name
Nissi Bay
Nissi Beach is Only three kilometres west of Ayia
Napa. These closely connected twin beaches attract
thousands of tourists every year. Nissi, which in
Greek means a small island, gives a new dimension
to the beauty of the landscape. It is well sheltered
from the winds which facilitate all sea sports. There
are also cafeterias, pubs, and restaurants in the
area.
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay Beach is found 400 yards or so east of Nissi
Bay. The beach is also fully protected from winds.
Facilities for sea sports are provided for and as
in the case with most beaches, catering facilities
are also offered.
Limnara Beach
About four kilometres east of Ayia Napa, visitors
come to Limnara Beach. Though small it is one of the
loveliest beaches, it is well- protected from the
winds and here stands the Kermia Beach Hotel Apartments
with facilities for all water sports.
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