Ayia Napa, Cyprus
If you thought Ayia Napa was just for the young and energetic, you would be wrong. This old fishing village offers some fine traditional cuisine, fantastic weather and beautiful golden sands as well as the many bars and entertainment hot spots. One of the major attractions is the water park. A great resort for families, couples and groups.
Things to do
The Waterworld Themed Waterpark is found just outside the resort around 5km from its centre, as Europe's largest themed waterpark is features spectacular rides and children only areas allowing for something for all age groups.
If you looking for a daytrip out to sea then Ayia Napa has every kind of boat trip imaginable, from glass bottomed boats to dolphin spotting speedboats and pirate adventures to the infamous party boats.
Ayia Napa Beaches
Ayia Napa boasts some of the best beaches on Cyprus many of which have Blue Flag status. All of its beaches are linked by a coastal path which leads from Agia Thekla at the resorts western edge and runs right through to Cape Greco and beyond.
Most of the beaches in the area have lifeguards from April to October, and are well serviced with changing facilities, toilets, first aid points, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, watersports, snack bars and restaurants.
Agia Thekla Beach is found on the western edge of the resort and consists of several sandy coves with a small main beach. Used mainly by the private villas that back this stretch of beach making it a more peaceful spot than those found closer to the centre.
Macronissos Beach is made up of three stretches of golden sand, one long in between two smaller bays. Popular with families as the sands gently shelve into the clear sea, this beach can get quite busy during high season.
Landa Beach also known as Golden Beach because of its golden sand and clear waters, this beach has a relaxed atmosphere and is quieter than neighbouring Nissi Beach.
Nissi Beach is the most popular beach in Ayia Napa and is made up of two connecting beaches, one which is longer and livelier, the other a quiet small bay. Nissi means small island and there is one just off the beach which you can walk out to at low tide. During the summer months the Nissi Bay Beach Bar draws in the crowds with its top DJ's, foam and beach parties.
Sandy Bay (Vathia Gonia) is a sheltered beach of soft sand nestled between two headlands. The gently shelving waters make this a popular choice with families and can get very busy in high season.
The closest beach to the town centre is Grecian Bay (Gylko Nero); this is a long stretch of sand that leads from the harbour to the eastern edge of town, running into Panatachou and Loukkas Tou Manti beaches.
Konnos Bay is at the Eastern edge of the resort, situated halfway between Ayia Napa and Protaras. A popular beach with locals, this beach is backed by a cliff where access is available via steps or a winding road. The sun-loungers available to hire here can be taken into the sea where you float and bath at the same time.
Out and about
Depending where you're staying in the resort getting around is easily done on foot, as a large resort its worth noting that the main square is around 3km from Nissi Beach, local buses and taxis are readily available or you might want to hire a moped, quad bike or buggy.
An array of restaurants and fast food outlets catering for all tastes and budgets can be found in the resort as well as many shops featuring designer and well known brand names.
For family friendly evening entertainment in the heart of Ayia Napa the Parko Paliatso Fun Fair is ideal, it offers numerous rides suitable for all ages, from bouncy castles to merry-go-rounds and bumper-cars to bungee-trampolines.
Of course the main reason for many visiting Ayia Napa is to experience its legendary nightlife; and when the sun goes down Ayia Napa comes to life. The main square and surrounding streets are the hotspot for many of the lively bars and clubs, and there's something for all tastes; reggae bars, Hip Hop and Trance. The bars and pubs don't start filling up till around 10pm so families can be well catered for before this time.
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