Ayia Napa - City of Cyprus

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 and Mykonos. As of late, it has become particularly popular with UK Grime, House & Garage artists/MCs for holidays and gigs in its clubs/venues.

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.

Agia Napa attracts a large number of tourists and features a number of sandy beaches, on which watersports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving and speed boating are popular. The Cyprus Tourism Organization supervises the beaches and is responsible for protecting the interests of all tourists. The most popular of these beaches is Nissi beach, which is visited mainly by clubbers and young people at summer and gets very busy. The New Golden Bay, or Lanta / Landa beach as it is known to the locals, is a less busy beach with a number of activities available. Several hotels and apartments are situated on Nissi Road, including Nissi Beach Hotel, Kaos Hotel Apts and others.

Ayia Napa has changed it's image somewhat over the years, from a fishing village to a clubbers' paradise and now has found it's place as a multi - cultural town. Cape Greco is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Ayia Napa, and is considered one of the most beautiful places on the island.

In Cape Greco lives the reputed Ayia Napa Sea Monster which is meant to resemble a cross between a porpoise and dragon. It has only been spotted and photographed a dozen or so times and is thought to be a direct descendent from pre-historic times.

Agia Napa Monastery is the best known landmark of the Agia Napa area. It has a charm and charisma that represents a time when Ayia Napa was just a sleepy fishing village. It seems that in ancient times, the location where the monastery and the village exists today, was covered with a thick forest, visited only by hunters from the neighbouring villages.

Thalassa", the Municipal Museum of the Sea in Agia Napa, is dedicated to the enhancement, promotion and preservation of marine heritage of Cyprus, from prehistoric times to present. Located at the centre of Agia Napa, the presence of the Museum serves to display marine artefacts, conduct educational programmes and community cultural events, as well as foster interest in Cyprus' rich sea-history.

The Makronissos Tombs are found west of Agia Napa village in the locality of Makronissos. They are an ancient burial site, located at a stepped road, which leads down to a rectangular entrance. The entrances were originally closed with one large or two smaller calcarenke slabs.