Ayia Napa, in the north east of Cyprus was once a very poor fishing village until development began after the Turkish invasion. It is now one of the most popular resorts in Cyprus with its wonderful fine white beaches and warm safe seas. The sporting facilities are wide ranging and the nightlife in the centre of the resort is said to be the liveliest on the island.
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. Excellent restaurants abound in Ayia Napa and its nightlife is legendary.
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.
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.
Cyprus is an oft chosen holiday destination for 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.
Ayia Napa nightlife is renowned for its vibrancy. The central square is packed with pubs, bars, discos and clubs providing an eclectic mix of music that surely provides for most tastes. The drinking and dancing continues until dawn. If this is not your scene, stroll along the roads away from the centre and you will find peaceful locations where you can enjoy a quiet drink or a meal.
Cyprus excels in handcrafted goods and the government have recognised the value of this by creating the Cyprus Handicraft Service. The official shops compete with the unofficial shops but all of them sell quality goods at reasonable prices. Popular gifts and holiday mementoes are the embroidered linens, the Lefkara lace and ceramic pots.
There are numerous bars and restaurants serving all manner of food. There are English and Irish pubs serving familiar fare for the less adventurous palate. Fish features prominently on Cypriot menus with calamari, red mullet and sea bass being particularly popular. Halloumi, a cheese made from goat and sheep’s milk is an island speciality. It is often served grilled and served as an appetiser. The Cypriot equivalent of the Spanish tapas is mezze and it is a good way to sample the variety of local food.
The nearby small white-washed town of Paralimni is well known for its tavernas selling delicious grilled fish.
Local wines are tasty and inexpensive.
