Ayia Napa – Top Things To Do in Ayia Napa
The party central of the island – Ayia Napa. This city is filled with activities to do for anyone and everyone. Though it is mostly visited for its beaches and nightlife, in this list I have compiled other interesting activities for those who want to try different things.
Cape Greko
Cape Greko is filled with multiple nature trails and spectacular views over its sea cliff that house its popular sea caves. For the adventurous or adrenaline junkies, Cape Greco is one of the popular cliff jumping spots, though if you were to do it, do it at your own discretion and safety. Cape Greko also houses a part of the European Long Distance Trail E4, the Aphrodite Trail.
Ayia Napa Waterworld
Considered one of the top 12 waterparks in the world, Ayia Napa Waterworld is the ideal place to spend a Cypriot scorching summer day. A themed waterpark of Ancient Greek mythology. The water rides around the park are named and created after a mythological figure in the Ancient Greek world, making it a unique experience. Rides ranging from the lazy river, to water slides, and more adrenaline inducing rides, make it the perfect place to enjoy with families and friends. For the party animals, the water park hosts DJ parties every weekend in the wave pool.
For more info check their website: https://waterworldwaterpark.com
Nissi Beach
Located at a short distance from the Ayia Napa town center, Nissi Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. With its fine golden sand and clear blue waters, you can enjoy a perfect day sunbathing, swimming, or participating in the water sports offered. The eastern part of the beach houses a small islet at around 45 meters from the coastline. The shallow waters at this location allow a strip of walkable sandy bank for people to access the small islet and explore. This makes it one of the most popular landmarks, with accommodation, restaurants, bars, pubs and corner stores at very close distance.
Fig Tree Bay
Named after the lone fig tree overlooking the beach area, Fig Tree Bay is famous for its sandy golden beach and blue clear waters. The quality of its waters is what awarded it the prestigious Blue Flag. So if you want to experience what beach is worthy of such an award, you should not miss out from going here.
Ayia Napa Promenade
The main street through Ayia Napa, lined on both sides by restaurants (also themed restaurants), cafes, bars, pubs, clubs, hotels, stores, etc. It has anything and everything you might need or be looking for. This road is the one that leads you to Limanaki and also Luna Park and it connects Ayia Napa from the more touristy lower part to the upper, more residential area.
Limanaki (Ayia Napa Harbour)
The fishing harbour of Ayia Napa, though in the past it was small consisting of only fishing boats, nowadays it’s a big built up area filled with all types of boats, from fishing boats, to tour boats, cruises and private boats. The area contains pedestrian paths, leading to 2 light houses within. There are also seafood restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
Park Paliatso Luna Park
The biggest amusement park in Cyprus, housing more than 25 different rides, ranging from mild to adrenaline inducing. The biggest and scariest ride is the Slingshot, it is also its most popular ride and the highest ejection seat ride in Europe. Pay €52 for a day pass with full access to all the offered rides, however to ride the Slingshot you have to pay €20 extra per person. While deciding which ride to go on next, enjoy the popular amusement parks snacks they offer, cotton candy, hot dogs and many more.
For more info check their website: https://www.parkopaliatsocy.com
Protaras Promenade
A car ride 20 minutes away from Ayia Napa is Protaras. A tourist area filled with resorts, beaches, nightlife and more. Stop by the long main strip of Protaras, it’s lined with an infinite amount of eating options, both local and international cuisine. It’s also a great spot to walk off your food while enjoying the views of other people mingling, eating and just living their lives.
Diving
Ayia Napa houses some of the most famous diving sites on the island. These range from sunken boats, underwater caves to an underwater sculpture museum. MUSAN is a unique diving spot that combines sculpture art and marine conservation, while encouraging biodiversity by attracting marine species. Scuba diving at this location would definitely be a new and special experience, with 93 sculptures to view at a max depth of 10 meters. They welcome people at all levels of diving skill, so those interested but worried they might not have the skill are encouraged to go.
Check out the MUSAN website if you are interested in diving at their underwater museum.
Black Pearl Boat Trip
This is an excursion for the fans of Pirates of the Caribbean or those interested in a unique experience. The Black Pearl boat trip is a day trip around the Ayia Napa coast, on it you will experience the life of a pirate crew. They include you in activities like flag making, pirate training, sword fights, and even walking the plank, making you feel like you are part of the crew. It’s a great experience to talk down the road and declare that you were part of a pirate crew.
For tickets and info check their website: https://blackpearlayianapa.com
Nightlife
Another aspect that makes Ayia Napa so popular amongst both locals and foreigners is the nightlife. Filled with over 70 establishments, from bars to pubs to nightclubs, there is an option for everyone.
For recommendations on which bars and clubs to go to, check out my blog post Student Life in Ayia Napa.
