Ayia Napa is the party capital of Cyprus, a resort renowned for its wild nightlife, long sandy beaches and picturesque coastline. With blue waters and shelving sands it's an ideal location to relax and soak up the sun (during the peak season temperatures can hit 40°C) before you enjoy the red-hot party atmosphere of the evenings. Flights operating year round to nearby Larnaca airport take approximately 4h 40m from most UK airports with transfer times to Ayia Napa taking about one hour.
Perfect for partygoers, Ayia Napa is perfectly suited to couples and groups of friends…
With everything you would expect from a popular holiday destination, Ayia Napa suits a range of travellers but particularly couples, single holidaymakers and groups of friends. At one point Ayia Napa was considered to be the 'alternative Ibiza'. However, it has since cleaned up its image and is much more family orientated. The beaches in particular are quiet with many hidden among a chain of rocky boulders. Nevertheless, there is much for partygoers to enjoy with lots of lively clubs and it remains a hotspot for young singles particularly during the summer.
The clubbing season in Ayia Napa begins in June and lasts throughout the summer months until September/October, though there are many clubs including the famous Black & White, which is small but always packed to rafters, that remain open all year round. Licensing hours in Ayia Napa have been extended, with many clubs staying open until dawn.
There are a host of great venues, with something for just about every taste. The Africa Bar stays open until 6am and is popular with hardened partygoers thanks to its three for the price of two on spirit measures. The Castle Club has three floors - one each for house, garage and R&B, while Abyss is an enormous club with large dance-floors. Napa Dreams is decked out to look like a tropical island with lots of pole dancing, while the Minos bar is a great place to watch clubbers passing by.
It's not just about clubbing though with lots of things to see and do. Watersports are particularly well catered for, especially at Makronissos, which is vastly popular with locals at the weekends. Nissi Beach is the most hectic area in the resort with lots of bars and hotels lined up along the waterfront. There is a bungee jump on the beach and nature lovers can occasionally spot the odd flamingo in the waters. It's also considered the hottest 'place to be' and as a result you'll be lucky to spot a grain of sand beneath the flocks of tourists.
Snorkelling and swimming are the main attractions at the picturesque Sandy Bay, while Landa is a relatively quiet alternative. Konnos Bay is popular for families and couples while Grecian Bay is the most accessible spot, right in front of the square.
Shopping is well catered for with prices a lot cheaper than the UK. In particular, opticians prove popular with glasses 50% cheaper than they are in the rest of Europe. The majority of the shopping takes place in the town of Ayia Napa with many jewellers plus clothes shops and music stores.
For those wanting something more cultural, the cobblestone streets and pleasant harbour provide a pretty backdrop, while the medieval monastery and its 600 year old sycamore tree are worth visiting. Many tourists find the octagonal fountain at the monastery's base provides a striking scene for photographs.
