Have a Memorable Trip With These 10 Things To Do in Ayia Napa

It may have been known as the Mediterranean’s wildest resort back in the 90s, but Ayia Napa has changed a lot since then. Sure, you can still party until the wee hours, but you may be surprised to hear that there are many interesting things to do during the day. Our travel experts at Plum Guide have spent plenty of time relaxing on the beaches and visiting its main sights (all in the name of research, of course), so we’re here to help you plan the perfect trip. Before you book those flights, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Ayia Napa.

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One of Ayia Napa’s main draws is its glorious beaches, where you can spend all day lounging on the sand and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. The most popular destination is Nissi Beach which offers something for everyone. Partygoers will enjoy the beach clubs with pools and DJs, whereas those keen to try watersports can use all the facilities or even try cliff jumping from the headland (check that travel insurance beforehand). If you’re travelling with the family, Makronissos Beach is a large stretch of sand with a range of amenities. The beach is clean and well-maintained, and the shallow waters are safe for little ones to swim. If you want to avoid the all-day foam parties, take a ten-minute drive to Konnos Bay. Set in a natural cove surrounded by cliffs, this beach has a much more laid-back vibe, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming and watersports.

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One of the top things to do in Ayia Napa is explore the wonderful Cape Greco. Located on the southeastern tip of Cyprus, this breathtaking coastal area offers impossibly blue waters ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. The site is teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving around the natural rock formations and secret caves. Designated as a National Forest Park, Cape Greco offers plenty of things to do on dry land, too – multiple hiking and cycling trails taking you through unspoilt landscapes. Covering an area of approximately 950 acres, the park is also home to rare plant species like the Cyprus orchid, as well as fascinating wildlife like birds, reptiles and mammals – keen wildlife watchers will want to bring their binoculars.

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Channel your inner Indiana Jones and head on an underground adventure to the mysterious Makronissos Tombs. Carved out of the rocky terrain, these well-preserved ancient tombs are believed to date back to the Hellenistic period around the 3rd century. Take a walk around the area and enjoy the sea views from this peaceful corner of the coast. Feeling a little spooked? Don’t worry, as Makronissos Beach is right next door, so you can spend the rest of your day kicking back with a cocktail.

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If you’ve come for a taste of Ayia Napa’s famous nightlife, you’ll be pleased to know that there are an abundance of bars, nightclubs and beach clubs catering to every kind of party animal. You’ll come across everything from live music venues, such as Square Bar, to renowned clubs like Castle Club. Ayia Napa Square is the place to be, where you’ll find all of the town’s best offerings squeezed into a small area – this makes it an ideal place for bar-hopping. Want to party with your toes in the sand? Ayia Napa’s beach clubs like Makronissos Beach Club, Levels Beach Bar, and Nissi Bay Beach Bar offer a more chilled out, daytime party atmosphere.

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Lovers of ancient history won’t want to miss a visit to the Ayia Napa Monastery. Built around the 1500s by Venetian monks, this is the town’s oldest landmark and a lovely place to spend an afternoon. As soon as you step foot through the stone archway, you’re transported back in time and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you just arrived at a Game of Thrones set with the church, flour mill, and cloisters all built with honey-hued limestone. There is also a small museum here, home to a collection of religious artefacts, including the icon of the Virgin Mary. Believed to have healing powers, many pilgrims come here for its blessing. Once you’ve made your way around, take a moment to relax in the small courtyard, complete with a fountain and charming garden.

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One of the most exciting things to do in Ayia Napa for families is a day out at WaterWorld Themed Waterpark. There are 35 mythology-themed rides and attractions to choose from, whether you want to float down the River Odyssey or get your adrenaline pumping on the hair-raising Fall of Icarus. Little ones will love splashing about in the Danaides Children’s Playground, while older kids can challenge themselves by climbing to the top of a slippery bubble at Minotaur’s Labyrinth. If you fancy something a little different, there’s even a go-kart circuit to race on should you need a break from the water. Once you’ve built up an appetite, there are multiple restaurants and eateries serving up everything from traditional dishes to kid-friendly burgers and pizzas.

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It may be difficult to pull yourself away from the beach, but if you’re in need of some respite from the heat of the midday sun, the Thalassa Museum is a fantastic place to spend a few hours. Named after the Greek word for ‘sea’, the museum is dedicated to Cyprus’s marine heritage, from prehistoric times to the present day. Set across seven levels, the museum is designed so visitors can view the exhibits from different angles, including from a bird’s eye view. One of the highlights is the life-size replica of the famous 4th-century Greek trading ship ‘Keryneia II’ that sank around 300 BC. Down in the basement is the marine life section with fossils of fish, sea mammals, crustaceans, corals and shells, some dating back 130 million years ago.

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For anyone seeking a fun day out, a visit to the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park is one of the best activities in the area. Spread across 5 acres, the park is home to a collection of 263 works by over 133 artists from around the world. This collection is expanding all the time, with artists gathering each spring and autumn to create sculptures and turning the park into an open-air workshop. The sculptures are created from Cypriot limestone, metal, ceramic or brass, and represent everything from abstract forms to items inspired by ancient civilisations. Set in classic Mediterranean seascape surroundings, the park makes for a scenic area for a stroll.

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One of the best ways to see Ayia Napa is from the water. We highly recommend spending a day exploring the dramatic cliffs and sea caves along the way. You’ll find numerous companies around Ayia Napa Harbour offering boat tours of the coast. There’s a boat trip for everyone, from party boats with a bar and DJs to private catamarans for a more tranquil experience. If you’re more interested in what’s going on underneath the waves, scuba diving is a popular activity in Ayia Napa, where you can spot an abundance of sea life, deep canyons and mysterious shipwrecks.

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Ayia Napa is well-positioned for day trips, and one of our top recommendations is the resort town of Protaras. Nestled on the east coast of Cyprus, the town is renowned for its beaches and natural beauty, as well as its fascinating history and culture. Spend the day relaxing on Fig Tree Beach or Green Bay Beach, or snorkel your way along the coastline. Protaras is the ideal destination for watersports, offering everything from jet skiing and banana boat rides to parasailing and windsurfing.

There’s plenty to discover away from the coast, too, including the photogenic Ayios Elias Church. This iconic landmark is perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, and a thirty-minute stroll up to the top will reward you with breathtaking vistas. For more photo opportunities, take a short drive to Paralimni Lake, a natural saltwater lake home to migratory birds like pink flamingos. There are a number of walking trails around the lake, making it a lovely place to get out and enjoy a relaxing day in nature.

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