Ayia Napa, Ayia Napa
Thrilling, modern holiday resort with a successful recipe of sublime beaches, good value restaurants and hard-to-top nightlife.
Overview
Despite having international fame as the Cyprus clubbing mecca for young people since the 90s, Ayia Napa itself is no spring chicken. In fact it was mentioned for the first time in writing in 1366 by the celebrated Cypriot chronicler Leontios Machaira, and again in 1373, in a log detailing the shipwreck of several Venetian ships loaded with goods previously stolen from Cyprus.
The name Ayia Napa derives from the ancient Greek word 'Napa', which means wooded valley. It seems that centuries ago the area was covered in greenery, complete with natural springs where a monastery is situated today, and was very popular with hunters. Nowadays, it's upbeat, cosmopolitan and full of life, offering pure Mediterranean pleasure, whether snorkelling in the turquoise blue waters, enjoying the notoriously celebrated nightlife or relaxing on one of the 6 Blue Flag beaches (including the lovely, laidback suburb, Nissi Bay).
Although known for its nightlife, Ayia Napa is becoming increasingly popular with families looking for a lively atmosphere.
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Why Go?
Offering more thrills per square inch than anywhere else in Cyprus, Ayia Napa is a real tonic for
the senses. No one leaves here without a smile on their faces - and most simply can't wait to
return, so infectious is this mega-resort's sense of fun, and sense of all-round, ruthlessly
efficient holiday wish-list ticking.
In Ayia Napa, anything is possible. And age simply isn't a barrier. If you want to dance all
night, explore new sports and activities all day, shop for bargains or soak up the sun,
no-one's going to stop you here. Of course, Ayia Napa's clublife is legendary, but it's a
cultural hotspot too, with ancient treasures alongside modern superclubs, colourful harbours
and sublime beaches.
For those on a budget, Ayia Napa hosts many excellent, great value
accommodation options, but there are swish five star resorts a plenty too. And the resort's
restaurants more than hold their own with the best on the island. Hundreds of thousands of
ardent fans simply can't be wrong: Ayia Napa is a phenomenally successful example of how a
modern holiday resort can appeal to everyone, and still retain much of its authentic character
amid the chaos.
