All the photos and videos are mine, shot with Nikon Coolpix S2800. The maps are Google Maps

Here you'll find my personal observations about Ayia Napa and its best beaches.

Sling Shot

What is Ayia Napa?

Major areas of interest

Ayia Napa is a popular tourist destination in Cyprus, mostly due to its gorgeous beaches. It is especially attractive to European and Russian travelers because of the location of Cyprus, close to Europe, as well as high quality hotels with very low prices.

Location of Ayia Napa in Cyprus

The center

The city is fairly small. The majority of tourists live in the center, along Nissi Avenue and near Ayia Napa Monastery. This certainly makes a lot of sense, since the Monastery is now a museum under the open sky.

Ayia Napa Monastery

Outside Ayia Napa Monastery

Inside Ayia Napa Monastery

Another reason to like the center is Parko Paliatso Luna Park. The most exciting ride there, in my opinion, is Sling Shot:

There is also a 1:1 copy of Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean in the local harbor. You can order cruises on it.

Black Pearl

The beaches

However, I saw many people make a huge mistake when they stick to the beaches close to the center. Pantachou Beach is largely overcrowded and is not that scenic, as for me. I would suggest that you go a little farther west to Vathia Gonia Beach and Nissi Beach.

Vathia Gonia Beach

Nissi Beach

Nissi beach

They may be a bit hard to find if you go along the coast. This rocky surface can make you feel that there is no sand beyond.

Rocky Coast

The easy way is to go along Nissi Avenue, using a bike, a segway, a taxi cab, or simply on foot. It's not too far.

Nissi Avenue

Enjoy your stay in Ayia Napa!