Cyprus, Ayia Napa – Cool Resort

The article brings you:

The largest tourist resort in Cyprus offers hundreds of thousands of visitors every year more than three dozen beaches, 14 of which have been awarded the Blue Flag, incredibly clean sea (world-renowned), numerous bars, discos and shops. You can stay in more than 175 hotels of different categories and the number is constantly growing.

There are also two maritime museums, charting the marine life and maritime heritage of Cyprus from prehistoric times to the present day. There is also an aqua park themed to ancient Greece and a sculpture park with over 200 works of art by 140 sculptors from all over the world. The artificial reef with the ship Kyrenia or the cactus park with 10,000 cacti and succulents are also unusual. There are also various international cultural festivals and social events. Simply a resort perfect not only for summer holidays.

As far as history is concerned, Ayia Napa is intrinsically linked to the discovery of the icon of the Virgin Mary, which led to the founding of a monastery (which still stands in the centre of the town) during the Venetian rule in the 12th century. Next to the monastery, a small fishing village began to emerge, living a quiet life until the 1970s, when the Turkish invasion led to the relocation of tourism from the resorts in the northern part of the island. Shortly afterwards, there was a building boom and unprecedented development of this part of Cyprus. 

In 2016, construction began on a new luxury marina financed by Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris. The result is not only a breathtaking marina, but also magnificent architecture with a dominant residential tower.

Apart from its official history, Ayia Napa is also famous for the legend of the sea monster, which is said to be friendly and only occasionally pulls (and tears) fishermen's nets. Local newspapers refer to it as the Cyprus Loch Ness.

Either way, whether you head to Ayia Napa for relaxation, fun, history, or the search for a mystical creature, you won't regret it. The resort will satisfy both the discerning and the less demanding tourist and will offer many experiences that you will remember fondly.

GPS: 34°59'06.6"N 33°58'59.6"E

Text: Oskár Mažgút

Photos: Miroslav Lipovský