Travel to Ayia Napa and Protaras

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Ayia Napa and Protaras, Cyprus

Ayia Napa is THE seaside resort at the eastern tip of the island, dedicated to nightlife and thus has, for several years, been very popular with a young population, including the locals. Highly popular for its sandy beaches and turquoise water, Ayia Napa (meaning "Lady of the Sacred Forest") was once a place of pilgrimage about 450 years ago. The small Byzantine monastery located on the central square bears witness to this. It is the only resurgence here of the rich cultural history of the island. Though Ayia Napa is venerated today, it is especially property developers and other entertainment professionals who invest in this resort which is somewhere between luxury tourism and a paradise for night clubbers. Hotels and shops are sprouting up everywhere and the city is growing rapidly. So much that some other cities have began to imitate it. About 6 miles to the north you can find the booming Protaras, another area dedicated to tourism, which for the moment can be visited only from April to October (opening dates of the resort).

Know that the hotels on the island offer a decent level of comfort and equipment. Drinks ordered during meals are always at extra cost. The thematic buffets offered in the evening sometimes come at an extra cost, and so are optional.

The beaches are public, but water sports are mostly offered by private companies installed on the beach, usually close to hotels, and are therefore subject to a fee.

In general, there is no diving club on the hotel's beach, though you will be recommended a good diving centre.

The shops are closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, making the cities look rather bleak.

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pros

•  High-quality hotels
•  The most beautiful beaches on the island: fine golden sand, clear water

cons

•  The lack of authenticity
•  Few cultural sites

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Weather Ayia Napa and Protaras - choosing the best time to go

Visit Ayia Napa and Protaras

• To see

  Ayia Napa offers a lively nightlife and has therefore gained popularity in recent years among the young population. Highly popular for its sandy beaches and turquoise water, Ayia Napa (the "Lady of the Sacred Forest") was once a place of pilgrimage about 450 years ago. The only monument left from its rich cultural past is the small Byzantine monastery, located on the central square, which is worth a visit.

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  To do

  The region is mostly composed of plains and sea, without much cultural heritage. Between Ayia Napa and Protaras stands the promontory of Cape Greco. Heading north back up the coastline, do not miss the beautiful beach of Fig Tree Bay. From the port of Ayia Napa, many sea excursions are organised which will allow you to discover the most beautiful beaches in the region, as well as a view of the former seaside resort of Famagusta - a ghost town since the confrontations of 1974. Ayia Napa is also the starting point of big-game fishing.

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  To think about

  Those who have studied ancient Greek will be happy to be able to read the signs: it is the same alphabet! Others do not have to worry as road signs are in English as well. Driving is on the left hand side of the road in Cyprus.

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• To avoid

  Do not choose this region of the island for its historical heritage and its authenticity. Despite its rich cultural past, there is very little left to visit. Moreover, if you are looking for entertainment at any time of the day or the night, Ayia Napa is very quiet during the low season and Proratas only comes back to life at the beginning of the high season, which is from April to October (opening dates of the resorts).

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  To try

  Taste the kleftiko dish, this is one of the most traditional dishes of the island, but unfortunately the majority of British tourists usually prefer pizzas and hamburgers. So, in order to enjoy this lamb that has simmered for hours in the oven, do not hesitate to call in at a local inn to try your luck. For lack of it, try the Cypriote moussaka: served in a pottery fondue dish, it has a pleasant rustic taste.

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  To bring back

  Wine. The island of Cyprus produces interesting wines to taste at home, a fine way to recreate the ambience of the island. The most renowned wines include the white wines of Omodos and Kilani on the slopes of the Troodos, and the red wines from Ahera or Semeli. Also bring back crystallised fruits and vegetables (aubergines, quinces), honey and jams of unusual flavours (green fig or bergamot). As for souvenirs, Cyprus is renowned for its Lefkara lace, its basketry and pottery.

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Hotels reviews by the Easyexperts

Welcome to the year-round island...

Hotels on Cyprus' south coast, both inland and by the sea, are comfortable and well-equipped. Staff are warm and welcoming, and the hotels tend to be very clean. You're unlikely to be the only Brits discovering this part of the world? Aphrodite's island is a top tourist destination amongst the British ...

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Ayia Napa and Protaras in pictures

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Le Meridien Spa/Resort Limassol

 

Score 9/10

Corina Georgeta Abraham-Barna 24/08/2011 : "L'hotel se trouve justement au bord de la mer, il a plusieurs piscines et restaurants, et ses restos sont excellents"

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SVELTOS

 

Score 5/10

Corina Georgeta Abraham-Barna 24/08/2011 : "Medium hotel, old but improved by new painting, curtains and air conditioning installation. "

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Hotel reviews Cyprus

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