AYIA NAPA
Area: Cyprus


Location:
On the E coast of Cyprus, 25 miles NE of Larnaca and its international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
357 23

Position:
Flat rocky terrain all around, facing SE.

Description:
In the early 1970s, Ayia Napa was a sleepy old fishing village on the E coast of Cyprus, with a picturesque small harbour and an ancient monastery. The road to Ayia Napa led nowhere, it ended there. After the Turkish Invasion of 1974 and the loss of Famagusta with its golden coast, Ayia Napa was discovered. Today, even the locals can lose themselves in their own village as it has now been converted into one of the biggest resorts of the island. The secret of its success is beaches of white sand and crystal clear water. The rugged coastline bays and coves are like nowhere else in Cyprus. The resort of Ayia Napa is spread over a coastline extending 3 miles. With the phenomenal increase in hotel accommodation, there has also been a proportional increase in restaurants, pubs, bars, shops, tavernas, discos and night clubs. During the day the whole resort enjoys peace and quiet, as people are at the beach; at night it comes alive. Driving around can become a hazard as many roads are one-way and the streets are extremely narrow. Motorcycles are like flies, so extreme care is always needed.

Suitability:
In summer and especially in high season, almost exclusively taken over by young singles. Some families and all markets throughout the high season. Most of the hotels close during the winter.

Accommodation:
Over 150 hotels and tourist apartment buildings, ranging from basic B&B accommodation only, to 5-star luxury hotels.

Shopping:
Large number and variety of shops.

Beach:
The main beaches begin at the harbour and extend approximately 1» miles E. Others are at Nissi Bay 1º miles W of the harbour and Makronissos 1» miles beyond that. Umbrellas and beach beds are available in abundance. Water sports are also plentiful for those who want to indulge.

Entertainments:
Daytime: water sports are available at all beaches. A go-cart track W of town. Day-trips available from the harbour. Most hotels have tennis courts. Nightlife: a huge "clubbing" scene has grown almost out of control since the mid-90s. Lots of sophisticated discos and night clubs offer the latest types of music from the UK. Masses of young singles gather in the central square before starting their late-night revelry. Drunkenness and drugs are evident. Ibiza's San Antonio and Corfu's Kavos now have a serious competitor for the 18_30 market.

Eating:
Very large number of restaurants and pubs, offering everything from fast food, to local and international cuisine.

Public-transport:
None available. Hourly bus service to Larnaca and the resort of Protaras but only until 7 pm.

Local-excursions:
All tour operators arrange their own, covering the whole of Cyprus.