Though known almost exclusively as a party town, Ayia Napa has a number of museums that provide some educational entertainment during your stay in the city. With a combination of cultural, historical and science museums, there is something for everyone here in this beautiful getaway location.

Museums of Ayia Napa

Situated on the lower level of town hall is the Tornaritis - Pierides Museum of Marine Life. This small collection features both past and present marine life and introduces the visitor to the marine fauna of the Mediterranean and Cyprus. The main goal of this museum is to bring about a marine preservation movement, as well as provide a base for the study and research of marine life in the area.

Thalassa is another museum also dedicated to the preservation of marine heritage from prehistoric times to the present in Cyprus. On display here are countless marine artifacts, and the museum is home to community cultural events and educational programs throughout the year. Browse the collection of engravings, sculptures, ceramics and paintings here, all produced by leading Greek and Cypriot artists throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Located just outside of Ayia Napa in the town of Makronissos is an ancient burial site, The Makronissos Tombs. This is a great place to visit to get a feel for traditional burials in the areas. The tombs are located on a stepped road and at the end of a long rectangular entrance that was originally covered with slabs of rock.

One of the most known landmarks in Ayia Napa is the Ayia Napa Monastery. Drawing on the cultural heritage of the city, this is a must-visit location to get a feel for how the city has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into what it is today. In its original state, the monastery was surrounded by a thick forest and only reachable by hunters from adjacent villages.