Ayia Napa is located on the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, particularly for the younger crowd, Ayia Napa is famous for its nightlife. For travelers who don't want to drink 'till dawn, Ayia Napa offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Originally a small fishing village named for the Greek Saint Napa, the history of Aiya Napa is still there, particularly in the 16th century monastery at the center of the town.

Beaches

One of the key attractions of Aiya Napa is the beaches. Macronissos Beach is formed by 3 bays that run into each other. Just a little way away from the city, this picturesque beach has been used as the backdrop for MTV beach shows, but if you catch it on a normal day it is a beautiful place to relax or spend time with your family.

Nissi Beach is a beautiful beach that was one of the first to catch on and attract tourists to the Aiya Napa region. Four km to the east of Aiya Napa is Limnara Beach, a beautiful, but small beach that is very well-protected from the elements, making it a great place to go if it is very windy.

Grecian Bay is the closest beach to Aiya Napa's downtown, is a great place to hang out, and can often be less crowded than the other 2 more well-known beaches. Because so much of Aiya Napa's tourist economy revolves around the beaches, it is not hard to find shops to buy or rent whatever you need, be it towels and sunscreen or waverunners.

Macronissos Tombs

West of Aiya Napa you will find the Maconissos Tombs, remnants of the Roman and Hellenistic period in Cyprus. Although the tombs have been looted repeatedly since the 19th century, they were cleaned up and excavated by the Ayia Napa Improvement Board in 1989 and are now an interesting tourist stop. In addition to the 19 tombs carved directly out of the rock, there is a small and simple sanctuary in the center of the tombs.

Ayia Napa Monastery

Located in the center of Ayia Napa, the monastery is the most important cultural and historical landmark of the city. It is a key reminder of the area's history among all the modern clubs and bars. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the monastery is in very good shape for its age. Partly underground and cut directly into the rock it stands upon, the monastery is a must see, whatever your reasons for coming to this island oasis.