Ayia Napa is a popular tourist destination located on the island of Cypress in the Mediterranean. Beautiful beaches and a "happening" night life have made this a prime destination for travelers, particularly the younger crowd. Like so many cities in this area, Ayia Napa was once a simple fishing village and its history dates back to the Roman Empire. Although it is hard to see among all the modern clubs and shops, the 16th century monastery at the center of the city shows that this city has a lot of history behind its flashy veneer.

Catching the Night Life

If you're heading to Ayia Napa for the night life, the best time to go is the summer. The city fills up with tourists all summer long, giving it more the feel of an MTV beach party than a seaside Mediterranean city. Places to head to catch the action include the square at the center of Ayia Napa, which is busy from dusk until dawn in the summer, and the beaches. The temperature tends to peak in the low to mid 80s, making this perfect weather for hanging out on the beaches or participating in your favorite water sport.

Off-Season

If you would rather avoid the crowds than be a part of them, head for Ayia Napa off-season. In the winter temperatures are still in the mid-50s, which will probably stop you from getting to close to the water, but won't stop you from checking out other sights such as the monastery in the center of the city or the Macronissos Tombs. Like many seaside towns, you can frequently find cheaper, sometimes much cheaper, accommodations off-season. To get the best of both worlds try to book your vacation for the period close to the end of spring or the beginning of fall to avoid the crowds while still having a good chance of nice weather.

Events and Festivals

Ayia Napa has a few different festivals that warrant a closer look to see if you want to plan your vacation around them. There are events that occur both during the busy period in the summer and off-season. The Carnival Festival takes place toward the end of February and is a great way to spice up an off-season vacation. If you are going during the summer the Ayia Napa wine festival typically runs from the end of August into September, and Kataklysmsos is a seaside festival celebrated in May.