Ayia Napa holidays

How to reach Ayia Napa

• Flight time: Flights from Ireland to Larnaca take around 5 hours from Dublin or Cork, depending on the route and connections.

• Transfer time: Ayia Napa is located around 40 to 45 minutes' drive from Larnaca International Airport.

• Price: A metered taxi will typically cost between €40 and €50. Car hire is also a convenient option, with daily rates starting at around €30 depending on the season and provider.

Best time to visit Ayia Napa

The best time for your Ayia Napa holiday depends on whether you're chasing the party scene or something more laid-back.

• April to June offers ideal weather for beach days and exploring, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C, up to 12 hours of sunshine and very little rainfall. It's also a good time to avoid peak-season crowds.

• July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with daytime highs around 33°C to 34°C. This is prime time for clubbing and beach parties, with the resort at its liveliest.

• September to October is a great time to visit if you're after warm weather and a more relaxed atmosphere. Temperatures range from 31°C in early September down to 27°C in October, with fewer tourists and good sea-swimming conditions.

• November to March is off-season. With average highs around 17°C in winter and more rainfall, this is the quietest time of year. The nightlife slows right down, making it ideal for a peaceful escape.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Ayia Napa.

• Currency: Cyprus uses the Euro.

• Getting around: Local buses are reliable and affordable, with single fares around €1.50 and day passes from €5. Taxis are metered and available throughout the resort. You can also rent bikes or scooters to get around easily.

• Electricity and plug types: Cyprus uses UK-style three-pin plugs (Type G), so Irish travellers won’t need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Cyprus is two hours ahead of Irish time (GMT+2) and observes daylight saving.

Best things to do in Ayia Napa

Beyond the party scene, Ayia Napa holidays offer cultural sites, nature and famed beaches.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Love Bridge: Near Glyko Nero Beach, this photogenic natural rock formation arches over azure waters. In local lore, if you kiss your beloved in the middle of the bridge and make a wish, it will come true, though walking across it is not advised, nor is jumping in (shallow water, sharp rocks).

• Ayia Thekla Chapel: On the outskirts of Ayia Napa, set atop an underground cave, the white and blue chapel is very picturesque, but the sea views through the porticoes are what brings the wow factor.

The best districts

• Ayia Napa Square: If you're in Ayia Napa to party, you'll likely become intimately familiar with this area. It's where you'll find most of the neon-lit late-night bars and clubs.

• Ayia Napa Harbour: a lovely spot to grab a bite and people-watch, featuring traditional fishing boats, tourist pirate ships, seafood meze and fab views.

Parks and gardens

• Ayia Napa Sculpture Park: With views over the Mediterranean and large and imaginative contemporary sculptures set among native flora, it's no wonder the park has become a popular cultural attraction. Right next door, Cactus Park caps the experience with its lush succulents and coastal vistas.

• Cape Greko National Park: Sweeping sea views, rugged cliffs and walking trails that wind past sea caves and through scenic headlands. Long story short, it's a stunner.

Museums

• THALASSA Agia Napa Municipal Museum: It sounds clichéd, but there's something for everyone: art, archeology and natural history. The standout piece is Kyrenia II, a 1980s replica of a 3rd-century BC Greek merchant vessel, but there's everything from shells and sponges to fossilised fish.

• National History Museum of Ayia Napa: Weapons. Vehicles. Costumes. Musical instruments. The collection here is decidedly eclectic.

Historical monuments

• Ayia Napa Monastery: Marooned in Ayia Napa's nightlife district, this medieval monastery complex is currently closed for renovation, but even so, it's worth a gander from the outside.

• Makronissos Tombs: Just beyond Makronissos Beach (the archeological site is well signposted), these rock-cut Hellenistic and Roman tombs resemble an underground village, with steps leading to near identical burial chambers.

Day trips in the area

• Protaras: A short drive northeast, Protaras offers charming Blue Flag beaches like Fig Tree Bay and family-friendly attractions such as the Magical Dancing Waters fountain show.

• Famagusta: Local outfits run tours across the border to Famagusta in Northern Cyprus (you'll need your passport) with its Venetian walls, Othello Tower, Gothic cathedral and royal palace.

Activities for families in Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa holidays aren't just for grown-ups; the town has plenty to offer families, from beaches and boat tours to water and amusement parks.

• Family-friendly beaches: Nissi, Makronissos and Ayia Thekla are all solid options, with soft sand, crystal clear, shallow waters and nearby amenities.

• Playgrounds: Playgrounds are dotted here and there, for instance, at Ayia Napa Central Square and Landa Beach.

• Boat tours: Ayia Napa's Yellow Submarine is the next best thing to an aquarium, with an underwater cabin to spot marine life, a diving board and stops for swimming and snorkelling.

• Waterparks: With thrilling slides like "Drop to Atlantis" and relaxing pools, Ancient Greek-themed WaterWorld is a safe bet.

• Amusement parks: Parko Paliatso Luna Park near the town centre is a firm favourite, with thrill rides, bumper boats and a big wheel.

Free things to do in Ayia Napa

A tight holiday budget needn't get in the way of making the most of your Ayia Napa holiday.

• Annual festivals and free events: Ayia Napa hosts several free festivals throughout the year, such as the Ayia Napa International Festival in September, which features live music, folk dancing and cultural performances in the town square. Other popular events include the Medieval Festival in October and folk singing every Sunday in the summer.

• Explore Ayia Napa on foot: A scenic coastal path runs from Makronissos Beach to Cape Greco.

• Beaches: All beaches in Ayia Napa are municipal and free to use, with sunbed and brolly fees fixed at €2.50.

• Clubs: Some clubs offer free entry before a set time, while several bars and promoters give free admission tickets.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Cycling: There are plenty of scenic cycle routes, such as Ayia Napa to Protaras, which takes in several beaches and other natural beauty spots.

• Hiking: Cape Greko National Park has well-marked trails, including the Agioi Anargyroi trail, which leads to a small cliffside chapel and sea caves.

• Scuba diving and snorkelling: Located 200m off Pernera Beach in a Marine Protected Area, the MUSAN Underwater Museum is a must-do with four zones of submerged sculptures to explore.

Local dishes in Ayia Napa

One of the great delights of Ayia Napa holidays is the sheer variety of delicious Greek and Middle Eastern-influenced Cypriot dishes.

Some typical dishes

• Stifado: Usually made with beef or rabbit and flavoured with warming spices like cinnamon and allspice, this meat and onion stew is the definition of comfort food.

• Koupepia: The Cypriot spin on Greek Dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice and served with a herby, cinnamony tomato sauce.

Meze dishes

• Sheftalia: Seasoned minced pork and lamb wrapped in caul fat, skewered and grilled. These traditional Cypriot sausages are a must-try.

• Halloumi: Cyprus' star cheese, tangy, salty Halloumi is made with sheep's or goat's milk (or both) and served grilled as a meze – deliciously crisp on the outside, marshmallowy on the inside.

Meat dishes

• Kleftiko: Infused with garlic, lemon and aromatic herbs, wrapped in parchment or cooked in an airtight clay oven, this slow-cooked lamb dish is a melt-in-the-mouth experience.

• Afelia: Diced pork, coriander seeds and red wine are the key ingredients in this classic casserole.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Octopus: Lightly seasoned and grilled, octopus is a menu staple in Ayia Napa, especially at harbour-side restaurants.

• Calamari: Squid basically comes in two ways: batter fried rings or stuffed with garlic, lemon, olive oil and fresh herbs and grilled.

Street food

• Koupes: Minced meat encased in a bulgur wheat shell, deep fried until golden brown.

• Souvlaki: These grilled meat skewers are just as popular in Cyprus as in Greece.

Sweets and desserts

• Shamishi: These fried pastries have a sweet semolina filling.

• Shoushoukos: Made by dipping strings of nuts in boiled grape juice and leaving them to dry and harden, this sausage-shaped sweet is one for the must-try column.

Local drinks

• Commandaria: Made from sun-dried native grapes, the predominant flavours are raisins, figs and honey.

• Zivania: This potent Cypriot spirit is not a million miles away from grappa. It's usually served as an aperitif and packs a punch, so take it slow.