Ayia Napa has so much to offer that you’ll undoubtedly want to come back again and again. Here are some of the lesser-known but equally charming locations that you may not have heard of but, hopefully, will add to your list to explore. These, in my opinion, are the most romantic attractions in Ayia Napa.
Magical Cape Greco in the Cape Greco National Park.
On the eastern side of the island, eight kilometers from the Ayia Napa resort, Cape Greco proudly overlooks the turquoise sea. Over the centuries, sea waves and strong winds have sculpted limestone rocks into caves, sea caves, and petrified arches. This place is truly inspiring. The play of sunlight on the wet stone walls creates sparkling splashes in all directions. The bright sun dazzles the eyes, and the coastal breeze playfully sings its songs.
Here, you’ll find couples seeking seclusion from the lively atmosphere, small groups of underwater enthusiasts, hiking explorers admiring the local beauty, and joyful tourists sailing on yachts. Take a moment on a bench, and you might witness a bulky diver emerging from the water with scuba gear. Perhaps, embracing the local legend that a sea monster resides in these caves. Maybe, they wish to try their hand at pearl hunting or encounter the mysterious “amphibian man.” And you can understand them; these rocky cliffs resemble the rugged wild cliffs from the “Sea Devil” movie about Ichthyander and Gutiere. Wherever the diver goes, whatever goals they pursue, they will be rewarded abundantly. The underwater life here is rich, featuring seahorses, parrotfish, sand dollars, rainbow wrasses, barrelfish, thornback rays, and other marine creatures.
If you plan to visit Cyprus and are considering a trip, I have a list of places across the country for you.
How to get to Cape Greco? This is where you should look for the serene feeling of a warm summer vacation. To find it, I will tell you how to get there: take the coastal road from Ayia Napa, take the Cavo Greko sign towards the sea and then look out for the Sea Caves sign, which will lead you to the pristine coastline. As you leave the car, you’ll notice that only wild shrubs will cling to the dry ground in some places. Walk to the very edge of the shore and then carefully climb down the cliff to the water. Standing at the top, you may think there are no caves.
Cape Greco is located in the Cape Greco National Park. Besides caves, you can witness many breathtaking landscapes that look simply enchanting in photographs. The nature here makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting by a famous artist. The Cape Greco park is abundant with pristine nature, featuring the Lovers’ Bridge, sea caves, blue lagoons, rare plants such as irises and orchids, many of which are endemics.
To fully melt into the beauty of the Cape, have an outdoor picnic, take a bicycle, and soak in the soft scarlet glow of sunset. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the Cape Greco coastline is painted in the most stunning, delicate colors, making the landscape look fantastic and ethereal. The Most Romantic Attractions in Ayia Napa else:
The mysterious Cave of the Cyclops – Romantic Attractions in Ayia Napa.
Maybe this is the cave of the very same Cyclops mentioned in Homer’s poem “The Odyssey”. Who knows! In any case, this is the name of the place, and the Cyclopes Cave sign will show you the way to the grotto, where you will remember the fable about the one-eyed monster.
The path to the grotto will lead you along a steep slope above the sea, between thorny bushes, rocks and sharp cliffs, where sometimes the lizards, which Cypriots nicknamed “kurkutas”, will crawl out to warm themselves. The further you go, the greenery becomes less and less, and then it disappears altogether. You find yourself on a flat rocky plateau that drops into the sea. Along the way you will come across a few secluded beaches and a couple of coves. Inside the cave it is pitch dark and you can only hear the echoes of the past. The Cyclops’ house is quite large, but the ceiling is low. I wonder how the tall giant described by storytellers could fit here?
How to get to Cave of the Cyclops: located Cyclops Cave three kilometers south of Protaras, almost at the extreme left point of the rocky shore of Connos Bay. The paths to the cave are marked on the signs and start from the left side of the beach of Konnos Bay.
Lovers’ Bridge – the Most Romantic Place in Cyprus.
Cyprus is exactly the place where even nature itself creates the most romantic sights. Where else but here stands such a charming stone bridge. The huge arched bridge, going straight into the water, gathers all lovers. This is where the most romantic photos are taken. People line up here to get the best shot. And those who are not very interested in the photo jump off the bridge into the water. They say a monster with a good nature lives here. But to this day, no one has ever seen it. The rocks on the coast are of volcanic origin. It looks like pumice, but it’s actually like steel. Stock up on comfortable shoes to avoid hurting your feet. Coordinates: 34°58’57 “N 34°0’59 “E
Are you looking for a place to celebrate your wedding in Cyprus? Then my post about how I celebrated my wedding at Nissi Beach Hotel may be useful to you. Read the Nissi Beach Hotel review here as well.
The picturesque chapel of Ayia Thekla.
The picturesque chapel stands on the very edge of the coast. It is so organically blended into the seascape that newlyweds come here to say the most important words to each other. The chapel was built in honor of the first nun and miracle worker St. Fekla. Next to the church there is a cave, which used to be a cave temple and burial vault. Coordinates: 34.979232, 33.934866. The Most Romantic Attractions in Ayia Napa else:
Aliki Ghost Lake – Pink bird lake.
Not far from Larnaca there is the ghost lake of Aliki. But you can’t always see it. It is like a ghost, it appears and disappears. You can catch it only at certain times. When Cyprus is scorching hot, the lake hides, and instead of the water surface under the hot sun shines salt deposits. When there is no water in the lake, a salt crust of ten centimeters is formed. Not so long ago salt was mined here. There is only one salt lake on the island, where minerals lie directly on the surface of the soil. It dries up in the summer heat and is covered with cracks, but in winter it overflows with water. In winter Aliki becomes a home for migratory birds: pink flamingos, pelicans, cranes, swans find shelter here.
The dead salty wasteland in winter turns into a mirror-like surface of water, in which flocks of graceful birds are reflected as if in a mirror.
How to get to Aliki Salt Lake? From Larnaca take the B4 highway. From Limassol and Paphos take the A5 and B5, then take the A3 and turn left onto the B4.
Want to know more about Cyprus? Don’t miss my post about the most beautiful locations in the Troodos Mountains.
Charming Paralimni village.
The village of Paralimni is located near Protaras. Settlements by the lake – this is the Greek name for the small village of Paralimni, located on the south-eastern edge of Cyprus. Named Paralimni in honor of the lake on which the town is located. This lake is unusual because since ancient times it is filled with water every winter. Once on the place of the town stood another town Levkolla, of which there is no trace until now.
Paralimni offers a marvelous view of the sea. It was this view that caused the destruction and devastation of the ancient town of Levkalla. In those days, because of the Arab raids, the inhabitants of the sea villages went to places invisible from the sea, abandoning their well-established life, and built their lives in a new place. One of them was the modern center of Paralimini. For a long time the area was empty, with only occasional shepherds bringing their cattle to the local pastures.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the lake dried up completely due to land reclamation, and now farms and pastures stand in its place. The small farming community became a town by the end of the twentieth century. Over time, the farming communities merged and so the new village of Paralimini was formed. The shepherds, still find remains of ancient life in the fields. The most important loot was Byzantine coins near the village. And several chapels were also found, which now stand in the old part of the village. It has the best climate on the island for growing vegetables, particularly potatoes, all year round.
Today, the village of Paralimini is also popular for its beautiful beaches. A continuous string of beaches, hotels, restaurants is known as Protaras. It is a modern resort place with marvelous nature. During the summer time, the resort is full of life. Many residents come here to gaze at the sea caves and swim in secluded coves.
How to get to Ayia Napa.
The fastest way to get to Ayia Napa is, of course, by air transportation. The nearest airport is Larnaca (Larnaca International Airport). There are direct flights from many countries, making traveling convenient and fast. Once you land, the airport offers a wide range of cabs and car rentals.
I highly recommend traveling by car as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
The roads in Cyprus are well-maintained and you can enjoy the scenery along the way. From Larnaca to Ayia Napa is about an hour drive. While driving, you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of the coast and visit many interesting places along the way.
Check Aviasales to find the cheapest airfare to Cyprus if you’re traveling from another country.
The most cozy hotels in Ayia Napa.
If you’re looking for the epitome of relaxation and indulgence, here are some of the most comfortable hotels in Ayia Napa:
Grecian Bay Hotel: situated on the picturesque Konnos Bay, the Grecian Bay Hotel is a haven of comfort and elegance. With its spacious rooms and suites offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, this 5-star hotel is perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape. Guests can unwind by the outdoor pool, enjoy gourmet dining at the on-site restaurants, or pamper themselves with a spa treatment.
Capo Bay Hotel: situated in the heart of Ayia Napa, Capo Bay Hotel combines modern luxury with traditional Cypriot hospitality. The hotel’s rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, and many offer stunning views of the Mediterranean. Guests can relax by the pool, indulge in fine dining, and take advantage of the hotel’s proximity to the vibrant nightlife of Ayia Napa.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, these establishments and locations cater to a variety of preferences, ensuring a truly memorable stay on the shores of Cyprus.
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