Agia Napa Tourist Attractions
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15mi/25km east of Larnaca is the fishing village and seaside resort of Agia Nápa, surrounded by fertile plantations of vegetables and fruit, bizarre rock formations and windmills.Originally a fishing village, Agia Napa is now a major tourist resort. The charming medieval monastery dedicated to "Our Lady of the Forests" stands in the middle of the village. The sycamore tree in front of the south gate is believed to be more than 600 years old.The Maritime Museum is also worth visiting while in the town.At night Agia Napa turns into one large dance floor. The clubs in the "square", or center of the town, open their doors and crowds spill out into the streets.The streets are lined with restaurants and tourist shops and there is an abundance of hotels and hotel apartments in the area.
Agia Napa Monastery - Our Lady of the Forests
In the center of Agia Napa is the famous Monastery (Byzantine/Venetian), one of the last buildings erected in Cyprus by the Venetians, with a rock-cut church."Our Lady of the Forests" monastery is built over a cave in which an icon of the Virgin Mary was found by a hunter chasing his dog.The monastery was founded in the 16th century by a Venetian nobleman's daughter who came here looking for a secluded retreat after her father refused to let her marry a commoner. She built two churches, one Catholic and one Orthodox, both of which are now under the same roof. The fountain house in the middle of the courtyard was built as her tomb and bears pictures of her parents, herself and a lion chasing a deer.The church survived the Ottoman Turkish invasion unscathed and was still in use during that period. In 1668 it changed from a women's convent to a monastery and became one of the richest in the region. Later, in the 18th century, it was abandoned and fell into disrepair.The monastery now belongs to the World Council of Churches and serves as a conference center with a block of rooms in which visitors can sometimes stay.By the south wall is a gateway with a pool overlooked by a huge sycamore fig tree, which is said to be 600 years old.
Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach is the most famous beach in the region, and probably the whole island.The long stretch of white sand is usually filled in summer, often making it very difficult to get to the water.This was one of the first beaches in the region to be developed and is distinguished by its rocky island just offshore, to which it is possible to wade, crossing on a sand bar.Those who wish to explore the island should take shoes, because it is made up of extremely sharp rocks.There are plenty of water sports facilities and cafes right on the beach.
Agia Napa Festival
The Agia Napa Festival takes place every September and includes folk art exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances and displays of traditional Cypriot culture.
Waterworld Water Park
WaterWorld Waterpark is based on the theme of Ancient Greece. The park features a lazy river, an activity pool, serpentine slides, and the labryinth with 50 interactive play areas.
Pierides Foundation Marine Life Museum
The Museum of Marine Life, in the Agia Napa Municipal Building, is small but quite interesting. There are exhibits of fish, turtles, shells and other marine life. There are also stuffed exhibits.
Surroundings
In the surrounding area of Agia Napa there are many attractive villages, bays and sandy beaches, in particular Paralimni (gastronomic specialities), Liopetri, Potamos tis Xylophagou, Protaras and 'Fig- Tree Bay', with one of the best beaches on the island.
Map - Ayia Napa
