Back working in the UK these days! Still dreaming of the sun though.
Back working in the UK these days! Still dreaming of the sun though.
Member since:31.01.2002
Reviews:23
Members who trust:4
Ayia Napa is now marketed as the destination for clubbers. Unfortunately this has led to a decline as a destination for those who want a more civilised holiday. If you can avoid the noise and the rubbish of the less civilised adults then Napa still has much to offer for the rest of us.
WHERE TO STAY If you choose a hotel by the Liminaki Beach and harbour or a little away from the Square you can still have a great holiday. Another trick is to visit outside of the period from June to September when the clubbing season is in full swing. Having visited the resort in November, December and March I have sertainly seen the version that the locals yearn for.
BEACHES There are several good beaches in the area though I would avoid the highly overrated Nissi Beach where you are packed like sardines. Instead head for: - Ayia Thekla - with its little church nearby (about 4km from the centre of Ayia Napa) - Macronissos - my particular favourite with two beaches, one either side of the peninsula so if it happens to be a windy day you can choose accordingly (about 1km from Nissi Beach) - Liminaki - the most centrally located beach to the centre of Ayia Napa, just along from the harbour.
All of these beaches offer beautiful sand, clean water, water sports, refreshment facilities and several other facilities.
WHERE TO EAT There are lots of restaurants in the resort to suit all tastes. There are a couple of great Chinese restaurants, a reasonable Mexican, a fantastic fish restaurant by the harbour and so many other places you are spoilt for choice. Try Pizza Express for a fantastic eat as much as you want meal, or visit McDonalds (if you have to!), Pizza Hut, KFC and Wimpy.
NIGHTLIFE The Square is quiet until about 10.30pm and there are two places where you can sit and watch the world go by – The Organ Grinder and The Square Pub. If you want to avoid the cattle market that occurs after that head away from the Square. My personal favourites include Trotters where Angelos and Panikos will show you your favourite episodes of Only Fools And Horses (and produce some great cocktails like Del Boys Delight), Kahlua where Will produces an amazing number of cocktails) and The Old Wreck where Tony shows as much sport as you want … and again an outstanding list of cocktails. The only club I will recommend is Carwash which plays 70s and 80s music.
From the end of September, many of the clubs start to close down. The latter is one of those that tends to be open until November.
THINGS TO DO * Boat trips depart regularly from the harbour and can provide an excellent day out. You will save a fortune if you don’t book one through a rep.
* There are numerous water sports on offer along with the bungee jump and bungee rocket. The last two are for those with nerves of steel or who are just crazy!
* Ayia Napa Water Park – this is well worth the entrance fee and as long as you take a very high factor waterproof sunscreen you can spend a whole day here. I’ve been lots of time and have seen some very red people so take care. There have been several excellent rides introduced in the last year or two.
* The monastery close to the Square is worth a visit as is the recently refurbished church within its walls.
* Take a trip up to the nearby town of Dherynia to see for yourself the history of the island. Here is one of the best places to see the Green Line and find out a little of the problems of the island. While you are here you will see a little of the traditional Cyprus.
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Advantages: Variety of things to do and something for everyone, a great night out wherever you go Disadvantages: The bar reps are very pushy, and prices can get expensive
Stephoohla 25.09.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Ayia Napa (Cyprus)
Jan 31st, 2002
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