Ayia Napa is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cyprus, and for good reason. Here, you’ll find the island’s most beautiful beaches and many exciting attractions nearby. We chose Ayia Napa as one of our accommodation spots to enjoy a late summer getaway at the end of October.
In this article, you’ll find out if Ayia Napa truly lives up to its reputation. We’ll also highlight the must-see attractions, share tips on avoiding a hidden expense that caught us off guard, and provide insider advice to make your stay unforgettable.
Contents Ayia Napa Cyprus
Why We Chose Ayia Napa as Our Base
When planning our trip to Cyprus, we had two options: a classic round trip or two fixed locations for day trips. Ultimately, we decided on two fixed locations, with Ayia Napa as our top choice.
The town boasts stunning beaches, perfect for extending the summer season. Its convenient location also makes it an excellent base for exploring attractions like Varosha, Salamis, Cape Greco, the Blue Lagoon, and Larnaca.
Our experience with hotels in Ayia Napa near Nissi Beach
When choosing our accommodation in Ayia Napa*, we had one clear goal: staying as close to the beach as possible. There’s hardly anything better than waking up in the morning and being just a few steps away from the sea.
However, this turned out to be more challenging than expected. Even in late autumn, Ayia Napa remains a very popular travel destination. As a result, accommodation prices are consistently high, especially around the famous Nissi Beach*.
After some searching, we finally opted for a hotel located between Nissi Beach and Makronissos Beach. The price-performance ratio convinced us, and the distance to the beach was acceptable. What truly thrilled us was our room with a balcony and a sea view, which made our stay absolutely perfect.
We were so impressed by our hotel that we’re happy to recommend it. Check out our hotel here* to see if it’s the right choice for you too.
The most beautiful beaches in Ayia Napa and even on Cyprus
One of the main reasons we chose Ayia Napa was its beaches, and I can confidently say our expectations were exceeded.
Nissi Beach is a true highlight, not only ranking among the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus but also as one of the best in all of Europe. Its crystal-clear waters and fine sand make it a true dream destination.
Makronissos Beach also captivated us with its natural beauty. It offers a quieter atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to relax away from the crowds.
Ayia Napa Cyprus weather in October: perfect bathing conditions in fall
Our goal was to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday in Ayia Napa at the end of October, and the weather did not disappoint. Every day brought clear blue skies and sunny, cloudless conditions—perfect for a beach getaway.
With air temperatures at a pleasant 28°C (82°F) and warm sea water, we were able to soak up the sun and swim in total comfort. Ayia Napa is the perfect destination during this time of year to escape the autumn chill and extend the summer feeling.
Things to see and do in Ayia Napa Cyprus
Cape Greco: The Easternmost Point of Cyprus
Cape Greco is one of the region’s absolute highlights, marking the easternmost point of the island. Even the journey there is an experience, with numerous viewpoints along the way offering spectacular views of impressive rock formations and coastal sea caves.
Upon reaching the Cape Greco nature reserve, you’ll be greeted by a truly unique landscape. The barren, untouched terrain resembles a lunar landscape and exudes a sense of tranquility.
At the tip of the peninsula stands a lighthouse, a striking landmark. Unfortunately, it is inaccessible as it lies within a fenced-off military zone. However, the reserve is still well worth a visit for its breathtaking expanses and closeness to nature.
The sculpture park of Ayia Napa on Cyprus
The Sculpture Park is an impressive stop on the way to Cape Greco that you shouldn’t miss. Situated on a hill, it not only offers fantastic views of the sea but also features an impressive collection of modern art.
Here, you’ll find sculptures of various styles and themes seamlessly integrated into the landscape, adding a unique charm. Whether abstract, traditional, or surprisingly creative, the diversity is remarkable. Best of all, admission is free, making the Sculpture Park an ideal stop along your journey.
The Bridge of Love
Just a few hundred meters from the Sculpture Park lies the spectacular rock formation known as the Bridge of Love. This natural limestone bridge stretches over crystal-clear water, creating a breathtaking backdrop that’s perfect for photos.
From the Sculpture Park, you can walk down to the sea in just a few minutes to reach the Bridge of Love. Parking is available above the nearby restaurant, or you can park directly by the rocks for even closer access to this stunning location.
The Blue Lagoon at Cape Greco
About 850 meters from Cape Greco lies the famous Blue Lagoon, another highlight of the region. The crystal-clear, turquoise water is truly stunning, and a small bench right by the lagoon is the perfect spot to take in the view.
To our surprise, we had the place entirely to ourselves during our visit. While the Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly impressive, we discovered a few smaller bays along the way that we liked even more.
On our excursion, we continued further north, aiming to visit Konnos Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the area. This beach is particularly family-friendly, offering fine sand and calm, clear waters. However, we quickly noticed it was overcrowded, so we decided to end the day relaxing at Nissi Beach instead.
Tip: If you want to experience the Blue Lagoon in a unique way, we highly recommend a boat tour along the coast*. These tours are among the most popular activities in Ayia Napa and often extend to Turtle Beach. During our boat tour, we were even lucky enough to swim with turtles—a truly unforgettable experience.
You can read about our experiences on the boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and swimming with turtles here.
The ghost town of Varosha: a trip into the past
Just 30 minutes from Ayia Napa, on the Turkish side of the island, lies the ghost town of Varosha, also known as Famagusta. We took a guided tour of Varosha* and can confidently say it was well worth it. You can find our experiences and tips for this excursion in our travel report.
In the 1970s, Varosha was the top seaside resort on the island, known for its luxury hotels, fine sandy beaches, and international glamour. However, the conflict in Cyprus led to the area being declared a military zone and completely sealed off. Since then, time has seemingly stood still. The buildings are decayed, and life as it once was remains frozen. This combination of history and decay creates a fascinating yet haunting atmosphere that makes Varosha truly unique.
Afterward, we visited today’s Turkish Gazimagusa, known as Famagusta in Greek. Here, you can admire several impressive Venetian structures, most notably the Pasha Mosque, which was originally built as the Agia Sophia Cathedral.
We had also planned to visit the ancient ruins of Salamis, located just 20 minutes from Famagusta. Unfortunately, we ran out of time, a perfect reason to return someday!
What does Ayia Napa itself have to offer?
So far, we’ve focused on the highlights around Ayia Napa, but the town itself also has a lot to offer. Our hotel* was located just outside the center, which gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the town in depth.
Ayia Napa’s Party District
At the heart of Ayia Napa lies a historic monastery from the Venetian era. Just above the monastery is the party district, home to numerous nightclubs, bars, and discos. This area easily rivals the famous party hotspots of Costa Brava, the Algarve, or Mallorca.
To our surprise, we didn’t even know Ayia Napa had such a vibrant nightlife scene before our trip. This is likely because the district mainly attracts English and Scandinavian tourists. Since we visited at the end of October, it was relatively quiet, with most clubs already closed for the season.
The restaurant and shopping district
Below the monastery lies the restaurant and shopping district, which is primarily geared toward tourists. You won’t find authentic Cypriot cuisine here, but the variety of options is impressive. Even at the end of October, the area remained lively and well-visited.
Ayia Napa’s Amusement Park
Another highlight in Ayia Napa is the amusement park, featuring a wide range of rides and attractions. While the nightlife district had already quieted down, the amusement park was still buzzing with activity. We enjoyed it so much that we visited twice and had a fantastic time.
The port of Ayia Napa Cyprus
Another must-see in Ayia Napa is the harbor. It’s not only a great starting point for boat trips to the Blue Lagoon* but also an ideal spot to soak up the town’s atmosphere. Around the harbor, you’ll find numerous restaurants offering fresh seafood and international cuisine.
A stroll along the boardwalk is especially worthwhile to end the day on a relaxing note. This is also where we witnessed the most stunning sunset of our entire trip.
Our Tips for Your Stay in Ayia Napa Cyprus
Enjoy Authentic Cypriot Cuisine in Sotira
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Ayia Napa and enjoy authentic Cypriot food, a trip to the inland village of Sotira is well worth it. This charming spot is known for its excellent restaurants serving traditional dishes. The highlights are undoubtedly the classic meze and fresh halloumi, sourced directly from local farmers.
In Sotira, there’s almost a competition to offer the best halloumi. We can confirm that the taste and texture of the halloumi here are truly exceptional and incomparable to what you’d find in supermarkets.
Pro Tip: These restaurants are very popular, even during the off-season, so making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.
Avoid Expensive Roaming Charges
Another important tip concerns the use of your mobile phone. Two weeks after we returned from our trip, we were surprised by unexpectedly high bills from our mobile providers. Despite having roaming disabled during our excursions to the Turkish side*, our phones repeatedly connected to Turkish mobile networks without us noticing. This is likely because Ayia Napa is so close to the border.
Important to know: On the Greek side of Cyprus, EU roaming regulations apply, meaning you’ll pay the same rates as in other EU countries. However, these rules do not apply in the Turkish North, and connections there can quickly become costly.
Our tip: Disable automatic network selection on your phone and manually choose a network. This ensures you stay within the EU roaming area and can enjoy your trip without worrying about unexpected charges.
Ayia Napa: A Paradise for Active Travelers
Ayia Napa isn’t just a haven for beach lovers—it also offers plenty of activities for adventure seekers. The coastline around Cape Greco is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters provide incredible views of the underwater world, and in some spots, you can even explore sea caves.
If you enjoy hiking, Cape Greco has well-marked trails with breathtaking viewpoints. The nature trail along the coast, in particular, offers unforgettable panoramas.
Water sports enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy, from stand-up paddleboarding to jet skiing. And if you’re eager to swim with sea turtles in the open sea or jump off a boat into the crystal waters, be sure to take the boat tour to the Blue Lagoon*, it’s an experience not to be missed.
Conclusion: Ayia Napa Cyprus is More Than Just a Beach Paradise
Although Ayia Napa is undeniably touristy, we truly enjoyed our time there. The entire region boasts stunning coastal landscapes with some of the best beaches on the island. Thanks to the pleasant weather, our autumn visit was the perfect escape from daily life and a wonderful way to extend the summer vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ayia Napa Cyprus
Yes, Ayia Napa is perfect for a beach holiday in autumn. Temperatures often reach a pleasant 28°C (82°F), and the sea is warm enough for swimming. Additionally, the beaches are less crowded than in the summer months, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.
There are currently three options for accommodations directly on Nissi Beach*, two hotels and one resort. All three are perfectly located by the beach and offer stunning views. However, the room prices here tend to be quite high.
We opted for a hotel slightly off the beaten path*, located between Nissi Beach and Makronissos Beach. We were especially impressed by the excellent value for money, and our room with a balcony and sea view was a highlight of our stay.
Ayia Napa offers a wide range of activities beyond its beaches. Snorkeling and swimming near Cape Greco, hiking on the coastal nature trails, or taking an exciting boat tour to the Blue Lagoon* are great options. For culture enthusiasts, a visit to the Venetian monastery in the town center is worthwhile. Additionally, nearby villages like Sotira offer fascinating culinary experiences with authentic Cypriot cuisine.
