The golden sandy beaches of the free (non-occupied) Ammochostos district are considered the main asset of the popular holiday resorts of Agia Napa and Protaras. Safe, shallow, calm and crystal clear waters have made this coastline a true paradise for sea and water sports lovers.

The town of Agia Napa is surrounded by a cluster of villages, all known as 'kokkinochoria', which means 'red soil villages'. This is the centre of the island's potato production, which runs quietly and modestly alongside the thriving tourist industry and racing development in the area. Driving eastwards from Larnaka, romantic windmills scattered across the fields indicate that you are now firmly in this agricultural heartland. Other landmarks are a series of small churches and chapels that dot the region, the tiny fishing harbour of Agia Napa and above all the town's medieval monastery, with its long and touching history.

After hot days spent on the beach, the nightlife of Agia Napa and Protaras takes over as pubs, clubs and all kinds of restaurants offer buzzing all-night entertainment. Understandably, the tourist centres in this area tend to slumber during the cooler winter months. And yet, many visitors have discovered the mellow magic of the crowdless beaches along the deep turquoise blue…

Highlight
Agia Napa Monastery
The Monastery of Agia Napa is undoubtedly the optical and cultural centre of the village. It stands at a location where, according to local tradition, a hunter in the 11th century discovered a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, probably hidden there during the iconoclastic period. Much later in the 16th century the monastery was built around the cave-shrine. It is said that a young woman from a wealthy Venetian family of Ammochostos came to the monastery to escape family pressure to marry a nobleman. She renovated and expanded the monastery and is said to have planted the huge sycamore tree outside the south gate of the monastery, which is believed to be over 600 years old.

Explore Agia Napa area on foot…
(free of charge guided walking tours)
Agia Napa and the Sea:
A Different Dimension
This tour illustrates the historic connection of the Agia Napa area with the sea.
The tour begins with a drive to Cavo Greko, and a walk up to the top of the “tigani” (frying pan) where you will be introduced to the archaeology of the area and its natural beauty. This is followed by a drive to Agioi Anargyroi, a chapel in the northern part of Cavo Greko. After a coffee break at the “limanaki” (fishing harbour) the tour continues along the coast to the archaeological site of Macronissos and the church of Agia Thekla . Nature trails and various other sites that can be explored on another occasion will be pointed out.
Starting point: CTO Information Office
For information and bookings: 23 72 17 96.