Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa sits at the far southeast of Cyprus, in the Republic-controlled south of the Famagusta District, and is the island's busiest summer resort. It grew from a fishing village around a 16th-century monastery into a beach town famous for fine white sand, shallow turquoise water and a concentrated nightlife scene. In peak season it runs lively and young, but the beaches and the surrounding coast appeal far beyond the club crowd.

The signature beach is Nissi Beach, a Blue Flag stretch of roughly 500 metres of pale sand with a sandbar to a small islet. Quieter sands lie nearby at Makronissos Beach and Landa Beach. East of town, Cape Greco is a national forest park of sea caves, low cliffs and walking trails, with the sheltered cove of Konnos Bay tucked into its western side.

What to do

• Swim at Nissi Beach, then try the calmer sands of Makronissos.
• Walk or cycle the trails and sea caves of Cape Greco national forest park.
• Swim and snorkel in the clear, sheltered water of Konnos Bay.
• Visit the old monastery on the central square before the evening crowds arrive.

The town centre packs in bars and clubs around the main square, which is the heart of the nightlife. Away from that, family resorts, water parks and a small harbour give Ayia Napa a broader appeal, and the shoulder months of May, June, September and October are calmer and cooler than high summer.

Neighbouring Protaras and its Fig Tree Bay are about 10 to 12 kilometres north and run a quieter, more family-focused scene. Larnaca and its airport are roughly 45 minutes west along the motorway, which makes transfers straightforward.