Agia Napa |
| Friday, 31 October 2008 00:00 |
 Parties and lazy days: Relaxing Seaside Vacation in Agia Napa Once a sleepy fishing village, today Agia Napa is a popular vacation destination. It is especially suitable for tourists looking for parties and beaches, because it is located on the southeastern coast of Cyprus and offers entertainment and relaxation around the clock. Only about 2,600 Cypriots live here and most of them outside of the city center. In the city center you will find countless hotels and apartments which offer up to 500,000 tourists a place to stay every year. However, Agia Napa is not overcrowded or overly built-up. Various restaurants, trendy clubs and bars complete the picture. The fine, sandy beaches are a special part of Agia Napa. The rest of Cyprus consists mostly only of shingle beaches. Here vacationers can enjoy the sun on the soft, white sand and let the clear Mediterranean water lure them for a cooling dip. During the peak season in July the temperature can quickly reach 86° F and the water temperature is around 77° F. Those that are adventurous can participate in one of the many water sports, like waterskiing, surfing, sailing, paragliding and driving around a jet ski. Everything promises fun and variety. The city was built around a monastery that was constructed around 1530 and which can be considered to be the foundation stone of today’s town. Behind the thick walls, visitors can expect to find an oasis of tranquility with gnarled trees, one of which is more then 500 years old, a marble fountain which is covered by a dome and the monastery church which is partially underground. Culturally, Agia Napa only has a Museum of Marine Biology to offer. Those that want to learn more about the past of the former fishing village should take a stroll through town or along the harbor and contact the locals from the village. Especially the old men at the port know about the early days of the village and are willing to tell all who listen. Boats leave the port daily for day trips along the coast. The most popular destination is the Cape Greco which is only a few miles to the east of Agia Napa. The cape is the most southeastern point of the island and of Europe. Hikers can also walk to the cape in two hours time. The paths lead either directly along the beach or through flat bush lands. Some of the boat tours go around the cape and further to Famagusta, the city with 365 churches. The place is also referred to as a ghost town, because many people left Famagusta when Cyprus was divided into two halves. The old town is surrounded by great ramparts. Behind the walls bell towers from different time periods rise up. Some of which are now only ruins. People interested in history should drive from Agia Napa to Larnaka which is around 19 miles away. Near the city is the archaeological site Chirokitia, which is part of the UNESCO world heritage sites. Between the 7th and 4th century before Christ, around 300 to 1000 residents lived in about 60 round houses. Besides the still visible foundation walls, some of the houses were reconstructed in order to give visitors an insight into the way life was during those times. Those that love fun can go the the small amusement park in Agia Napa. For Cyprus it is a large amusement park with a lot of things to do, but it cannot be compared to a German amusement park. Somewhat outside the city there is a large water park with many slides. When the night comes in Agia Napa, then things seem to really come to life. The downtown appears to be one, big party. In the many bars fruity cocktails are mixed and later discos play all kinds of music and the partying continues until the early morning hours. Fine, sandy beaches and a distinct party life, Agia Napa is an especially attractive tourist destination for young people who like to party and want to spend relaxing days on the beach. |
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