Visit Cyprus, Protaras, Agia Napa

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa lies near Cape Greco in the eastern part of Cyprus, just south of Famagusta. The name dates from medieval times. The word Napa is archaic and means ‘Wooded Valley’. In ancient times this area was covered with thick forest. According to local tradition; around the 11th Century, a hunter was out with his dog chasing a wild hare. The hare suddenly disappeared but the dog continued the chase and led its master into a cave, where the hare had sought refuge. On entering the cave the hunter found himself standing in front of an icon of the Virgin Mary, which was soon to become famous all over the island. The monastery of Ayia Napa, which is said to have been built in the same style as a medieval castle, was founded on the site.

Discover golden sandy beaches beside crystal-clear turquoise waters. Enjoy all the latest sea sports.
Explore untamed natural beauty. Hike, bike or walk nature trails of wild flowers and fauna where your heart may find newfound tranquility. Wander around picturesque streets and treat your taste buds to delicious local and international favorites.
There are countless restaurants that specialize in Cypriot, French, Italian, Mexican, Arabic and Chinese food. For quick snacks there are always cafes and pubs that will welcome you - not to mention the popular international fast-food chains.
The new local cinema at the Town Hall provides a variety of the latest film releases as another source of evening entertainment for all ages.
Also at the Town Hall is Pierides Museum of Marine Life, which has exhibits of past and present sea-life from the area.
Waterworld Water Park is a 5 min drive from the centre of Ayia Napa It has a whole range of different gigantic water-slides to suit everyone’s courage.

The towns and villages surrounding Ayia Napa are less touristic and more agriculturally oriented than Ayia Napa. This region is known as “Kokkinochoria” which means red soil villages. A mild climate and fertile red soil, together with underground water has contributed enormously to the increasing development of agriculture and farming. The main crops of the villages are potatoes, tomatoes cucumbers, fresh vegetables, watermelons, melons and broad beans. This area is also known as ‘windmill country’. All around the countryside there are hundreds of wells, which use windmills to pump water for irrigation purposes.

Potamos Liopetriou

Just east of Xylophagou, is a picturesque fishing refuge, where fisher men mend their nets by day before setting sail in the evening to farm the sea. There are also the remains of a Venetian watchtower near by. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud worked in this area in the 1880’s. There are 2 or 3 restaurants which are well known for their succulent grilled fish and their meze’s.

Sotira

With population of 1500 people, Sotira takes its name from a church situated in the centre of the village which is dedicated to the transfiguration of Jesus Christ the Saviour (‘sotira’ in Greek means ‘saviour’). You will see many churches in this village; most of them dating back to 16th century. In the centre of the village is a small ecclesiastical museum.

Dherinia

From this village one may gaze upon the ‘ghost city’ of Ammochostos, now under occupation by the Turkish Forces. Once the most popular holiday resort in Cyprus, Ammochostos has lain desolate since 1974, as all its inhabitants are now refugees.
In the village there are three churches, which would be of interest to those who appreciate Byzantine art. In Dherinia there is also a Folk Art Museum of great interest and, very close to the border, a Cultural Centre which mounts exhibitions and audio-visual presentations about the occupation. The Centre also provides free binoculars for those wishing to take a closer look at the occupied area.

Vrysoulles

A lush village, rich in orange groves and olive trees, Vrysoulles is located about 10 kilometres away from the town of Paralimni, and 5 kilometres away from the occupied town of Famagusta. At the beginning of the last century, the village used to have only a few families as residents. However, after the Turkish invasion in the middle of the 1970's, it grew to a thriving community of thousands, including the workforce of the British Army Base at Ayios Nicolaos.
Now, Vrysoulles offers most of the amenities of a small village, including supermarkets, restaurants, pubs and schools. Vrysoulles is very popular for its outstanding tavernas, where people can enjoy all type of cuisines in a very gracious environment.

Paralimni

Paralimni is the largest town in the free Famagusta district and is situated in the southeast of Cyprus. The word Paralimni means ‘(settlement) by the lake’ Historically Paralimni was built on the shore of a shallow lake which filled with water only in the winter.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the whole of the lakebed was reclaimed for agricultural purposes. Paralimni has not always been where it is now. Originally it was on a hill, which was situated between Dherinia and its present location. It is now the main administrative town for the district
Paralimni is favoured by a mild climate, which is conducive to the early annual production of vegetables and potatoes.