Ayia Napa is one of Cyprus’ most popular summer destinations, attracting visitors from across Europe and beyond. While most travel guides focus on beaches, boat trips, and nightlife, there is another side of Ayia Napa that’s worth exploring.
In this guide, I’ve combined some of the area’s most popular attractions with a few lesser-known places that are perfect for photographers and curious travellers. Alongside famous landmarks, you’ll find hidden churches, unique street art, scenic viewpoints, and even a few unexpected spots that reveal a different side of the resort.
Although Ayia Napa is often associated with its vibrant nightlife, this article focuses entirely on daytime experiences that showcase the region’s natural beauty, history, and local character.
If you enjoy exploring places beyond the obvious tourist attractions, these are the spots I think deserve a place on your itinerary.
Sea Caves Clifftop Walk
This area is one of the most popular natural attractions near Ayia Napa, located about 5–6 km from the town centre. You can easily reach it by car or by public transport (bus 101, Sea Caves stop).
On the way to the Sea Caves, you’ll pass the Tree of Lovers, a nice spot to stop for a quick photo or take a short break on one of the shaded benches.
The Sea Caves are best known for their dramatic limestone cliffs, where you’ll often see people jumping into the crystal-clear water below. If you’re not into cliff jumping, you can also climb down to the water and enjoy a swim or simply explore the caves from sea level.
The area can get quite crowded on sunny days, especially during the summer. If you’d like to avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning. Another quieter alternative is Elio Ftanou Cove, which is just a short walk away and usually attracts fewer visitors.
Between these two spots, you’ll find several easy access points to the sea, making the area ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving, or even fishing.
If you prefer a sandy beach with a more relaxed atmosphere, continue to nearby Limnara Beach. It’s usually much quieter than the famous beaches in Ayia Napa and is well suited for families with children. Public toilets and showers are also available nearby.
From a photography perspective, Limnara Beach is one of my favourite spots in the area. The shallow, crystal-clear water makes it easy to walk towards the scattered offshore rocks, creating beautiful foregrounds for landscape photography.
Kamara tou Koraka / Love Bridge
Another popular landmark near Ayia Napa is the natural rock arch known as Kamara tou Koraka, often referred to as the Love Bridge. Some visitors come here to jump into the sea from the rocky arch, while others simply enjoy the spectacular coastal views.
The area is usually quite busy during the day, especially in summer. If you’d like to enjoy it without the crowds, visit early in the morning around sunrise.
For a completely different perspective, consider taking a boat trip along the Cape Greco coastline. Seeing the bridge from the sea gives you a view that most visitors miss and makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Agioi Saranta Cave Church
It can be a little tricky to find the small but fascinating Agioi Saranta Cave Church, as it is hidden among the hills above Protaras. As its name suggests, the church is built into a natural cave, making it one of the most unique religious sites in the area.
According to local tradition, *saranta* means “forty” in Greek and refers to the forty stalactites that once decorated the cave’s ceiling. The name is also associated with the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, who are honoured in the Orthodox Christian tradition.
You can reach the church by car in about 7 minutes from Protaras town centre or on foot in around an hour. There are two walking trails leading to the site. One of them passes the Greek Orthodox church of Ekklisia Panagias Panagiotissas (Εκκλησία Παναγίας Παναγιώτισσσας), where you’ll also find a small botanical garden and a mini zoo.
The church is open to visitors free of charge. Some nearby areas may occasionally be restricted because of a shooting range, so it’s worth following any local notices or warning signs.
Saint Epifanios Viewpoint
Another peaceful religious site located just a 30-minute walk from Ayia Napa city centre is this small hilltop church. Its elevated position offers beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding area and the coastline.
The church does not have strict opening hours, but during daylight hours you will usually find it open. Visitors are welcome to enter, spend a quiet moment inside, pray, or light a candle.
And, as with many other places in Cyprus, don’t be surprised if you find some local cat “models” relaxing around the church. They are a perfect addition for anyone who enjoys photography.
Ayia Napa Street Art
Beyond its beaches and nightlife, Ayia Napa has a surprisingly creative side. While exploring the town on foot, you’ll find colourful murals and public artworks hidden around streets, parking areas, and less touristy corners.
The local street art scene grew thanks to the Ayia Napa Street Art Festival, which brought together Cypriot and international artists who transformed ordinary walls into open-air galleries. Today, these artworks add a different character to the town and offer a more artistic perspective of this popular resort.
For photographers, street art is a great way to explore Ayia Napa beyond the usual attractions. Look for interesting combinations of murals with local architecture, shops, and everyday street life.
If you want to find specific murals and locations, check my complete guide to Ayia Napa street art.
Deryneia Border Viewpoint
This area is one of the closest places from Ayia Napa where you can learn more about the division of Cyprus and see views towards the occupied part of the island.
You can reach it by car or public transport (buses 501, 502, and 710 – get off at the Green Line stop). Near the bus stop, you will find the Famagusta Municipality Cultural Centre (Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Δήμου Αμμοχώστου), which you can visit free of charge. Inside, you can learn more about the history of the Cyprus conflict, the division of the island, and how Famagusta became the abandoned city known today as a ghost town.
The building also has an upper-floor viewing area with binoculars, allowing visitors to see the distant coastline and Varosha area.
A short walk away is the Famagusta Viewpoint, where you can visit a small museum and observation area for a small entrance fee (around €2.50). The visit includes a short multilingual video explaining the history of Famagusta, as well as personal photographs and stories from people connected to the city.
If you have more time, you can continue towards the crossing point and visit the Varosha area on the other side. For more details about my experience visiting the ghost town, read my full article about Famagusta and Varosha.
Visiting this area creates a striking contrast with the image most visitors have of Ayia Napa. Just a short distance away from the lively beach resort, filled with international tourists enjoying nightlife, beaches, and carefree holidays, you encounter a place shaped by a much more complex political and historical story.
Seeing the border area and Varosha reminds you that Cyprus is not only about turquoise waters and summer entertainment, but also about a divided island with a history that still influences local communities today.
Sunset Blue Lagoon Cruise
For a more relaxed evening experience, consider joining a sunset cruise from Protaras. Unlike the daytime Blue Lagoon trips, which focus mainly on swimming and sightseeing, the sunset version offers a slower pace with coastal views, swimming stops, and the chance to watch the sun go down over the Cape Greco coastline.
The Napa King boat also operates a sunset version during the summer season, usually departing around 5 PM. The cruise includes extras such as pizza, fruit, and champagne, making it a popular option for couples or travellers looking for a more atmospheric boat trip.
If you want to know what the daytime Napa King Blue Lagoon cruise is like, read my full review of the Protaras Blue Lagoon Boat Trip.
Forgotten Coastal Buildings
While walking from the Sea Caves back towards Ayia Napa, I noticed a few abandoned buildings near the coastal path. I did not enter them or explore them closely, as it was a hot day and I was already getting tired after hours of walking and sightseeing.
However, for travellers interested in urbex, abandoned places, or more unusual photography locations, these forgotten corners of Ayia Napa might be worth noticing. They create an interesting contrast with the polished image of the resort town.
Another location with a more dramatic atmosphere is the area around the Dhekelia Power Station, a British Overseas Territory located near Larnaca. The industrial structures and coastal landscape create interesting photography opportunities, especially for landscape or portrait photography. It is quite far from Ayia Napa, but it can be a worthwhile stop if you are travelling towards Larnaca Airport.
Ayia Napa Monastery
Located right in the heart of the town, Ayia Napa Monastery is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the area. Surrounded by busy streets, cafés, and shops, it offers a peaceful escape from the lively atmosphere of the resort.
The monastery dates back to the Venetian period and features traditional stone architecture, a courtyard, and an old sycamore tree. I did not manage to visit the interior during my trip, as it was closed at the time and I was already heading back towards Larnaca with limited time left for exploring. However, some visitors mention in their reviews that the whole visit can be quite short, taking around 5 minutes if you only want to see the main areas.
Even if you do not spend much time inside, it is still worth stopping by while walking through Ayia Napa.
Visit Ayia Napa Cemetery
Ayia Napa Cemetery is one of the more unusual places to discover away from the usual beach and nightlife attractions. I first noticed it through TikTok videos and photos taken after dark, where the quiet cemetery creates an interesting contrast with the bright neon lights and lively atmosphere that surrounds Ayia Napa at night.
I visited during the day when the place was completely empty, which made the atmosphere very peaceful. The cemetery is located right next to a hotel, creating an unexpected mix of different architectural styles and surroundings.
What surprised me most was the slightly romantic feeling of the cemetery. The greenery, flowers, and carefully decorated entrances create a much softer atmosphere than you might expect. I especially appreciated the small details on the entrance doors and decorative elements, which make it an interesting stop for anyone who enjoys architectural and street photography.
Photograph the Cats of Ayia Napa
Like many places in Cyprus, Ayia Napa has plenty of local “models” wandering around the streets, beaches, and quieter corners of the town. The cats are usually very relaxed around people and many are happy to receive some attention or a gentle pet.
If you love photographing animals while travelling, you might also enjoy my article about the history of cats in Cyprus, local legends, and the best places to see them around the island.
For photographers, they are a fun addition to street photography. You can often capture them sitting near colourful walls, old buildings, cafés, or simply enjoying the sunny Cypriot lifestyle.
If you are a cat lover, you might also want to look out for Ginger the Cat near Glyki Nero Beach. This friendly orange cat has become a small local celebrity, with visitors sharing photos and stories about meeting him while walking along the coast. Some travellers describe him as a very calm and friendly “beach guardian” who happily poses for photos.
However, like any true local celebrity, Ginger is not always around, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t find him. Even without meeting him, you will probably encounter plenty of other friendly cats around Ayia Napa. They are everywhere and often make perfect unofficial photo models.
Where to Stay
Ayia Napa has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget apartments and studios to luxury beachfront hotels. Prices can vary significantly depending on the season, with summer months being much more expensive than spring and autumn.
As a general guide, expect to pay:
- May and October: around €40–80 per night for apartments and simpler hotels
- July and August: often €100–200+ per night, even for standard accommodation
- Luxury beachfront hotels: significantly more, especially during the peak summer season
During my visit in May, I stayed at Elena Court Apartments, where I paid around €40 per night for a single-person stay. The accommodation required a minimum booking of four nights. However, prices can change a lot during the year. The same place can cost around €99 per night during the summer season.
You can compare different accommodation options and find a place that matches your budget using the map below:
How to Move Around
Getting around Ayia Napa is relatively easy, especially if you plan to stay close to the town centre and main beaches. During my trip, I mainly used public transport, which was enough for reaching many places around Ayia Napa and nearby Protaras.
Local buses connect Ayia Napa with popular spots such as Nissi Beach, Sea Caves, Cape Greco, and Protaras. You can check current routes, timetables, and connections on the official public transport website before your trip.
For more freedom, especially if you want to explore hidden beaches, viewpoints, or places further away from the main tourist areas, renting a car is the most convenient option. It will save time and allow you to visit places that are difficult to reach by bus.
When renting a car in Cyprus, I recommend comparing prices before booking. DiscoverCars is a useful option for comparing offers from different rental companies, while Localrent can be worth checking if you prefer smaller local providers.
When renting a car in Cyprus, compare prices carefully and check what is included in the rental (insurance, deposit, fuel policy, and additional fees). Remember that Cyprus drives on the left side of the road, which can feel unusual for visitors from many European countries.
FAQ
No. Although Ayia Napa is famous for its nightlife, there are many daytime activities including beaches, boat trips, Cape Greco viewpoints, street art, historical sites, and photography spots.
A stay of 3–5 days is enough to visit the main attractions, enjoy the beaches, and explore nearby places. If you want to discover more unusual spots and take your time photographing, consider staying longer.
Yes. Public buses connect Ayia Napa with many popular places, including Nissi Beach, Sea Caves, Cape Greco, and Protaras. However, a rental car is useful if you want to reach hidden beaches and less accessible locations.
Some of the best daytime activities include visiting Sea Caves, taking a Blue Lagoon boat trip, exploring Cape Greco, discovering street art, visiting local churches, and walking around the old town.
Yes. Visiting in spring or autumn means fewer crowds, more comfortable temperatures for exploring, and usually better accommodation prices while still enjoying many outdoor activities.
Sources & Further Reading
- Ayioi Saranta Cave Church: https://www.cypruspanoramas.com/panorama/ayioi_saranta
- Osea Public Transport: https://osea.com.cy/en/bus-routes/
Sources: