Paphos Hotels & Ayia Napa Cyprus

Ayia Napa - the tourist paradise of Cyprus - with its lovely sandy beaches, clear sea waters, wonderful dreamy nights and its pleasant and warm-hearted inhabitants has maintained a simplicity of life which is in full accord with the historic traditions of Cyprus.

Geographically, Agia Napa is situated near Cape Greco, just south of Famagusta, and forms part of a larger area known by the name of "Kokkinochorgia" (a name derived from the red-color of its soil). Before it developed into a cosmopolitan tourist center, Agia Napa was a purely agricultural village. Today, despite its enormous development, its people still find time to engage in their old occupations, namely farming and fishing.

One may wonder where the name Agia Napa is derived from. As far as we know there is no saint that bears this name. The word Napa is archaic and it means woodland. In ancient times this area was uninhabited and was covered with a thick forest, visited only by hunters from the neighboring villages.

According to a local tradition, one day a hunter who happened to be in the area, was greatly astonished when a hare, which was being chased by his dog suddenly disappeared. The dog kept up the hot pursuit and followed the hared to his refuge, which was none other than a cave. The hunter, guided by the dog's persistent and excited Barking's soon located the mouth of the cave.

On entering, he gasped with surprise, because before his very eyes was the icon of Virgin Mary which was soon to become famous all over the island. It appears that during the persecutions of the Christians in the 8th and 9th century A.D. some Christians carefully selected this cave to serve as a hiding place for the Virgin Mary of Agia Napa, which was later shortened to Agia Napa. The inhabitants of the neighboring villages, in honor of Virgin Mary, conducted liturgies in the cave itself. This location continued to be inhabited until the 15th century. Tradition has it that when this location became renowned and important as a holy shrine, it attracted the attention of a young, noble lady from Venice who then lived in Famagusta. Her father had strictly forbidden her to marry the man she loved on the pretext that he was a commoner and so she left home and found refuge in Agia Napa. She soon had a church and some monastic cells built and in this way the monastery came into being.

The present monastery was built around 1500 but inside the church there is a cave which suggests it may have been used as a place of worship in a much earlier period.

We do not sell Paphos hotels at full price (Rack rates), every single one of our Paphos hotels has reduced rates.

During the latter part of the Venetian rule (1489-1570) the monastery became quite famous, acquired extensive wealth and even survived the persecutions by the Turks during the Ottoman rule.

In 1668 Agia Napa Monastery changed from a women's convent to a men's monastery From 1758 onwards, organized monastic life in the monastery was disrupted and monks lived there only on an occasional basis. According to local tradition, until 1790 no one lived in the close vicinity of Agia Napa . The first inhabitants who actually appeared and settled there were 20 men from Salonica and from their offspring the village of Agia Napa came into existence.

Informal monastic life continued throughout British rule. The buildings were restored in 1950. Agia Napa Monastery was first considered as a possible centre for an ecumenical conference in 1971.

By Spring 1978 all plans for the preparation of the Monastery to take up its new role had been completed. The centre was inaugurated on 21 st May 1978. Agia Napa Conference Centre was established to serve and strengthen the work of all churches in Cyprus as well as those in the Middle East.

The innate simplicity of the Agia Napa people has not died with the passage of time. In spite of the enormous tourist development, an intense community spirit and mutual understanding characterizes these people, a spirit which is reflected in their attribute towards foreign visitors. The locals here are genial, outgoing and hospitable.

From the very first moment, the visitor to Agia Napa feels a sense of belonging, at home in this welcoming environment. Here, Cypriot hospitality is an accepted part of everyday life.

Sports & Beaches

The coast of Agia Napa is considered as the finest regarding beaches in Cyprus. Extensive silvery, sandy beaches cover the area which attracts the majority of tourists. All along the beaches of Agia Napa facilities for all sea sports are provided including water-skiing, wind-surfing, sailing canoes, pedals, motor boats, scooters, speed-boats, parachutes, scuba-diving and more.

The Cyprus Tourism Organization supervises the beaches and are responsible for protecting the interests of all tourists. Travelling from west to east one comes across the following beaches:
Agia Thekla, Macronisos Beach, Nissi Bay, Nissi Beach, Sandy Bay, Kryo Nero Beach, Limnara Beach, Konnos Beach.

Out in the town

When the sun goes down in Agia Napa there is a special ambience that attracts people of all ages and persuasions. On every narrow street of Agia Napa the visitors discovers scores of interesting restaurants, pubs, taverns cafes and discos. If variety is the spice of life, than Agia Napa has something to satisfy everyone's taste. The Cypriot's appreciation for the good life and his innate love of fine simple foods is reflected at his table and in his leisurely style of entertainment.

Dining out in a very popular and pleasant pastime in Agia Napa. Apart from the typical Cypriot "meze" which is comprised of about 15-30 traditional island dishes served in colorful charming taverns, there are also countless restaurants that specialize in French, Italian and Chinese food. For a quick snack there are always Cafes and Pubs that will welcome you.

Bars, Discos, Night Clubs and Bouzouki Clubs are open till the early hours of the morning. Most hotels have nightly entertainment with a resident band where there are Greek nights and Greek Folk dancing for your enjoyment.

This bright, cosmopolitan town has it all. A vibrant, lively and in many ways, extraordinary place with a magnetism all its own, Agia Napa enthusiastically invites locals and tourists alike to merge as one and to participate in the excitement of her surroundings

Fine casual atmosphere, live music, good food and warm hospitality make anywhere you choose to spend and evening a memorable occasion. Agia Napa by night is sensational.