Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa (Greek: Αγία Νάπα; Turkish: Aya Napa; today officially transliterated into English as Agia Napa) is a resort at the far eastern end of the south coast of the island of Cyprus, famous for its sandy beaches. In recent years, apart from being a family holiday destination, it has become a 'party capital' similar to Ibiza.
Etymology
The name Ayia Napa (Greek: Αγια Ναπα) was taken from a Venetian-era monastery of the same name, located in the center of the town, next to the square which today is the clubbing center. The word 'Napa' is archaic and it means "wooded - valley". In ancient times the area surrounding the town was covered with thick forest.
History
According to local legend, the now renowned original icon was accidentally discovered by a hunter in hot pursuit of his prey. Upon discovery, the icon was named the Virgin Mary of Agia Napa. The present monastery, built in 1500, was built around the cave, in honour of the Virgin Mary of Agia Napa. According to local tradition, until 1790 no-one lived within close vicinity of Agia Napa. The first inhabitants who actually appeared and settled were twenty men from Salonica, Greece, and so began the village of Agia Napa.
Agia Napa has recently become synonymous with holidays and partying on the island, and has attracted tourism from all over Europe because of the climate, beaches and the specific character of the scene that has built up here.
Geography
Geographically, Ayia Napa lies near Cape Greco at the eastern part of Cyprus, just south of Famagusta and forms part of a larger area known as Kokkinochoria (a name derived from the red colour of its soil). It is a town of Famagusta District. Ayia Napa is about 8 Kilometres (5 miles) away from Protaras, a town that has recently seen similar development, but still manages to remain low-key and remains more favorable for families and Cypriot locals.
Tourism
The Agia Napa coastline attracts a large number of tourists, thanks to its golden sandy beaches. Watersports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing,scuba diving and speed boating. The Cyprus Tourism Organization supervises the beaches and is responsible for protecting the interests of all tourists. All beaches in Agia Napa have been awarded with the EU blue flag for their level of cleanliness and the comprehensive facilities offered in line with the uniform standards set by the European Union.
The Square, central to the town, is filled with restaurants, nightclubs and shops, and for many is seen as the focal point of the Agia Napa night-life.
Photos Of Agia Napa And Cyprus
Agia Napa Monastery
Agia Napa Monastery is the best known landmark of the Agia Napa area. It seems that in ancient times, the location where the monastery and the village exists today, was covered with a thick forest, visited only by hunters from the neighbouring villages.
Museums
The town contains a number of museums. The Tornaritis - Pierides Museum of Marine Life was founded in June 1992 in Agia Napa and is located at the lower level of the Town hall. It exhibits past and present marine life, scientifically classified. Its main purpose is to show to the Cypriot and foreign visitor the marine fauna of Cyprus and the Mediterranean, helping the study and research of this part of Natural History, but also to stress the importance and necessity of preserving the marine environment.
"Thalassa", the Municipal Museum of the Sea in Agia Napa, is dedicated to the enhancement, promotion and preservation of marine heritage of Cyprus, from prehistoric times to present. Located at the centre of Agia Napa, the presence of the Museum serves to display marine artefacts, conduct educational programmes and community cultural events, as well as foster interest in Cyprus' rich sea-history. The Museum houses sculptures, engravings, ceramics and paintings of seascapes made by some of the greatest 19th and 20th century Greek and Cypriot artists.
The Makronissos Tombs are found west of Agia Napa village in the locality of Makronissos. They are an ancient burial site, located at a stepped road, which leads down to a rectangular entrance. The entrances were originally closed with one large or two smaller calcarenke slabs.
Agia Napa Festival
The Agia Napa Festival was first held in September 1985 and has been established as an annual event since then. It occurs in Seferis Sqaure at the Agia Napa Monastery. These festivities reflect the historic, cultural and agricultural traditions of Agia Napa and Cyprus as a whole. The programme includes theatrical performances, operas, concerts and Cypriot and foreign folk dancing.