What was once a small fishing village in the south-eastern
corner of Cyprus is now a hotspot for holidaymakers looking for a
lively vacation
-over 250,000 clubbers swarm into this party
capital each summer and the phenomenal atmosphere in its scores of
bars and nightclubs is nothing short of explosive. Located in the
centre of the market garden area of the island, Ayia Napa also
boasts a string of superb golden sandy beaches and vestiges of its
cultural heritage - there is a Venetian decorated monastery fronted
by a 600-year-old Sycamore tree, and a quaint harbour filled with
colourful fishing vessels. Just a few miles away, the resort of
Protaras is more restrained and is much more suited to family
holidays. Both resorts have excellent beaches, the most famous
being Fig Tree Bay. Other popular beaches include Nissi Beach and
Nissi Bay, two miles (3km) west of Ayia Napa; Cape Greco to the
east, where the challenge is to leap from the rocks into the sea;
and Konnos Bay, just past Cape Greco, where there is a beach café
and speedboats for hire.
