AYIA NAPA, the tourist paradise of Cyprus, with its lovely golden beaches, clear seawaters and its pleasant and warm-hearted inhabitants has maintained simplicity of life, which is in full accord with the historic traditions of Cyprus. One may wonder where the name AYIA 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 neighbouring villages.

Geographically, AYIA NAPA is situated near Cape Greco, just south of Famagousta, and forms part of a larger area known by the name of Kokkinochorgia (a name derived from the red colour of its soil).

Ayia Napa’s rise to fame has been swift and sudden. It began life as a small fishing village and consequently there is little of historic interest in the town today (except a monastery marooned in the sea of bars and nightclubs that constitutes the ‘old town’). Development began in earnest in the 1980′s when an enterprising local Cypriot businessman started inviting UK garage promoters over to hold club nights on the island. The rest, as they say, is history

The popular holiday resorts of AYIA NAPA have been called a veritable paradise for anyone who loves the sea and water sports. The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbour of AYIA NAPA, the mediaeval monastery at the heart of the village. There are windmills and small churches in the surrounding villages, which spread around the areas of Paralimni and Protaras. It has also become well known for its restaurants, nightclubs, and bars, which cater to all age groups. AYIA Napa owes a large amount of its hype to the fact that it offers so many entertainment outlets for the young and old.

Over the last few years, AYIA Napa (AYIA NAPA) has topped the list of the worlds ‘in’ destinations as THE place to be, surpassing even Ibiza for nightlife and club culture. The present-day resort may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but if lying in the sun and then partying until dawn is your thing. AYIA Napa is heaven!