Thinking of getting away for a few days? Cyprus is a fantastic holiday destination — popular with visitors from all over the world drawn to its magical beaches, wonderful food, glorious Mediterranean climate, and a host of historical sites. In terms of where to stay, the choices are an embarrassment of riches. One of the most vibrant resorts is the beautiful Ayia Napa, which is pulsing with life and personality. It has a reputation as being a destination popular with a young, fun-loving demographic, but if you fall in the slightly more mature age range, you definitely shouldn’t be put off thinking it’s all about the nightclubs. The Cypriot gem of Ayia Napa offers just as much for you!
Contents:
- Ayia Napa: Not Just for the Party People
- The Chance to Get Out in Nature
- The Opportunity to Discover Local Culture
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Ayia Napa: Not Just for the Party People!
There’s no doubt Ayia Napa is a magnet for youthful travellers looking to take advantage of the sun, sea, and fabulous nightlife. But there’s far more to this lovely town than that — and it’d be a shame to overlook it.
For visitors to Cyprus who enjoy a genuinely laid back ambience, culture at a slower pace, magnificent beaches, fantastic restaurants, and a host of historical sites to explore, Ayia Napa definitely deserves a place at the top of your list. And if you’re looking for proof, here it comes…
The Chance to Get Out in Nature
One of the most relaxing things you can do on an island holiday is to get out and explore the natural surroundings on foot, and you’ll have ample opportunity to do that here. A particular place of note for a relaxing hike is the nearby Cape Greco National Park. The park comprises a network of trails that feature an astounding diversity of local flora and fauna, alongside spectacular coastal views over the glittering Mediterranean. The best idea is to get a map and decide how energetic you’re feeling before setting off, as there are plenty of trails of varying length and difficulty to choose from.
Some of the most picturesque features you’ll come across as you walk the trails are the many sea caves. Many of these are inaccessible from the cliffs, but as fascinating geological formations, they still make for great photographs from an elevated vantage. The Love Bridge is a natural rocky arch which makes for a striking visual as you approach. It spans the turquoise ocean, disappearing into the water at one end.
Another site you may come across on a coastal hike is the charming Ayioi Anargyroi Chapel, which perches on the edge of a cliff. The chapel is dedicated to the memory of two local doctors who did their good work in the region without payment.
These are just a few of the multitude of sights you can experience, and hiking the Cape Greco National Park is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the great outdoors of Ayia Napa.
The Opportunity to Discover Local Culture
If you stay away from the bustling centre of town with its shops, cafes and, yes, those clubs and pubs, you’ll find plenty of culture to unearth at a slower pace. As always, strolling around is the best way of taking in the architecture and the back streets studded with the more authentic restaurants and bars frequented by locals, but there are also some very specific sites not to be missed.
The Ayia Napa Monastery sits in a serene location off the main square and, cut into the rock and partially underground, it is an unusual construction with a fascinating history dating back to around 1500 AD.
If you want to delve into the region’s storied maritime heritage, there’s no better place than the Thalassa Museum, which is dedicated to the rich history of Cyprus. Housed in a contemporary space, the museum is home to numerous collections of artifacts, documents, ceramics, fossilised sea life and other objects from the ocean. The well-curated museum offers an insight into the importance of maritime trade to the island through history.
The Sculpture Park is, as the name suggests, an open-air gallery of sculptures made from a diverse range of mediums and inspiration. Contemporary depictions sit alongside ancient mythical monsters and representations of local flora and fauna. It sits in an incredibly picturesque site, with an aspect out over the ocean to the horizon that is particularly evocative at sunset.
If you’re thinking of visiting Cyprus, it pays to remember that on an island as culturally and naturally diverse as this, not everything is always as it seems. Ayia Napa is the perfect example of that, so even if you’re not looking to party hard on your holiday, there’s more than enough to make you fall (and stay!) in love with this charming resort town.
Where to Stay
Adams Beach Hotel and Spa: Set right on the beachfront of beautiful Nissi Bay, the hotel offers stunning views over the Mediterranean and a host of onsite facilities. The spacious rooms are tastefully furnished and feature all the mod-cons, along with a balcony and sea views (optional). With amenities that include indoor and outdoor pools, a health club, spa, and onsite bars and restaurants, it has a deserved 5-star accreditation and world-class service.
Chrysomare Beach Hotel and Resort: Nestled within spacious landscaped gardens in an unbeatable beachfront location, this high quality accommodation delivers on its promises and reputation. With beautifully appointed rooms, a spa centre with all kinds of treatments available, three restaurants, three bars, and a fitness centre and tennis courts, after a hard day at the beach, there’s nothing to do except relax and allow yourself to be pampered!
Villa Ivory: Offering direct beach access and stunning azure views over the ocean, this beachfront villa has it all. Cool, spacious and contemporary, the villa is equipped with luxury amenities throughout, including a fully-appointed kitchen and a private swimming pool. Relax on the balcony taking in the magical views, enjoy the local sights on a stroll, or head to the beach just a couple of minutes’ walk away. A perfect home from home!
How to Get There
A quick, fun-filled getaway to Ayia Napa doesn’t have to cost the earth or be logistically challenging. Simply book a flight into Larnaca Airport (LCA) with any one of the numerous carriers that fly the route, including British Airways, Tui and easyJet. The flight takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes.
After you land, the easiest and most efficient way to get the rest of the way from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa is on a pre-booked airport transfer service with Shuttle Direct. You can make a choice to travel in an economical shared shuttle vehicle, a private luxury transfer, a minibus or a pre-booked local taxi – the choice is yours.
Overview
UK to LCA Flight Time: 4 hours, 40 mins approx.
LCA to Ayia Napa: 56 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 41 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
Everyone’s travel needs are different and everyone has a different budget to work with, so that’s why Shuttle Direct offers multiple options to get you from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa — safely and comfortably. Pre-book your Ayia Napa transfers with us and get exactly what you need.
Shuttle Bus: For anyone on a budget, the most appealing option for getting from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa is on a low-cost shared shuttle bus. Outside the terminal you’ll meet your driver at a prearranged spot, then travel on a comfortable, modern shuttle bus with other passengers to a central drop-off point at the destination.
Taxi: Pre-booking a local taxi through us means that while everyone else is standing in the taxi queue, you’ll already be well on your way! This is a fantastic door-to-door option to get you from Larnaca to Ayia Napa that isn’t prohibitive in cost, and if there are several people in your group, even better.
Private Transfer: If a door-to-door service is essential to your travel plans, and you like to add a bit of style to your holiday, pre-book one of our luxury private Ayia Napa transfers to deliver you right to the doorstep of your accommodation. A friendly, professional driver will meet your flight inside the terminal, then all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery from your comfortable vehicle.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re travelling with a larger group of friends or family, consider pre-booking a minibus Larnaca transfer, which gives you all the benefits of a private transfer but with much more room for passengers and luggage. Simplify the logistics and start your holiday right!
Choosing the Right Transfer
Choosing the right kind of transfer for your needs is a decision only you can make. Shuttle Direct offers a range of options for your transfer from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa, and your choice will depend primarily on whether you prioritise cost or convenience.
Cost: If keeping to a holiday budget is important to you, your best bet will be to pre-book one of our cost-effective shared Ayia Napa transfers on a shuttle bus. Even though the service is not door-to-door, you’ll be taken to a convenient central drop-off point close to your accommodation.
The benefits are in the savings you’ll make, and we promise you’ll never have to compromise on safety and comfort.
Convenience: If getting a ride right to the doorstep of your accommodation is a no-brainer, and you don’t mind paying a little more, then we suggest one of our pre-booked local taxis or luxury private services. Getting from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa is a breeze with a private airport transfer and you won’t have to cater to any other passengers’ requirements.
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct, we’re proud of our reputation in the industry for providing fast, efficient and reliable onward ground transport to and from airports all over the world. Known for our great communication, friendly drivers and safe, comfortable vehicles, we offer a range of pre-booked transport options ranging from cost-effective shared shuttles right up to luxury private airport transfers. Book with us as soon as you book your flights then sit back and let us take care of your ride from the airport.
