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, Rimini and Mykonos. As of late, it has become particularily popular with UK Grime artists/MCs for holidays and gigs in its clubs/venues.

Etymology
The name Ayia Napa is derived 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 "Ayia" (Agia) means "holy" in Greek. 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 of Virgin Mary was called Virgin Mary of Napa, eventually shortened and now know as Ayia Napa. The present monastery, built in 1500, was built around the cave, in honour of the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa. According to local tradition, until 1790 no-one lived within close vicinity of Ayia Napa. The first inhabitants who actually appeared and settled were twenty men from Salonica, Greece, and so began the village of Ayia Napa.

Ayia Napa has recently become synonymous with holidays on the island, and has attracted tourism from all over Europe because of the climate, beaches and the specific character of the clubbing scene that has emerged.


 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, in the remaining southern part of the district not occupied by Turkish forces in 1974. 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 first and most popular is Nissi beach, a sandy exotic beach with crystal clear waters. It is visited mainly by clubbers and young people at summer and gets very busy. Another one of the best beaches is the Harbour Beach or Limanaki (CTID) or Pantahou beach. It is one of the longest beaches of Cyprus, and the longest beach of Ayia Napa. Sandy with crystal clear waters, the Harbour Beach is a family and relaxing beach. With no noise or parties, just people who like to relax. Another one of the best beaches to visit in Agia Napa is the New Golden Bay, or what is known as Lanta / Landa beach to the locals. It is a lovely beach with many things to do, escaping the busyness of Nissi beach, but still a good place to be seen, and it can be enjoyed by the whole family.


A beach at Ayia NapaThe Square, central to the town, is filled with restaurants, nightclubs and shops, and is by many seen as the focal point of the Agia Napa night-life.

Cape Greco is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Ayia Napa, and is considered one of the most beautiful places on the island.

In Cape Greco lives the reputed Ayia Napa Sea Monster which is meant to resemble a cross between a porpoise and dragon. It has only been spotted and photographed a dozen or so times and is thought to be a direct descendent from pre-historic times.


 Agia Napa Monastery
Agia Napa Monastery is the best known landmark of the Agia Napa area. It has a charm and charisma that represents a time when Ayia Napa was just a sleepy fishing village. 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.


 Ayia Napa Festival
The Ayia Napa Festival was first held in September 1985 and has been established as an annual event since then. It occurs in Sepheris Square in Ayia Napa Monastery. These festivities reflect the historic, cultural and agricultural traditions of Ayia Napa and Cyprus as a whole. The programme includes theatrical performances, operas, concerts and Cypriot and foreign folk dancing.