Introduction:
Ayia Napa has a reputation for its wild nightlife that makes it a favourite location for the 18-30 crowd.
Type of holidays:
Mostly, Ayia Napa offers singles holidays for non-stop partying.
However, there are many hotels and attractions that are indeed well suited for children as well.
The hotels and apartments in Ayia tend to be inexpensive but very clean, so even going all inclusive wonât break touristsâ budgets.
Some stay for an extended weekend, but most make it a one- or two-week stay.
Main holiday season:
Generally, the tourist season in Ayia Napa does not start until late June, and it lasts until late July. This is to say that the nightlife is at its peak because this time of year coincides with school breaks.
Those who have visited in both August and September say that the parties are still going strong during those two months as well, with the added bonus of reduced end-of-season rates in September. Generally, hotel prices are based on 4 people per room.
Popular excursions:
There are several entertaining excursions and activities in the Ayia Napa area.
Many of them are boating related, such as the interesting yet informative historical Captain Marko Cruises; the Dolphin Boat Safari, which offers complimentary drinks as an added bonus; and the Black Pearl, which employs an actor who is a dead ringer for the big-screen version of Jack Sparrow.
Olympian Divers Ltd is a well-established dive centre in the area, while Red Bus tours are considered the best way to see Ayia Napa by land via their flaming canât-miss, double-decker buses.
Popular sports and activities:
WaterWorld Waterpark is an absolute must for tourists of all ages. Several themed swimming pools and lots of rides aimed at all different ages make for plenty of room and fun, while lifeguards make sure everyone is safe.
Through outfitters such as Nissi Watersports, tourists can find an array of water activities, such as Jet Skis, jet boats, parachuting, banana boat rides, and water skiing, plus many more rental and tour options.
There are also beautiful sights such as the Ayia Napa Monastery and opportunities for relaxing at spas such as The Atlantica Aeneas Spa.
Beaches:
Ayia Napa has a disproportionately high number of blue flag beaches for such a small area. Nissi Beach is arguably the most popular in the area.
It is a sandy resort beach that is teeming with tourists throughout the summer season. Plenty of water sports are available here, and so are chair and umbrella rentals. There are lifeguards on duty for most of the day except for early morning and late evening. Summer nights, the beach hosts fun events such as raves and foam parties.
Another popular beach is called Golden Bay, among many other things. The main attraction of this beach is that it is shallow enough for children to play for over 100 yards (about 100 meters). It is less crowded than Nissi; however, there are still rentals and activities.
Macronissos Beach is another sandy resort beach which houses many water sports and is easily accessible.
Harbour Beach is the longest beach in the Ayia Napa area, and it caters primarily to families.
Nightlife:
Ayia Napa has unique themed bars and clubs that are rather accommodating to families in the afternoons before turning into purely adult-only fun after the sun goes down.
Bedrock is one of these themed establishments, and the Castle Club is another.
Other clubs such as Pâzazz can boast an exclusive atmosphere that rarely even lets in photographers. Others have been around for years because they have continued to keep up with trends in music and club culture. Two of these notable establishments are Black and White dance club and Starsky's bar.
Many of the areaâs bars, such as Blue Moon Bar and Carwash, offer a multicultural atmosphere, catering to the many different cultures that converge in Ayia Napa.
Right on the main square, those looking for a great pre-party warm up will find it at Minoâs Pub, which usually has local artists performing in some capacity, and the gorgeous views from the glass-walled club Rise can also be found on the square.
River Reggae is a laid-back night time option that features an outdoor area illuminated by a lighted pool and trees strung with twinkling lights.
For a real change of venue, tourists should visit Rock Heaven Garden, one of the only places in Ayia Napaâs nightlife that plays old and new heavy metal.
Most popular hotels/resorts:
To experience a little of everything, there are a few tourist accommodations to keep in mind. Atlantica Club Sungarden Beach Hotel is one. The all-inclusive package here is an exceptional value. The dining choices are varied, and there are many daytime and evening activities to choose from. Spa treatments and water-related activities are also available.
Napa Mermaid is another hotel with many amenities such as an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, and access the beach across the street.
Tsokkos Gardens Complex is comprised of three buildings, and guests can make use of all the great amenities on the premises.
For close proximity to Ayia Napaâs nightlife, plus beach access, great entertainment, a gym and sauna, tourists should choose Nelia Beach Hotel.
Kalypso Hotel and Soho Hotel also have a great variety of offerings.
If location is a deciding factor for tourists, they should look at Takkas Hotel Apartments very near Ayai Napaâs nightlife, actually right next door to the River Reggae.
Vassos Nissi Plage Hotel is just off Nissi Beach, while Faros Hotel is even closer to the harbour than many other Ayia Napa hotels.
Panas Holiday Village is within walking distance to the water park, bars and restaurants. Florida Hotel is also extremely close to the city.
Other hotels, such as Corfu Hotel, Nissiana Hotel & Bungalows, Nissi Park and Nestor Hotel all have amazing views and very close beach access.
For a bargain, tourists canât beat the little extras that come with a stay at the Grecian Sands or The Callisto Holiday Village. All-inclusive can be a superior value at the Bella Napa Bay Hotel based solely on the hotelâs food and drink menu. Another hotel, Okeanos, boasts too many free amenities to name.
The partying crowd will want a hotel that basically operates 24 hours per day and is relatively quiet during the day to allow them to recuperate before tackling the nightlife again. For this purpose, accommodations such as Atlantica Sancta Napa Hotel, Anesis Hotel, Anthea Hotel Apartments, and Melpo Antia Hotel Apartments will be a perfect fit.