Agia Napa – Protaras

Explore the multitude of intriguing nature trails lined with pine trees and a diverse botanical splendour whilst pausing to take in the spectacular views from the sea cliffs looking down to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Many benches are spread out along these trails to take a break from the walk and admire the surroundings in stillness. One of these nature trails forms part of the European Long Distance Trail E4, running from Cyprus to Gibraltar. Then there’s the Aphrodite nature trail which stretches 2 km along the North-East coast of Cape Greco which doubles up as a Cultural Route due to the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite. A lovely monument to visit is the tiny white washed church of Agoi Anargyroi, with steps that lead down to the sea where there is a place where Holy water runs. Another trail leads to the ‘Cyclops’ cave where there is a picnic site close by. Cycle paths are strewn throughout. Cyprus has the ideal climate for cycling all year round with low annual rainfall and light winds. Nine–metre high limestone cliffs have caves which have been hewn by Mother Nature. Taking a boat trip along the coast you will see that they are really striking, which is why they have been aptly named the ‘Palaces’. Cape Greco has warm sea temperatures ranging from 16 to 28 degrees and visibility reaching up to 40 metres. For this reason, as well as for the wonderful scenery and the marine life, this area is very popular with divers.

One of the most important monuments preserved within the boundaries of the Agia Napa municipality. The Aqueduct supplied the monastery and the whole region with water for hundreds of years. The monument in its present state of preservation is an alteration of the original Roman aqueduct, occurred during the Frankish period when the monastery was built. The source of the water is to be found somewhere on the Northeastern hills of Agia Napa. Up to the year 1974 the original visible route of the channel was marked by a barrel-shaped structure at the locality of ‘Mana tou Nerou’, known traditionally as the House of the Greeks. From that point the aqueduct ran all the way to the monastery following the natural contours of the bedrock.

The Makronisos cemetery includes 19 Hellenistic and Roman tombs (2400 BC). The entrances were originally closed with one large or two smaller calcarenite slabs. Among the findings at the site are clay sarcophagi which were originally covered with three flat tiles and a limestone Kore statuette, both displayed in the Thalassa Municipal Museum.

The Sea Caves or “Palatia” are certainly one of the main features of Agia Napa and the centre of attraction for thousands of locals and tourists. Found between Kermia Beach and the Cavo Greco Cape, they have a tremendous geological history and are of social, environmental and economic importance to Agia Napa. A visit to the sea caves is a must for an enjoyable walk and a close view of the captivating scenery, designed by nature and time, and a dive into the crystal waters of the sea is a treat.