Visit Ayia Napa, Cyprus: How to Have the Dream 3-Day Itinerary

Why visit Ayia Napa? It is one of the most popular places to visit in Cyprus, and for good reason. It is famed for being an excellent place to party, but there is so much more to this stunning part of the island, including one of the world’s top beaches, excellent food and drink and unique historical sites.

This guide covers why you should visit Ayia Napa and how to have the best three days in this part of Cyprus.

How to get to Ayia Napa

Jet2 offers flights to Larnaca from 9 different airports in the UK, including flights from London Stansted Airport. From Larnaca, it is then a 35-45 minute drive to Ayia Napa.

I caught a 4:30 pm flight from London Stansted, arriving in Ayia Napa late in the evening. With an average flight time of around five hours from the UK to Larnaca, landing late was actually perfect. It meant I could get a great night’s sleep and wake up refreshed, ready to start exploring first thing the next morning.

Where to Stay When You Visit Ayia Napa

For my time in Ayia Napa, I stayed in the stunning NissiBlu Beach Resort. A Jet2holidays hotel, which is located right on the beautiful Nissi Beach. The hotel is beautiful and luxurious, with comfy beds, fabulous balcony views, and a large pool with plenty of sunbeds. As well as easy access to Nissi Beach. It is one of the Jet2holidays luxury holiday hotels, so truly a fantastic place to stay.

Book your stay from £160 in shoulder season

If you fancy staying elsewhere, Jet2 also has other fabulous hotels as part of their holidays to Cyprus.

Visit Ayia Napa – How to Spend 3 Days

This three-day itinerary covers all the highlights and must-see attractions you won’t want to miss when you visit Ayia Napa.

Day 1 – The Best of Ayia Napa: Beaches, History and Sculptures

Start your first full day with a visit to Nissi Beach. This has consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, and it is easy to see why! The water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise. Couple this with soft white sand, and you have beach perfection. After some time on Nissi Beach, head to the neighbouring Makronissos Beach, which is quieter and equally beautiful. While you are there, don’t miss the Makronissos Hellenistic Tombs, which can be found just behind the beach. These are 19 tombs, which date back to 30 BC.

After a stroll around the pretty Ayia Napa harbour, the afternoon is perfect for some culture. Check out the Thalassa Municipal Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into Cyprus’s maritime history, as well as information on the pygmy hippopotamus that used to roam the island around 12,000 years ago! Finally, when you visit Ayia Napa, make sure the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park features on your itinerary! This is an open-air gallery with over 200 sculptures from artists around the world. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also head to the MUSAN Underwater Sculpture Museum, where you can snorkel among submerged artworks in the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 2 – How to Visit Ayia Napa’s Coastline by Land and Sea

When you visit Ayia Napa, getting out on the water should be top of the list. Start the day early and board a Blue Lagoon cruise from Ayia Napa harbour. The boat cruises along the coastline, allowing you to see the sights from the sea. It also makes two swimming stops at Turtle Bay and the Blue Lagoon. The water is an unreal shade of turquoise – Cyprus has the clearest water in the Med!

After returning to the shore, it is time to see some of the sights from the land. Spend the afternoon exploring Cape Greko National Forest and the coastline stretching towards Protaras. Highlights include the sea cave at Cyclops Cave, the beautiful chapel of Agioi Anargiroi perched above the water, the church built into the rocks of Agioi Saranta, the beautiful Fig Tree Bay, and Profitis Ilias church.

End the day with golden hour at the famous Love Bridge, one of the most photographed spots you’ll find when you visit Ayia Napa. And for good reason. It is considered the most romantic place on the island, and legend has it that if you kiss in the middle and make a wish, it will come true.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Larnaca from Ayia Napa

Larnaca makes for a brilliant day trip when you visit Ayia Napa, and it’s only around 35-40 minutes by car. Start the morning at CyHerbia Botanical Garden, a wonderfully fragrant herb garden where you can also take part in a workshop making your own soap and face mist. Afterwards, try not to get lost in the maze, and then grab a refreshing herbal drink from the cafe.

From there, head into Larnaca to explore. Stroll down Finikoudes Promenade along the seafront, visit the impressive Larnaca Medieval Castle, and stop in at St Lazarus Church, one of the most significant Byzantine churches on the island. The Municipal Market is worth a wander too, especially if you’re looking to pick up local produce or souvenirs. We had lunch and a cocktail-making workshop at Sunmoon Hospitality, where we made brandy sours. A classic Cypriot drink and absolutely worth making (and drinking). The bar is open on Thursday evenings, when the owner is in Cyprus, so it is well worth checking out if the timing is right!

After lunch, take some time to walk through the streets of the old Turkish Cypriot quarter, one of the most atmospheric parts of the city. Round off the afternoon with a pottery workshop at Studio Ceramics before making the drive back to Ayia Napa.

Find out everything to see and do in Larnaca:
What to Do in Larnaca: 15 Amazing Spots

Where to eat in Ayia Napa

On any visit to Ayia Napa, you are going to want to try some delicious meze. Here are some highly recommended places to find some of the most delicious food.

• Riva Beach House by Frame: Situated right on Ayia Napa Marina, it is a stylish beachside destination offering Mediterranean cuisine with Asian influences. Think sushi, fresh seafood and creative cocktails with views over the water.
• Ploumin Tavern: Tucked away in the charming village of Sotira, just outside Ayia Napa, Ploumin is a hidden gem offering an authentic Cypriot experience. The menu features traditional meze made from homestyle recipes, with specialities including afelia, beef stifado, and bread baked using the owner’s mother’s sourdough starter. It’s very much family-run, and the restaurant was converted from the owner’s house!
• Taverna Napa: A long-standing restaurant in Ayia Napa, it has been serving quality meals to locals and tourists for decades. It’s a great spot for traditional Cypriot meze. The local tavas, slow-cooked lamb with potatoes and vegetables in a pot, is a speciality.
• Avra: Found in the centre of Ayia Napa, and serving traditional Cypriot cuisine. Its seafood platter comes highly recommended, and it is known for its attentive staff.
• Zephyros Restaurant: Located right by the sea, in the fishing port of Larnaca, it is a well-known seafood spot with fresh, plentiful dishes. It has been in operation since 1976 and is a true local institution. The fish meze is widely regarded as among the best in Cyprus.

Are 3 Days Enough to Visit Ayia Napa?

Three days is a great amount of time to get a real feel for Ayia Napa. During this time, you can tick off the most beautiful beaches and also explore the stunning coastline. In addition, you will have the chance to visit fascinating historical and cultural sites, as well as enjoy some truly excellent food.

That said, if you do have more time, it is absolutely worth it. Not least to factor in a day or two simply relaxing on the beach. Not only does the wider Famagusta region have plenty more to discover, but a day trip to Larnaca alone could easily stretch into two. Overall, if you can extend your trip to four or five days, you will leave feeling like you have truly scratched beneath the surface of this part of Cyprus.

FAQS about a visit to Ayia Napa

Is Ayia Napa safe? Yes! Ayia Napa is a very safe destination for tourists. Cyprus has a low crime rate. The resort area is also well-policed and well-lit. As with any holiday destination, keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas. Most visitors have a completely trouble-free experience.

Is Ayia Napa a good destination for solo travel? Yes, it is a great destination for solo travellers. The town is easy to navigate. Locals are welcoming and friendly. There is plenty to keep you busy, whether you prefer beaches, nature, or culture. It is also a great choice for solo female travellers. Cyprus has a relaxed and respectful culture. Harassment is not something most women report experiencing here. Overall, it is one of the more comfortable Mediterranean destinations for women travelling alone.

When is the best time to visit Ayia Napa? The peak season runs from June to August, when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C and the beaches are at their busiest. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, the shoulder months of May and September are ideal. The weather is still warm and sunny, the sea is perfect for swimming, and the crowds are noticeably thinner. October is also worth considering for a more relaxed visit at lower prices.

---

Heading to Cyprus? Don’t miss these posts to help you plan:

• What to Do in Ayia Napa, Cyprus: A Complete Guide
• What to Do in Larnaca: 15 Amazing Spots

Looking for other Mediterranean getaways? Here is some inspiration for you:

• Things to do in Chania, Crete, for the best trip!
• Palma de Mallorca Itinerary – How to have the perfect 4 days

---

This itinerary was written as part of a collaboration. A huge thank you to Jet2 and Visit Cyprus for this trip, and for showing me the best things to do when you visit Ayia Napa. My trip to Cyprus was a complimentary PR press trip, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

If you found this post on what to do when you visit Ayia Napa helpful, please pin it for later!