Etymology
The name Ayia Napa (Greek: Αγια Ναπα) was taken 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 '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 was named the Virgin Mary of Agia Napa. The present monastery, built in 1500, was built around the cave, in honour of the Virgin Mary of Agia Napa. According to local tradition, until 1790 no-one lived within close vicinity of Agia Napa. The first inhabitants who actually appeared and settled were twenty men from Salonica, Greece, and so began the village of Agia Napa.

Geography
Ayia Napa lies eastward of the Dhekelia SBA
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. 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 favourable for families and Cypriot locals.

Tourism
The Agia Napa coastline attracts a large number of tourists, thanks to its golden sandy beaches. Water sports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, scuba 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 Square, central to the town, is filled with restaurants, nightclubs and shops, and for many is seen as the focal point of the Agia Napa night-life.

Palaces
In between Limnara Beach and Cape Greco are the Palaces. They do not make up any particular building, but are a name for the marvellous formations which have been formed on the rocks here. The rocky beach has been sculptured in such a breathtaking manner by the sea waves that it gives the impression of being a fine work of architecture, hence its name. The reflected light together with the crystal waters form a wonderful picture. This place can only be reached from the sea.

Agia Napa Monastery
Agia Napa Monastery is the best known landmark of the Agia Napa area. It seems that in ancient times, the location where the monastery and the village exist today was covered with a thick forest, visited only by hunters from the neighbouring villages.

Things to do in Ayia Napa
What was once a small fishing village in the south-eastern corner of Cyprus is now a hotspot for holidaymakers looking for a lively break; over 250,000 clubbers throng into this party capital each summer and the phenomenal atmosphere in its scores of bars and nightclubs is nothing short of explosive. But this cosmopolitan town isn’t all about bars and clubs for the young. If you look closer, you will discover that Ayia Napa is full of history and tradition.

Ayia Napa Town
The centre of the town is built around a medieval monastery. This has been well preserved over the centuries and a visit here is like stepping back in time. Just to the side of the main square, traditional folk dancing takes place during the summer. At the end of September, the Ayia Napa Street Festival takes place and features singing and dancing performances. Special acts from all over the world are brought here to perform at the festival. One of the most beautiful locations to visit in Ayia Napa is the fishing harbour. A lot of money has been invested over the last couple of years into revitalise this area. The entire harbour has been made into a pedestrian zone, with cafés and seafood taverns lining the area. A wooden walkway spans the length of the harbour. At night, beautifully designed lights illuminate the area, setting the perfect scene for a romantic meal or a stroll along the harbour.

Ayia Napa Water World
Ayia Napa is home to the largest themed water park in Europe. The park has a Greek theme to it, and models of ancient Greek gods and ancient buildings are situated around the park. The water park covers a vast area and is jam-packed with slides and water attractions to suit everyone. For small children, there is the Trojan Adventure, a play structure with water pistols, slides and a bucket that fills with water and soaks everyone in its path!

Marine Life Museum
The Marine Life Museum is located in Ayia Napa's Town Hall. It is the first natural museum of its kind in Cyprus and it exhibits past and present marine life and promotes the study and research of marine life while also emphasising the importance of preserving the marine environment. The exhibits include a reconstruction of a dinosaur seabed, fish fossils, shells, sea urchins, sea turtles, sea plants and more. Every specimen in the museum was removed from its natural habitat after death. The Marine Life Museum is visited every year by thousands of tourists.

Water sports
There is a range of great water sports offered here including scuba diving. The waters surrounding the island are warm and clear, with even tides and visibility reaching 100 to 130 feet. Divers can visit undersea remains of prehistoric archaeological ruins and explore rock gardens teeming with sponges. You can also try out waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and scooters as well as pedal, motor and speed boats among other activities.

Famagusta
Famagusta is one of the most important, greatly fortified ports on the shores of the Mediterranean. To the north of Famagusta lie the fabulous ruins of Salamis. The spectacular ruins give a fascinating insight into long-lost civilisations and include a magnificent amphitheatre, Roman baths, a gymnasium and royal tombs. The mosaics are particularly beautiful. Just inland from Famagusta are the church and monastery dedicated to St Barnabas, the founder of the apostolic church on Cyprus in 45 AD. The church of St Barnabas is preserved so that it appears exactly as it was when abandoned in 1976. There is a wonderful collection of 18th century icons and the monastery walkway now houses an archaeological museum.