Ayia Napa

Infobox Settlement
subdivision_type=Country
subdivision_name=Cyprus
subdivision_type1=District
leader_title=Mayor

timezone=EET
utc_offset=+2
timezone_DST=EEST
utc_offset_DST=+3

postal_code_type=Postal code

official_name = Agia Napa
native_name = Αγία Νάπα


image_shield = Agia Napa.gif
img_coa_

shield_size = 200px
subdivision_name1 = Famagusta District
population_total = 2693
population_as_of = 2001 [ [http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/A5E0A9096615A568C2257122003FB72E/$file/POPULATION%20BY%20MUNICIPALITY_COMMUNITY-EN.xls?OpenElement "Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus"] (MS Excel), 2001 Population Census]
elevation_m = 0
latd = 34
latm = 59
latNS = N
longd = 34
longm = 00
longEW = E
postal_code =
leader_name = Antonis Tsokkos
Vice-Major = Adreas Andreou
Councilor = Yiannis Karousos| |website = http://www.yianniskarousos.com/
Councilor = Chistos Zanettor
Councilor = Panikkos Markou
Councilor = Gregoris Giasemi
Councilor = George Filis
Councilor = Panayiotis Georgiou
Councilor = Vasos Xidias

website = http://www.agianapa.org.cy/
Official Internet Tv = http://www.ayianapatv.tv/

Ayia Napa ( _el. Αγία Νάπα; _tr. 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 particularly popular with UK Grime, House & Garage 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.

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

Agia Napa attracts a large number of tourists and features a number of sandy beaches, on which watersports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving and speed boating are popular. 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 facilities offered. The most popular of these beaches is Nissi beach, which is visited mainly by clubbers and young people at summer and gets very busy. Another of the beaches is the Harbour Beach (also known as Limanaki (CTID) or Pantahou beach), which is one of the longest beaches of Cyprus, and the longest beach in Ayia Napa. Harbour Beach caters more for families and is a more relaxing beach. The New Golden Bay, or Lanta / Landa beach as it is known to the locals, is a less busy beach with a number of activities available. Several hotels and apartments are situated on Nissi Road, including Nissi Beach Hotel, Kaos Hotel Apts [http://www.kaoshotel.com/] and others).

"The Square", central to the town, is filled with restaurants, night clubs and shops, such as The Napa Castle Bar & Restaurant [http://www.napa-castle.com/] , the Bedrock Inn [http://www.bedrockinn.com/] Black & White Club , Starskys [http://www.starskysayianapa.com/] and the Castle Club, and is by many seen as the focal point of the Agia Napa night-life.

Ayia Napa has changed it's image somewhat over the years, from a fishing village to a clubbers' paradise and now has found it's place as a multi - cultural town.
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.

References

External links

* [http://www.agianapa.org.cy/ Agia Napa Municipality]
*dmoz|Regional/Middle_East/Cyprus/Famagusta_District/Agia_Napa|Agia Napa
* [http://www.vtourist.cy.net/amohostos/ayia-napa/history.html Agia Napa history]
* [http://www.radionapa.net Radio Napa]
* [http://www.yianniskarousos.com Website of City Councillor Yiannis Karousos]