Ayia Napa Monastery
A Venetian-era monastery at the heart of Ayia Napa, with a cave church, a cloistered courtyard and a centuries-old sycamore tree.
Photo: Bayreuth2009 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
The monastery grew up around a cave where, according to tradition, an icon of the Virgin was found in the forest, "napa" in old Greek dialect, which gave the town its name. The present buildings date mostly from the 16th century.
Inside the walls, a Venetian fountain stands in a peaceful arcaded courtyard. Just outside, a huge sycamore fig is said to be around 600 years old. It is a surprising pocket of calm in the middle of a resort town.
Good to know
Dress modestly when entering the church. The square outside hosts cultural events in summer.
Perks nearby
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Ayia Napa: more places
All places in Ayia Napa →
Cape Greco National Forest ParkThe rugged headland between Ayia Napa and Protaras, with sea caves, a natural rock bridge, clifftop trails and some of the clearest water in Cyprus.
Fig Tree BayProtaras's signature beach, a sheltered sandy bay with shallow, glassy water and a small islet you can swim out to.
Konnos BayA small, sheltered cove tucked under the pines on the edge of Cape Greco, with soft sand and brilliantly clear water.