So you think it’s just for party animals? You’re wrong. Yes, that’s going on if you fancy it but if you’re looking for heat, sunshine, an abundance of restaurants and relaxing fun, Ayia Napa should be on your list.

I’ve just returned from a week away in Cyprus. Ayia Napa is well known for it’s party seasons but on both occasions that I have stayed there, it’s surprising how relaxed and family friendly the place is.

After a rather long two hour transfer back in the Summer when I went to St Lucia, a 30-40 minute transfer from Larnaca Aiport was very welcome. A quick chat with the driver, or your fellow passengers if you travel at busier times, and you appear in Ayia Napa in no time.

Having no kids, I like to go to an adults only hotel when I can. Bang in the heart of central Ayia Napa is a beautiful hotel called the Napa Plaza. You would not believe the location of it when you’re laid around the pool. It’s so private and secluded and quiet.

You can stay on a Bed & Breakfast or Half Board but I really wouldn’t recommend doing the Half Board option as you’re spoilt for choice with restaurants on your doorstep. Greek food aplenty as well as the normal chains that you’d see back home, populated by the party goers mainly. A favourite of mine is opposite the hotel called Clarabel. Their food is homemade goodness. Go hungry because their portion sizes are the stuff dieticians nightmares are made of. It’s oh so tasty though. Good job breakfast was the only other meal on the cards for us.

We had another great meal at the Hard Rock Cafe. I went for salmon, which is really unlike me but it had their honey glaze coating on and it was fantastic. With a side of the best Mac n Cheese I’ve ever had, it was one of my favourite meals of the holiday.

Each night started off with laid back drinks at the Soma bar in the hotel which overlooks the pool. It doesn’t get busy at all and there’s table service available. I love what they’ve done with the decor, a soft morrocan vibe.

In fact, there’s nothing negative I can really say about the hotel really. If you get a room on the church side, you may not like being woken by the bells on a Sunday morning but that only goes on for a short amount of time. It’s quite cute actually, something I don’t experience back home. Something very rustic about it. As well as a church, there’s an old monestary next door too which is lovely to walk around day or night time. It’s located in the heart of Ayia Napa, right on ‘the strip’ and you’ll find families with young children walking around as well as couples adding a touch of romance to their holiday. At night time it’s lit up really nicely, some great photo opportunities. That’s where you’ll find the famous I Love Ayia Napa monument too.


If you’re looking for boat trips and water parks and all the usual holiday activities, all that is available too. Both times I have been has been either side of the party season so it has been maybe a little quieter than usual. In 2017 I went at the very end of May and this year at the end of September. The weather was in the late twenties – early thirties and is the main reason for going back; guaranteed sunshine.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ayia Napa as a fun, relaxed holiday destination. It’s only a 5 hour flight from Manchester and a short transfer at the other side. You need not break the bank either. Both times I have paid around £700-750 for a week,including flights, transfers, luggage and taxes. A beautiful bargain in my eyes.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this blog. It’s part of a travel series of blogs I started earlier this year, why not look back at previous travel blogs including New York and St Lucia?

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Until next time, take care,

Natalie x