Oct 27 2011
Behind The Scenes Of Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is known globally for its beautiful beaches and energetic nightlife, and anyone looking for a good time without stress could do a lot worse than this coastal town.
Generally perceived as the party capital of Cyprus, Ayia Napa always entices fun-loving people eager to blow off some steam and enjoy everything the resort has to offer, particularly in the summer months when tourism is at its peak.
Besides the beaches and nightclubs, Ayia Napa also has a rich and interesting history, from its origins as a small fishing village to the majestic holiday destination that we see today.
Originally known as Agia Napa, the town is first mentioned in documents dating from around the 14th Century. Five ships containing stolen Cypriot goods were sunk just off the coast of the region, and accounts of the incident mention a wooded, green area that was popular with hunters.
In fact, the name ‘Ayia Napa’ comes from the Greek word ‘nape’ meaning ‘wooded valley’, proving that the place once looked a whole lot different to the golden, sun-drenched landscape that we see today.
During the early 16th Century, the Ayia Napa monastery was built into a cave along the coastline, commemorating the place where a statue of the Virgin Mary was discovered by a local hunter. The figure had been hidden and forgotten over the years; however, when it was re-discovered, pilgrims began to visit the area to witness the miraculous statue.
Thereafter, a monastery was built around the cave; these buildings still survive today and are worth visiting. Although the monastery has been regularly visited after the structure was finished, Ayia Napa didn’t get its first residents until the late 18th Century. Multitudes of people fleeing an outbreak of the plague in nearby Thessalonica settled in the town, and soon, several rows of houses were built.
As the population increased, several trades began to develop as the people began to establish an economy and means to survive. Because of the town’s shoreline location, fishing became one of the biggest trades and soon Ayia Napa had a roaring seafood and fishing business. The Thalassa Museum in the centre of the town displays this heritage much more closely.
The boom in foreign holidays in the 60s and 70s constituted a dramatic change in Ayia Napa’s character, and soon, the stunning beaches and weather began attracting visitors around the world. Nightclubs began to dot all over the town, and it became renowned for its party atmosphere and fabulous entertainment.
Today, Ayia Napa Holidays are perfect for those searching for great nightlife, cool clubs and lots of beaches. Especially popular with those who love the UK garage and urban scene, the town has often been compared to Ibiza; in addition, the large number of cheap hotels means that the resort is great for those who want to have a vacation on a budget, making it popular with a younger crowd of holidaymakers.
Ayia Napa is definitely one of the nicest places for anyone looking for fun and plenty of sun this summer but it’s worth remembering that aside from sunbathing, partying and shopping, the town has a interesting history with plenty of landmarks to explore should the mood take you.
The monastery and museum are both perfect places for when all that relaxing becomes too much, and the nearby sea caves are great for those who like to keep active. The resort may have come a long way, but relics of the old town are still there to be explored.
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