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 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. Ayia 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 and others.
The Square, central to the town, is filled with restaurants, night clubs and shops, such as & Restaurant, Abyss Club which is where Boy Better Know are at every summer, Babylon Superclub, The Castle Club, Black & White Club, Starskys, Club Ice, Play, Carwash & Bars such as Guru Bar, Pepper, The Napa Castle Bar, Senior Frogs, Pirates, Sky Bar, Titanic, Hollywood, Bedrock Inn, the jammin and River Reggae to name but a few. It is by many seen as the focal point of the Agia Napa night-life.
Ayia Napa has changed its image somewhat over the years, from a fishing village to a clubbers' paradise and now has found its place as a multi - cultural town predominantly playing House, Electro, Tech, R&B, Garage & 70's & 80's, catering for all. Ayia Napa is also a very popular summer destination for various footballers, past visitors including Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Sol Campbell, Andy Cole and many more. Cape Greco is a 10 minute drive from the center of Ayia Napa, and is considered one of the most beautiful places on the island offering site seeing, cliff jumping and a variety of other activities.
