Agia Napa
Agia Napa, 85 kilometers from Nicosia, was a sleepy and unassuming village until the 1970s; today, it is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Cyprus. It has become a sort of Cypriot Ibiza thanks to its 14 beaches, which attract partygoers, sunbathers, and fans of water sports. On this coast, there are both large hotels and apartment buildings.
The name Ayia Napa comes from a monastery with the same name built in the Venetian era and situated in the town's center, near to the square where clubs are now located. Greek word ayia translates to "sacred." The word "Napa" is slang for "wooded valley" or "dell." The town's surroundings were once completely covered by a dense forest.
Beaches in Cyprus were managed by private persons and businesses up to the end of 2014 after they were granted permits to do so without holding open competitions. All of the city's beaches are now under the direct control of the city, according to an initiative led by Mayor Yiannis Karousos. Threats and legal measures were leveled at him and the council members who supported the proposal, however as of 2018, the city collected over 3.5 million euros in annual beach-related revenue, and all beaches in Cyprus are now under local government management.
- Location: Famagusta District
