Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Popular Tourist Spots in Cyprus

Ayia Napa was a very poor village, the only income came from the fishing port. After the invasion in 1974 from Turkey Ayia Napa was born. For the young we have the centre of Ayia Napa that caters for their night life with bars and clubs and it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Cyprus. Over the years it has developed into a popular holiday resort with its beautiful crystal clear blue beaches with golden sands and is visited by many people from all over the world. In recent years, apart from being a family holiday destination, it has become a party capital similar to Ibiza. All beaches in Ayia Napa have been awarded with the EU blue flag for their level of cleanliness and the comprehensive facilities offered in line with the uniform standards set by the European Union. Water sports such as wind surfing, canoeing, speed boating and scuba diving are very popular here. The Cyprus Tourism Organization supervises the beaches and is responsible for protecting the interests of all tourists. It is also very well known for its magnificent night clubs and bars which cater people of any age. The Square, is in the middle of the town, and is filled with nightclubs and restaurants and shops, and for many is seen as the focal point of the Ayia Napa night life. The clubbing season in Ayia Napa starts off in June and lasts all summer until September or October, though a few clubs like the Black and White are open all year round. Licensing hours in Cyprus last nearly all day, starting at 9am and running through to 2am. Like all the major towns in Cyprus, it is bursting with markets and shops. Leather goods, clothes, jewellery and CDs are particularly well stocked and are a fair bit cheaper than at home. It now has a few shops open all day, every day of the week. Well known for its haute cuisine people tend to come here for other reasons. But there is a wide range of food from around the world available Thai, French, Mexican, Indian Chinese, and British. If you want fish and chips, you can have it. There is a McDonalds too. If you want to try something traditional in a restaurant, ask for some meze. It is a selection of different foods, some spicy, and a choice of dips and sauces.

By Douglas Scott