Cape Greco Forest Park
Cape Greco was designated as a National Forest Park in 1993. It is a relatively unspoilt area with great natural beauty which changes and offers something different each season. It is an oasis of tranquility nestled midway between the busy resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras.
Covering an area of 385 hectares, Cape Greco was originally covered by a dense juniper forest. During a short period of time, mainly between 1910 and 1920, the trees were rapidly cut down and burned to power the steam flour mills which were in abundance in the Paralimni area. Since then the slow growing juniper has never been able to recover. Today, although juniper and varieties of pine can still be found, trees and shrubs are mostly limited to sparse low level growth, including 14 species endemic to Cyprus. Various flowers including orchids and other rare plant species are also found here and during the springtime there are many flowers in bloom.
The park is also a game reserve with hunting prohibited. Foxes, hares and hedgehogs are common and over 80 species of birds, including many migratory species have been spotted. Visitors are also likely to see Lizards and a large variety of butterflies.
A small chapel dedicated to Agioi Anargyroi is one of the few buildings in the park. This small white chapel is a popular spot for wedding photo's. Below it is a hermits sea cave which is mentioned in several local legends. Agia Saranta is a tiny church cave well hidden in the rocks and another spectacular sight is Cyclops cave further East in the park.
At the headland of Cape Greco is a lighthouse and walkers can also find ruined foundations of an ancient temple devoted to Aphrodite. At the Eastern edge of the park is Konnos Bay, a breathtakingly beautiful beach with crystal clear waters fringed by pine trees. There is accommodation here at the Grecian Park Hotel and Konnos Bay apartments available as well as a handful of restaurants.
There are several hiking trails which extend to a length of 16 kilometres. These are signposted and take in all the points of interest in the park. There is also 4 kilometres of bicycle track and a designated picnic area. The rocky seabed and underwater caves encourage a wealth of sealife making this area a hotspot for both snorkelling and scuba diving. Fishing is also a popular and peaceful way to spend time here.
Covering an area of 385 hectares, Cape Greco was originally covered by a dense juniper forest. During a short period of time, mainly between 1910 and 1920, the trees were rapidly cut down and burned to power the steam flour mills which were in abundance in the Paralimni area. Since then the slow growing juniper has never been able to recover. Today, although juniper and varieties of pine can still be found, trees and shrubs are mostly limited to sparse low level growth, including 14 species endemic to Cyprus. Various flowers including orchids and other rare plant species are also found here and during the springtime there are many flowers in bloom.
The park is also a game reserve with hunting prohibited. Foxes, hares and hedgehogs are common and over 80 species of birds, including many migratory species have been spotted. Visitors are also likely to see Lizards and a large variety of butterflies.
A small chapel dedicated to Agioi Anargyroi is one of the few buildings in the park. This small white chapel is a popular spot for wedding photo's. Below it is a hermits sea cave which is mentioned in several local legends. Agia Saranta is a tiny church cave well hidden in the rocks and another spectacular sight is Cyclops cave further East in the park.
At the headland of Cape Greco is a lighthouse and walkers can also find ruined foundations of an ancient temple devoted to Aphrodite. At the Eastern edge of the park is Konnos Bay, a breathtakingly beautiful beach with crystal clear waters fringed by pine trees. There is accommodation here at the Grecian Park Hotel and Konnos Bay apartments available as well as a handful of restaurants.
There are several hiking trails which extend to a length of 16 kilometres. These are signposted and take in all the points of interest in the park. There is also 4 kilometres of bicycle track and a designated picnic area. The rocky seabed and underwater caves encourage a wealth of sealife making this area a hotspot for both snorkelling and scuba diving. Fishing is also a popular and peaceful way to spend time here.
How to get to Cape Greco from Ayia NApa
Cape Greco can be easiest reached by car and is only 5-10 minutes from Ayia Napa. On leaving Ayia Napa, head east towards Protaras then take the first turn towards the Grecian Park Hotel and Cape Greco.
You will first find a turn towards the sea caves then further on is a turn if you want to climb the peak of Cape Greco. If you continue straight you will reach a small snack van, public toilets and the new Cape Greco visitor centre. You can then turn left, back towards the main road, or right onto the picnic area, Agioi Anargyroi church and the coastline.
The local bus route 101/102 runs through the Cape Greco park.
Mopeds, quad bikes and beach buggies are popular way to reach Cape Greco.
The most interesting way to see all the sights of the Cape Greco area is the Cave Dwellers / Sea Caves Jeep safari which takes in all the most special photo spots.
You will first find a turn towards the sea caves then further on is a turn if you want to climb the peak of Cape Greco. If you continue straight you will reach a small snack van, public toilets and the new Cape Greco visitor centre. You can then turn left, back towards the main road, or right onto the picnic area, Agioi Anargyroi church and the coastline.
The local bus route 101/102 runs through the Cape Greco park.
Mopeds, quad bikes and beach buggies are popular way to reach Cape Greco.
The most interesting way to see all the sights of the Cape Greco area is the Cave Dwellers / Sea Caves Jeep safari which takes in all the most special photo spots.
Things to do at Cape Greco
- Walking & Hiking
- Cliff Jumping (At your own risk!)
- Exploring sea caves (At your own risk!)
- Diving
- Fishing
- Birdwatching
- Cycling
- Konnos Bay Beach
- Watch the sunrise
Ayia Napa Sea Caves
There are numerous sea caves stretching from the Eastern edge of Ayia Napa up towards Cape Greco National Park. Smugglers caves and the palace caves (right) are deep passages in the cliffs only accessible from the sea.
Some go as deep as 80 metres into the rock and at low tide during calm seas it is possible to walk or swim into many of them.
The sea surrounding the caves is crystal clear although rocky. Many people visit this stretch of coast around Cape Greco to snorkel or dive and local people often fish here during the early hours of the morning. The caves are also visited by most boat trips which sail the East coast on a daily basis.
One of the more extreme sports which is popular here is cliff diving or cliff jumping. There are patches of deep sea amongst the rocks which the brave leap several meters into from the cliffs above.
Some go as deep as 80 metres into the rock and at low tide during calm seas it is possible to walk or swim into many of them.
The sea surrounding the caves is crystal clear although rocky. Many people visit this stretch of coast around Cape Greco to snorkel or dive and local people often fish here during the early hours of the morning. The caves are also visited by most boat trips which sail the East coast on a daily basis.
One of the more extreme sports which is popular here is cliff diving or cliff jumping. There are patches of deep sea amongst the rocks which the brave leap several meters into from the cliffs above.
