CRIME, DRUGS AND THE LAW IN AYIA NAPA
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CrimeCrime rates in Ayia Napa are generally pretty low and most people find it to be a very safe, happy place to be. As with anywhere though we would advise that you keep any valuables in a safety deposit box in your accommodation and avoid flashing the cash or expensive gadgets or jewellery in public.
At the height of summer the streets can get very busy. Ladies, keep and eye on your handbags and purses and boys, don't leave your wallets hanging out of your back pocket! Spiking of drinks is virtually unheard of in Ayia Napa but that doesn't mean it could never happen so don't leave drinks unattended and if someone is nice enough to buy you a drink, make sure you see it coming straight from the bar person to you. Don't take valuables to the beach and avoid leaving your belongings unattended whilst you go for a dip in the sea. At night Ayia Napa is still one of the safest holiday resorts in the Med, and women especially find it a much more liberal place to holiday than some other places. Cyprus is still quite strict on some things though and nudity and indecent behaviour in the streets isn't welcome and may end in police action. By all means get your kit off off at the beach but keep your clothes on around the town. |
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Drugs
Ayia Napa, unlike some holiday resorts, is not a place where you will find a lot of drug use. Of course it still does happen but the chances of being offered drugs or seeing someone "on drugs" is very slim. This is mainly due to the efforts of the local police and drug squad. If you are caught buying, selling, or in possession of drugs, no matter how small the amount, you will most likely be looking at a hefty fine and possibly facing a jail term. The police like to take a firm line with non-Cypriot nationals for drug offences. We strongly recommend you do not bring any drugs to Cyprus with you, nor try to buy them in resort.
I.D and Drinking Age
The legal drinking age in Cyprus is 17 but bars and clubs in Ayia Napa are not generally strict on this and ID is rarely asked for.
Smoking
A smoking ban came into force in Cyprus in January 2010, meaning it is not permitted to smoke inside public buildings in Ayia Napa.
