WINTER IN AYIA NAPA

Contrary to popular belief Ayia Napa doesn't close completely in the winter. It is true that the crazy night life isn't there but are still a handful of bars, clubs and restaurants open and the temperatures generally hover around a pleasant 15-25 degrees during the daytime.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Ayia Napa for those looking to train for sports as the streets are quiet, meaning jogging, hiking and cycling can all be done safely and comfortably.

From November to March the average age of visitors to Ayia Napa hovers somewhere around the 50's mark. Many older visitors from Northern European countries escape the freezing temperatures at home and stay in Ayia Napa for a few months.

Cultural events take place at least once a week throughout the whole winter organised by the local municipality and include dancing, music with performers from Cyprus, Greece, and Latin American countries. Jazz and classical music concerts are also arranged.

Other events during the Winter include the Salsa Congress in March and the Easter Youth Soccer Festival in April.

Get a little peace and quiet

Daytime Activities

Restaurants - There is a reasonable choice of places to eat during the winter in Ayia Napa, mainly around the Nissi Avenue area, at the harbour and around the centre of town. Popular options include Hungry Horse, Cicero, Paula's, Hokkaido Japanese, Ocean Basket, Isaak, Markos Fish Taverna, and Limanaki taverna.

Bars - During the weekdays bars are limited to just a few open, which are low key and quiet. Liquid, Jello and Fresh are the main focal point for the locals of Ayia Napa and also serve food and a huge choice of cocktails. Three Lions bar and Kings Sword attract the ex-pats and are also open every day. At the weekends Place Pub, and Kahlua Bar offer a taste of Ayia Napa summer nights out with RNB and club floor-fillers, whilst Alot Bar is open most weekends and plays Greek and international music with regular live performances by Cypriot and Greek musicians.

Clubs - Clubs are limited to mostly just opening for special events during the winter months, although Black and White is open every weekend. White Club and Soho club also host special events and Chameleon club is open for Christmas and New Year.

Cultural events - Cypriot and Greek dancing and both traditional and modern music take place weekly at the Ayia Napa municipal conference hall. Jazz concerts and Latin American dancing as well as classical music are also performed.

Night time Activities

Thalassa Museum - Open daily, this museum offers and insight into the history of Ayia Napa and Cyprus with numerous artifacts from many periods of history. A sea life museum in the basement level is another highlight. Read more about Thalassa Museum

Cape Greco - Go hiking or cycling in the national park just a few kilometres from Ayia Napa. Walk along the coastal path from the harbour or drive to the park and enjoy a picnic. Plenty of flowers and plants are in bloom at this time of year and the area can be enjoyed in all its natural beauty. Read more about Cape Greco

Beaches - Although the beach bars are closed and the sunbeds locked away, this is the time of year when you can truly lay in the sun in peace with few people using the gorgeous beaches. From 10am until around 2pm temperatures can be nice and warm. Swimming in the sea is only recommended for the very brave now. Read more about the beaches of Ayia Napa

Restaurants - During the winter months, Lunch is a big deal in Ayia Napa. The Nissi Avenue restaurants such as Paula's, Moo Moo and Cicero are full every day with diners enjoying the sunshine. Read more about restaurants in Ayia Napa.

Cultural Events - On holiday days such as Epiphany and Easter day time activities take place around the central square and the town hall of Ayia Napa.