BeachesAyia Napa & ProtarasBlue FlagVerified by editors: 2026-10-23

Ayia Thekla Beach & Rock Cave Chapel

Scenic sandy beach with an offshore islet, white-domed coastal chapel, and ancient catacomb carved in rock.

Ayia Thekla is a picturesque coastal spot just west of Ayia Napa. The bright blue-and-white church sits right by the sea beside an ancient underground rock cave dedicated to Saint Thekla.

A small rocky islet sits just offshore, creating a shallow lagoon where you can wade or swim across in calm conditions.

Tips before you go

  • Step down into the rock-hewn cave shrine next to the church to light a candle.
  • A popular open-air market operates nearby on Wednesday mornings.
  • Great spot to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean.

How to get there

Take the coastal road 5 km west of WaterWorld towards Sotira/Larnaca.

34.9786, 33.9189Open in Google Maps

Place vibe

editorial pick
ChillInspiring

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip.

Related guides

Nearby places

WaterWorld Themed Waterpark (Ayia Napa)
Activities

WaterWorld Themed Waterpark (Ayia Napa)

Ayia Napa & Protaras · 10 min from Ayia Napa

Award-winning Ancient Greek mythology themed waterpark featuring thrilling slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.

  • Free parking
  • Entry: 45.00 €
  • With kids: Kid-friendly
  • Partial shade
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Open seasonally from April through late October; ideal on hot summer days.

Makronissos Beach
Beaches

Makronissos Beach

Ayia Napa & Protaras · 5 min from Ayia Napa

Double golden sand bay, tranquil family swimming, and ancient Hellenistic rock tombs on the headland.

  • Free parking
  • Entry: Free
  • With kids: Kid-friendly
  • Partial shade
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

May to October for beach life. Year-round for the seaside archaeological walk.

Landa Beach (Golden Beach, Ayia Napa)
Beaches

Landa Beach (Golden Beach, Ayia Napa)

Ayia Napa & Protaras · 5 min from Ayia Napa

Broad Blue Flag stretch of fine golden sand between Nissi and Makronissos with a relaxed, uncrowded vibe.

  • Free parking
  • Entry: Free
  • With kids: Kid-friendly
  • Partial shade
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Prime swimming from May to November; Blue Flag certified.

Nissi Beach
Beaches

Nissi Beach

Ayia Napa & Protaras · 5 min from Ayia Napa

White sand, shallow turquoise sandbar leading to a small islet, and easy bus access.

  • Paid parking
  • Entry: Free
  • With kids: Kid-friendly
  • Partial shade
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best in May — June and September — October for warm water without peak August crowds.

MUSAN Underwater Sculpture Forest
Museums

MUSAN Underwater Sculpture Forest

Ayia Napa & Protaras · 5 min from Ayia Napa

World-renowned underwater forest installation by Jason deCaires Taylor at 8–10m depth off Pernera Beach.

  • Free parking
  • Entry: Бесплатно со своей маской (дайвинг-туры от 45 €)
  • Kids 8+
  • Exposed sun
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

May to October offers optimum underwater visibility exceeding 25 meters.

Ayia Napa Medieval Monastery
History & Antiquity

Ayia Napa Medieval Monastery

Ayia Napa & Protaras · 5 min from Ayia Napa

15th-century Venetian stone cloister and ancient cave chapel shaded by a 600-year-old giant sycamore tree.

  • Paid parking
  • Entry: Free
  • With kids: Kid-friendly
  • Partial shade
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Open all year with free entry; thick limestone walls offer refreshing shade.