The Insider: 48 Hours in Ayia Napa

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Tasos Kontos, the general manager for the Mare Ayia Napa, moved to Ayia Napa three years ago. However, his relationship with the Cypriot beach town has endured since the 1990s.

-Ayia Napa is a vibrant coastal destination where natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and elevated accommodations come together. Mr Kontos explains. 

-It offers something for all, from families and food lovers to adventure seekers and solo explorers, he continues.

He owns a holiday home here, but after becoming the manager of the recently opened Mare Ayia Napa, he decided to move here permanently. And he loves his resort for sure.

-The resort´s village-inspired concept is unlike anything else I´d seen before, he states.

You can probably stay within the resort for the whole weekend, but if you do want to explore Ayia Napa beyond the high-end resort, Mr Kontos has your itinerary ready:

Day 1

Photo by MUSAN

Morning:  The first day, he recommended going Scuba diving into MSUAN, the Mediterranean´s first underwater museum, featuring over 93 sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

Afternoon: Set sail on a sunset yacht trip, an idyllic way to take in the region’s coastline, featuring hidden coves and crystal-clear waters.

Evening: Dinner at Nico Italian (located at Mare Ayia Napa), serving authentic Italian flavours straight from the trattorias of Tuscany.

Day 2

Morning: Go hiking at Cape Greco National Forest Park to explore the multitude of nature trails lined with pine trees, breathtaking sea caves and the Blue Lagoon.

Afternoon: Relax at Mare Ayia Napa, taking a dip in one of the many indoor/outdoor pools or enjoying a signature treatment at Aegeo Spa.

Evening: Head to the Moroccan-inspired, adults-only Sky Lounge for a pre-dinner drink, before dining at Estia Mediterraneo, where local Greek and Cypriot ingredients take centre stage.

Being an island, Cyprus has numerous beaches. And the beaches in Ayia Napa are in excellent condition.

-Ayia Napa has one of the highest concentrations of Blue Flag beaches in all of Europe, making it a hidden paradise for clean, swimmable, eco-conscious coastline.

Even for a director who loves his resort and hometown, he needs to take a break sometimes. 

-My favourite destinations to travel vary by season. In the summer, I love visiting the Greek islands because of their stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and relaxing atmosphere, he explains.

-The local cuisine, centred around fresh seafood, olive oil and traditional dishes, is incredible, and the laid-back island vibe is perfect for unwinding and escaping from everyday stress, Kontos continues.

-In winter, I often travel to European cities like Prague, Vienna, Paris, or Rome and really enjoy visiting the many museums, galleries, and winter markets. The city atmosphere is always great at this time of year.

About Mare Ayia Napa

Photo by Mare Ayia Napa

Mare Ayia Napa is a beachside destination on the east coast of Cyprus, blending Mediterranean flair with chic contemporary design, designed in the style of a seaside village. The beachfront location provides direct access to sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.

Mare Ayia Napa has a collection of restaurants ranging from local Greek Cypriot cuisine to Italian and Asian favourites. Across the estate, guests will also discover a snack bar serving traditional Greek gyros, a gelateria for freshly made ice cream and bars.

Relax by one of the many indoor and outdoor pools or spa treatments. To read more log on to Mare Ayia Napa