AM I TOO OLD TO VISIT AYIA NAPA? A GUIDE FOR THE OVER 30s.
In this blog post you can find out about our experience of visiting Ayia Napa as a mid-thirties couple. Don’t get me wrong, we like a good night out, but our clubbing days are not quite so frequent these days. Subsequently, we weren’t too sure if Ayia Napa was going to be a total disaster or a triumph.
This guide sets out all you need to know about visiting Ayia Napa in your thirties and beyond. Including the best things to do in Ayia Napa for couples and over thirties.
Are we too old to visit Ayia Napa?
There’s a big difference between “Ayia Napa” and “Ayia Napa, Ayia Napa, Ayia Napa ehhhhh”. The first refers to the town as a whole, which has layers of charm. The second, to the infamous 90s Garage anthem of the same name which celebrates the party culture of the town.
The short answer is that the town of Ayia Napa is very much open to all ages. Ayia Napa is a big town with great beaches, some cute tavernas and cocktail bars.
At the centre of the town however are the bar streets – the clubby bits. The pumping bar streets of Ayia Napa are much more popular with teens and those in their twenties, but that’s not to say that you can’t visit if you are older. But, as we discovered, whether you enjoy or it or, is quite another thing.
As a side note, we were quite surprised to find that Ayia Napa doesn’t have super clubs or big DJ nights, it’s a different vibe to Ibiza. Instead of eclectic clubs and famous DJs – picture marauding tweens, looking for fun, sun and the rest. It’s not really a place where you can get lost in the music, nor waft about in a maxi dress.
Going out out in Ayia Napa – our experience
When we booked a few days in Ayia Napa, as a couple in our mid-thirties, we weren’t exactly sure whether our intention was to visit the Wild West aka bar street. After much deliberation, we decided to “YOLO it” as the kids would say. We took a tactical disco nap and had a bite to eat – sensible. Then got dressed in our most appropriate party gear – “is this too try hard?” “can I go clubbing in my Birkenstocks?” Then it was time to head out on the town – “out out.”
We started at the outdoor live music bar, The Square. Spotting at least 20 people older than us, it seemed safe. When the band played “Sweet Caroline”, the crowd were on their feet. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad after all? After a few Aperol Spritz, it was time to leave our comfortable seats and follow the cast of the inbetweeners up the hill.
This is it….
As we entered the bright lights of the street ready to display our most youthful promenading, club promoters immediately stopped us in our tracks. I thought for a second that they might eject us on our account of our age, but instead they seemed to want us to visit their premises. Clever – everyone knows the “grey pound” is where the money is to be made.
What struck me most was how fleetingly and erratically the party goers moved around – enter bar, drink shot, leave. Revellers seemed to simply roam from one place to another, of no fixed abode. This is not the type of party where one takes a seat to enjoy a long drink. There’s no time for a vodka martini in Ayia Napa’s bar street.
I witnessed one girl ploughing past the bouncers making a beeline for the bar, clambering up for a quick “boogie” before jumping down with gusto and leaving two minutes later. I wondered for a minute if this frenetic pace was influenced by narcotics, but then I remembered that in your teens and twenties, frantic is normal.
We waved our arms in the air like we just didn’t care. For about five minutes. If I’m honest, the music was a bit disappointing. I thought Ayia Napa was known for the Garage and Drum N Base scene. But the clubs were just banging out a hodge podge of noise.
Time to leave…
It seemed impossible to enjoy it unless you were propped up by illicit substances, or in your twenties on your first holiday with your mates. As we didn’t fall into either of those camps, it seemed that the the most logical solution was to head home. “We don’t want to ruin our day tomorrow,” I justified.
Just as we were weaving our way out of the crowds, two young girls stopped me to ask me to take a photo of them. They handed me a digital camera – a little Nikon, just like the one I took with me travelling when I was in my twenties. One of them tried to explain how to use it “It’s vintage” she said – “don’t worry, I’ve got this,” I replied.
Do people still go to Ayia Napa?
We visited in June, towards the start of the season and Ayia Napa was certainly alive and well filled with hen parties, stag dos and party goers of various ages. Beaches, bars and all else in between were plenty full. However, we did notice that there were a few tavernas and bars that had shut down and buildings remained empty.
According to official figures, in 2023 30% more tourists traveled to the Famagusta area, the district that Ayia Napa is in, than in 2022. But yet restaurant owners and those in hospitality suggest that trading is down. Perhaps owing to fewer Russian tourists travelling to Cyprus.
Is Ayia Napa worth visiting if you’re not on an 18 to 30s holiday?
Ayia Napa is still worth visiting if you’re not on an 18 to 30s type holiday – in our opinion. The beaches around Ayia Napa are some of the best on the island of Cyprus and it would be a shame to miss these during a visit to Cyprus.
In terms of the nightlife, aside from the infamous Strip in Ayia Napa, there are some slightly classier bars and restaurants. That said, personally we preferred the nightlife in Limassol, which felt more authentic and was less expensive.
For adventurous spirits, we recommend staying in a few different parts of the island to get the most out of visiting Cyprus. But, we depending on how long you are staying on the island, we do recommend a few days in Ayia Napa. You can find our itinerary for visiting Cyprus here (published soon.)
What to do in Ayia Napa for the over 30s
If you do decide to visit Ayia Napa, here are 11 things to do in Ayia Napa for the over 30s.
1/ Visit a laid back beach bar
If you want a lively afternoon, then Nissi Beach around 3km outside of Ayia Napa is the one to visit. But, if you’re more like us and prefer your beach bars with laid back vibes, reggae music and views to the ocean – then head to Marcello’s Beach Bar.
Hidden behind one of the quieter beaches, you can find this classic beach bar. It offers fair prices with great views. The bonus – you can even hear yourself think. It attracts a less rowdy crowd that other bars in the area.
2/ Sunbathe on the beaches
If you’ve come to Ayia Napa, it’s probably for the beaches. I was quite blown away when I first sank my feet into the soft white sand of the beaches here. We traveled extensively around Cyprus and I have to say that Pantachou Beach in Ayia Napa was probably my favourite beach.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire for the standard price of 2.50 euros each. I recommend walking as far along the beach as you can, away from the town. Then picking a bed at the back with the hill behind you, for ultimate relaxation.
3/ Head into the hills
The Troodos Mountains are a fantastic place to visit as a contrast to the hedonism of Ayia Napa.
Rural villages, decorative monasteries and hillside retreats are found in the center of the island in and around Troodos. You can take a day tour from Ayia Napa to visit the mountains – consider this jeep tour for comfort.
Find out more about the Troodos Mountains area here.
4/ Go wine tasting
Cyprus has a long history of wine making and today, wineries are winning frequent international wine awards. There are no vineyards in Ayia Napa, but you can take a wine tour to visit some rural wineries close by. It would be a shame not to!
5/ Visit the Cape Greco National Park
Capo Greco Peninusla is found closer to Ayia Napa. It is an area of national park with various view points, caves and coves to visit.
It is possible to get here by bus on the 102 from Ayia Napa Square, the journey takes around 10 minutes. But, be prepared to walk to visit the coves. Good footwear is recommended and we would suggest avoiding the heat of the day.
Ideally, hire a scooter or quad bike and you can visit this area more extensively.
6/ Discover Protaras
Protaras is a resort town around the coast from Ayia Napa. It is more of a family resort with less of a party vibe. We weren’t huge fans of the main restaurant / hotel strip, so we wouldn’t necessarily suggest staying for the evening. But a day out exploring the beaches of Protaras is very pleasant.
The beaches are a little rockier than in Ayia Napa and offer the chance to go snorkeling. The Fig Tree beach is idyllic, but get there early if you want a sunbed. Otherwise, Vrissiana will always have space. At sunset, stop for cocktails at Rising Beach Bar.
Take bus 101 or 102, both run every 10 minutes or so from Ayia Napa square bus stop.
7/ Take a boat cruise (but not from Ayia Napa)
The coast around Ayia Napa is best explored by boat if you want to see the best bays. However, for anyone looking for a relaxing day on a boat Ayia Napa, we would urge you to consider taking a boat trip from Protaras, rather than Ayia Napa. The reason for this, is that the boats leaving Ayia Napa are party boats. Your ear drums may never recover.
As Protaras is a more low key resort, you can safely assume that boats leaving there are a little more sedate. Consider either a sunset cruise for romance, or a Blue Lagoon tour for swimming during the day.
8/ Dine at the oldest taverna in Ayia Napa
Stamna Tavern makes the claim to be the oldest taverna in Ayia Napa. Based on the faded photos from the 70s and 80s that adorn the walls, I’d say this is true. A cute taverna with a very authentic atmosphere, offering house wine as it should be served – in jugs at a very good price.
The atmosphere in here is lovely, the staff attentive and the food is traditional. Prices are reasonable compared to other restaurants in Ayia Napa, but perhaps a little more than you might pay in more local areas of Cyprus.
9/ Enjoy a leisurely brunch
What’s a vacation without a long brunch? As you can expect, Ayia Napa does brunch really well – there are many hungover souls depending on it.
There are two places that we loved, both of which cater to a slightly more sedate crowd. You won’t find any lads showing off their sunburnt torsos here.
The Bakery Co serves up classic brunch options – smoked salmon and eggs – frappes and various baked goodies (the spinach pie is particularly delightful.) A few doors up the road, Cafe Central has a comfortable terrace and serves quite infamous pancakes.
10/ Listen to live music
The Square Bar is a sprawling live music bar just off the Ayia Napa strip. If you like the idea of being “amongst it” but don’t quite want to brave street (more on that below), then The Square is a good compromise.
The music is eclectic, or perhaps a bit hit and miss. But it’s hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere, surrounded by footloose brides to be and soothed by cocktails.
11/ Head into bar street
Depending on your propensity to drink copious amounts of vodka redbull, heading to the famous bar street in Ayia Napa will either be somewhat of a spectator sport – observing from a safe distance – or the ultimate chance to get involved.
Things start to get lively by around 23:00. If your night is anything like ours – by midnight you will have witnessed at least a couple of fights and by 01:00 the weird and wonderful starts to happen – the youngsters are on the laughing gas, a person you’ve never met tells you they love you, and you may have finally accepted a free shot from one of the promoters.
By 02:00, it’s time to call it a night. But, at least you can now say you’ve experienced Ayia Napa in all it’s glory.
Where to stay in Ayia Napa for over 30s
We would recommend picking a central location to get easy access to bars, restaurants and beaches. But perhaps avoid being too close to the noise!
Here are some suggestions.
MID RANGE: New Famagusta Hotel offers a giant swimming pool, central location and spacious rooms. It is also 400m from the beach.
LUXURY: Grecian Bay Hotel is an upscale accommodation, with three swimming pools and lovely grounds. Plus a central location and beach access.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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