Getting hitched in Cyprus

An August 2002 trip to Ayia Napa by Ahron Shapiro

My fiancee and I went to Cyprus to get a civil marriage, since they are not permitted in Israel where we lived. Ayia Napa turned out to be a fabulous vacation spot!

  • 2 reviews
When in Ayia Napa, there are some things no visitor should miss. You must spend a leisurely day on Nissi Beach, with its shallow clear blue water. Visit the Waterworld Waterpark, which is one of the best in the Middle East. Catch a sunset at Cape Greko, overlooking the town, eat an authentic Cypriot Meze at a restaurant in the neighboring villages, try out one of the dozens of themed clubs and rent a scooter to get you from place to place.

Quick Tips:

The highways in Cyprus are modern and fast. If your only destination for your trip is Ayia Napa (and not other regions in Cyprus), you should make every effort to travel by taxi directly from the international airport in Larnaca to Ayia Napa, without spending a night closer to the airport. The hotels and beaches in Larnaca are poor in comparison to what you'll find in Ayia Napa, and you'll want every moment of your trip to enjoy all that Ayia Napa has too offer.

Best Way To Get Around:

I said it once and I'll say it again: Rent a scooter in Ayia Napa, even if you've never tried one before. Why? They're fun, they're cheap, and the town is a little too spread out to really take advantage of all there is to see without one. Riding a scooter really sets the tone for the whole trip. However, do ride carefully, taking it extra slow at night and with a passenger on board.
This is considered to be a four-star hotel. It is well-run, directly on the beach, and clean. It is within walking distance of Nissi Beach, albeit a long walk, but it is a quieter place to stay than any Nissi Beach hotel and more pleasant. It is also closer to the water park. The food was very good. The beach the hotel is on, Makronissos, is perhaps the most beautiful in Ayia Napa.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Ahron Shapiro on July 9, 2003

Asterias Beach
Makronissos Beach Ayia Napa, Cyprus

About the Writer

Ahron Shapiro
Ahron Shapiro
New York, New York
  • "I am a native New Yorker who has spent most of the past decade living and working in Israel. I am pa..."
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