Ayia Napa and Protaras are best known for beaches and nightlife — but this corner of Cyprus has some genuinely stunning churches. From a 16th century monastery in the town square to a chapel built inside a sea cave, there's a lot more here than most tourists ever find.
I've lived here my whole life. Here's my guide to every church worth visiting — with real photos and direct map links for each one.
All churches listed here are free to visit. Modest dress is required at all of them — shoulders and knees covered. Most have a cloth at the entrance you can borrow.
The Churches
Ayia Napa Monastery
The most iconic religious site in the area — a beautifully preserved 16th century Venetian monastery sitting right in the heart of the town square. Most tourists walk straight past it on the way to the bars without realising what it is.
Built around a natural cave and a sacred icon of the Virgin Mary discovered inside. The carved stone fountain in the courtyard, the ancient fig tree, and the Venetian stonework are remarkable. Still an active place of worship today — services are held here regularly.
Ayios Epifanios
One of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the Ayia Napa area, dedicated to Saint Epiphanius — Archbishop of Salamis-Constantia in the 4th century AD and one of the most important figures in the early history of the Church of Cyprus.
The church sits elevated with sweeping views over the sea and the town below. A traditional stone-built Cypriot Orthodox church with beautiful iconography inside. Quieter and less visited than the monastery, which makes it feel far more authentic. Especially atmospheric on feast days.
Agioi Anargiri — Cape Greco
The chapel of Agioi Anargiri (Saints Cosmas and Damian) sits right on the rocky coastline at Cape Greco — one of the most stunning locations of any church in Cyprus. The little whitewashed chapel with its blue dome, framed by the sea at sunset, is one of the most photographed spots in the whole area.
Dedicated to the "silverless saints" — early Christian healers who treated the sick without payment. A significant site for the local Orthodox community, especially on their feast day in July. The coastal setting is absolutely spectacular.
Agioi Saranta
The chapel of Agioi Saranta — the Forty Saints — is one of the most extraordinary religious sites in Cyprus. Built directly into the face of a rock cliff, you enter through a blue wooden door set into ancient whitewashed stone carved from the living rock. The cave chapel has a cross at the entrance and stone steps leading up to it.
Dedicated to forty Christian soldiers martyred in 320 AD in Sebasteia, widely venerated across the Orthodox world. Dark, fragrant with incense, and lined with icons inside — it has the atmosphere of a place that has been a place of prayer for many centuries. Particularly busy on the feast day of the Forty Martyrs on 10th March.
Profitis Elias
The chapel of Profitis Elias (Prophet Elijah) sits on top of a rocky hill above Protaras and commands one of the best panoramic views in the entire Famagusta district. From the hilltop you can see Fig Tree Bay, the Protaras coastline, and far out across the sea.
A beautifully built stone church lit up golden at dusk — one of the most impressive chapels in the area. In Orthodox tradition, Profitis Elias chapels are always built on the highest point around, and this one is no exception. Short but steep climb to reach it. Popular for weddings and absolutely stunning at sunset.
Quick Reference
| Church | Highlight | 📍 Map |
|---|---|---|
| Ayia Napa Monastery | 16th century, town square, active monastery | 📍 Map |
| Ayios Epifanios | Historic church, sea views, beautiful iconography | 📍 Map |
| Agioi Anargiri | Coastal chapel, blue dome, stunning at sunset | 📍 Map |
| Agioi Saranta | Built into rock face, ancient cave chapel | 📍 Map |
| Profitis Elias | Hilltop chapel, best panoramic views in Protaras | 📍 Map |
All churches require modest dress — shoulders and knees covered. Most have a cloth at the entrance to borrow. It's a sign of respect and the local community appreciates it.
In Orthodox churches you'll find candles to light — there's usually a small box for a voluntary contribution (€0.50–1). A meaningful tradition open to visitors of any faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
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