Cape Greco — Complete Guide to Cyprus National Park
The eastern coast of Cyprus ends dramatically. Where the road from Ayia Napa and Protaras ends, Cape Greco begins — a headland jutted into the Mediterranean Sea like a fist blow. Cliffs dropping vertically into the water, caves hollowed out by waves over millennia, turquoise water impossible to capture with a camera.
Cape Greco is one of the three national parks of Cyprus and undoubtedly the most geologically beautiful. Entry is free. Crowds — with proper planning — can be avoided.
National Park — Basic Information
- Area: approx. 385 hectares
- Terrain type: limestone cliffs, scrubland (macchia), beaches and coves, sea caves
- Entry: free, no tickets
- Parking: paid at main viewpoints (1–2 EUR/h), free at the entrance from the Ayia Napa side
- Hours: the park is open 24 hours — but remember that paths are unlit after dark
- Bringing dogs: allowed on a leash on trails
![[ALT: Cape Greco trekking trail with a sea view — a path among shrubs and cliffs, sunshine]]
How to Get to Cape Greco?
By car (recommended): From Ayia Napa: approx. 8 km (15 min), B16 road east, then turn south at the "Cape Greco National Forest Park" sign.
From Protaras: approx. 5 km (10 min), road along the coast through Konnos Bay.
Taxi: from Ayia Napa center ~12 EUR, from Protaras ~8 EUR. Ask the driver to wait or arrange a pickup — taxis don't stand at the park.
Bike: popular Cape Greco + coast route to Protaras. Bike rentals are in both resorts. The coastal cycling route (8 km) is picturesque but has some steep sections.
What to See in Cape Greco?
Cliffs and Viewpoint
The main cliff viewpoint is a must-stop. The cliff summit lies approx. 70 m above sea level — visibility reaches Turkey in good weather (approx. 80 km). The eastern exposure means that sunrise here is spectacular.
Tip: arrive before 7:00 am in the summer to have the cliffs to yourself.
Sea Caves — Sea Caves
The biggest attraction of the park. A series of caves hollowed out by waves at the base of the cliffs — some accessible from land on rocks, some only from the water (by kayak or snorkel boat).
The most famous is "The Arch" — a natural rock arch opening onto the sea. Kayakers pass through the middle if the sea is calm (Beaufort 1–2).
How to get there: walking path from the main parking area (20 min), then descent on rocks (be careful of wet surface).
![[ALT: Sea Caves Cape Greco — turquoise water falling into a natural opening in the rock, a kayak in the middle]]
Konnos Bay — the most beautiful beach in the park
Konnos Bay is the most beautiful cove within the park — and one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus overall. Sheltered from the wind by hills, with incredibly clear water and a sandy bottom.
It's crowded at peak season. Arrive before 9:00 am or after 5:00 pm. Beach amenities (sunbeds, umbrellas) are for a fee, but not mandatory — you can spread out a towel.
Access: parking at the entrance to the bay (paid), then a 5-minute walk.
Agioi Anargyroi Chapel
In the heart of the park, on the edge of a cliff, stands a small chapel from the 9th century — Agioi Anargyroi (Cosmas and Damian, patrons of doctors). Inside is an iconostasis and old icons. The doors are usually open 8:00–12:00 and 4:00–7:00 pm.
Around the chapel — one of the most beautiful views of the sea on the entire island.
Cape Greco Hiking Trails
The park has several marked trails:
Trail 1 — Cape Greco Loop (5 km, approx. 1.5h): Loop covering the cliff viewpoint, the chapel and descent to the Sea Caves. Moderate difficulty — some ascents on rocks. Rock-soled shoes — mandatory.
Trail 2 — Coast to Protaras (8 km, approx. 2.5h): Path along the coastline, from Cape Greco to the center of Protaras. Lots of views, several descents to hidden coves. You can return by taxi from Protaras.
Trail 3 — Forest interior (4 km, approx. 1h): Through a pine forest and macchia. Less dramatic than the coastal trails, but child-friendly and good for the heat (shade!). In spring, many endemic Cypriot plants bloom.
![[ALT: Spring in Cape Greco Park — flowering meadow flowers and macchia shrubs with rocks in the background, sunny path]]
Diving and Snorkeling
Cape Greco is a diving mecca of Cyprus. The water here is absolutely clear (visibility 20–30 m), the bottom is varied (rocks, sand, underwater caves) and is home to a rich ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea.
Snorkeling (shallow waters, without equipment besides a mask): Best places: near the Sea Caves and in Konnos Bay. Masks for rent in Ayia Napa and Protaras (5–10 EUR/day).
Scuba diving: A dive center operating at Ayia Napa Marina offers PADI courses and guided dives to underwater caves of Cape Greco. Average dive price: 40–60 EUR/dive.
Blue Lagoon: a popular snorkeling spot — excursion boats bring groups from Ayia Napa (15–20 EUR/person, 2 hours).
Practical Day Plan
Optimal day in Cape Greco:
| Time | Activity | |------|-----------| | 6:30 am | Sunrise on the cliffs — silence and golden light | | 8:00 am | Breakfast in the car or at a cafe near the entrance | | 8:30 am | Trail 1 — Loop, Sea Caves | | 11:00 am | Snorkeling at Konnos Bay (before it gets crowded) | | 1:00 pm | Lunch in Protaras (15 min drive) | | 3:00–5:00 pm | Relaxation or Trail 2 to Protaras | | 7:30 pm | Dinner with a sea view at Fig Tree Bay |
Accommodation Nearby
For the night after Cape Greco, we recommend:
- Capo Bay Hotel (Protaras) — 10 min from the park, private beach
- Villa Helios Protaras — villa near Konnos Bay Drive, privacy
- Villa Kalypso Ayia Napa — villa with a pool, 15 min from the park
When to Go?
- April–May: ideal. Temperature 22–26°C, sea 20–22°C (fresh, but for snorkeling), park in full spring bloom, zero crowds.
- June–September: hot (+35°C), sea warm (28°C), crowds at Konnos Bay. Activity only in the morning or evening.
- October–November: great for trekking, sea still 24°C, park almost empty.
- December–March: off-season. Park beautiful in a different way, storms give spectacular cliffs.
Book accommodation in Protaras or Ayia Napa — browse hotels and villas on CyprusBooker and plan your day in Cape Greco!