Located on Cyprus’s southeast coast, Ayia Napa is one of the island’s most popular resorts. Holidaymakers from all over the world flock to its sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear seas and lively attractions. You may have heard it’s a wild party destination, but those in the know (like the travel experts here at Plum Guide) will tell you that it’s also a wonderful choice for families. If you’re thinking of planning a trip here, take a look at our guide to the best areas to stay in Ayia Napa for family holidays.

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Ayia Napa’s old town is a great place to stay for first-timers. Being based in the centre of the action means you have direct access to all of its attractions, restaurants and shops, which can be quite handy if you’re travelling with kids.

Ayia Napa Square is the heart of the town centre, known for its vibrant nightlife and variety of bars and nightclubs that come alive at night. While you may want to avoid it after dinner, it’s still a great place to visit during the afternoon – you can shop for souvenirs, take cheesy photos in front of the ‘I love Ayia Napa’ sculpture, relax in the green spaces and sit by the fountains.

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One of the best family attractions in the town centre is Thalassa Museum, a good place to visit during the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. ‘Thalassa’ translates to ‘sea’ in Greek, and the museum has seven floors showcasing Cyprus’s marine history. You’ll find all kinds of interesting exhibits, from ancient fossils of sea mammals to a life-size replica of Kyrenia II. This 4th-century ship sank off Kyrenia, a city on the northern coast of Cyprus.

Want to explore the coast on your own expedition? The town centre is home to Ayia Napa Harbour, where you can find a variety of companies offering boat trips and self-drive private boat hire. A private boat is a great way to sightsee at your leisure while visiting sea caves or snorkelling and scuba diving.

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Just 5 kilometres west of Ayia Napa is Makronissos Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the area. It’s actually made up of three beaches, with a long main stretch flanked by two smaller bays. Not only are there lifeguards on duty in the summer, but its gently shelving sands and calm, clean waters make it one of the best areas to stay for family holidays in Ayia Napa. You’ll also find a range of facilities like sunbeds and beach bars. When you’re not busy splashing about in the shallows or building sandcastles, why not try out the range of watersports? This is a great option for older kids, and you’ll find everything from jet-skiing and parasailing to windsurfing and paddle boarding.

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One of the best things to do here is visit the nearby Makronissos Tombs. Carved into the rock face, they're thought to date back to the 3rd century when they were used during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. The tombs are extremely well-preserved, and although they’ve been looted over the years, you can still wander through the mysterious chambers. The sea views from here are pretty special, too.

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Nissi Beach is another fantastic seaside destination. Along with Makronissos, it's one of the most well-known beaches on the island. It’s just a short stroll from the town centre and is easily accessible by car or public transport. The beach is nestled in a sheltered bay, so you can expect calm and shallow waters ideal for little ones to swim safely. The sea here is very clear, so be sure to bring your snorkels to explore the colourful marine life.

While Nissi Beach is a popular destination for nightlife, it has a relaxed atmosphere during the day that attracts many families. The beach's eastern end is quieter, whereas the western side is where the DJs and foam parties happen. When you get hungry, numerous bars and restaurants line the seafront, serving everything from local Cypriot dishes to international cuisine.

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You won't get bored here, as plenty of activities are on offer. Whether you want to sprawl out under an umbrella, amp up the adrenaline with watersports, or take it easy with family-friendly banana boats and pedalo rides, Nissi Beach offers something for everyone.

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A few kilometres west of Ayia Napa is the coastal area of Ayia Thekla. It has a much more relaxed atmosphere compared to the town centre, making it one of the best areas to stay in Ayia Napa for family holidays. Along the coast are several beaches, including the quieter Sirens Beach, all offering fewer crowds than the more well-known shores. They’re perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and kids can have fun exploring the caves and rocky formations along the coast. Although the beaches here are quieter, you’ll still find amenities like shops, restaurants and sunbeds.

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Another reason we love Ayia Thekla is the WaterWorld Themed Waterpark. This is a must-visit if you're travelling with kids and it provides endless fun for the whole family. There are thirty-five rides and attractions to make your way through, each one with its own mythology theme. There’s something for all ages too, so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting left out. Little ones can play in the safe waters of the Delphin Children’s Pool and enjoy the slides and fountains of Danaides Children’s Playground. Meanwhile, older kids (and mums and dads) can get the adrenaline going with rides like the Fall of Icarus and the Drop to Atlantis.

After splashing about on the rides all day, unwind and watch the sunset at Ayia Thekla Chapel, one of our favourite spots in the area. Looking out to sea, this small whitewashed church was built next to the ruins of its 4th-century predecessor, providing a beautiful and quintessentially Cypriot place to admire the views.

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While it's not technically in Ayia Napa, we couldn't resist adding Protaras to our list of Ayia Napa's best areas to stay for family holidays. If you plan to drive while you're here, this is a great option, as it's just fifteen minutes in the car from Ayia Napa.

Protaras offers a laid-back atmosphere without the rowdy party crowds. The town's stunning beaches are its main appeal, the most well-known being Fig Tree Bay. Its soft, white sands are ideal for sandcastle-building, and its warm, calm waters are perfect for splashing about in. Green Bay Beach is another beautiful spot with fewer crowds than Fig Tree Bay. Its clear waters attract scuba divers and snorkelers who come for the rich marine life like colourful parrot fish, squid, octopus and starfish.

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The natural wonders continue above land, too. Paralimni Lake is a wetland habitat home to migratory birds. It makes for a fun family day out, where you can follow one of the walking trails and see how many birds you spot – keep an eye out for pink flamingos. Another must-visit is Ayios Elias Church. Take a thirty-minute walk up a hill where you’ll find this rather striking church perched above the town. We particularly recommend coming at sunset for incredible panoramas of the coastline.

Just a six-minute drive north of Protaras is Pernera, a relaxed resort with a similar family-friendly atmosphere. Pernera Beach and Kalamies Beach are two of our favourite spots, both offering sandy shores and blue waters.

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