Cape Greco National Forest Park (aka Cape Gkreko / Cavo Greco)
If Ayia Napa had a backyard, Cape Greco National Forest Park would be it—and what a backyard it is.
Stretching between Ayia Napa and Protaras, this protected coastal park is where Cyprus shows off its wild side: dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, secret sea caves, scenic hiking trails, and sunsets that look like Instagram has filtered them… except they’re real.
Whether you’re into swimming, hiking, cycling, cliff views, snorkeling, or boat adventures, Cape Greco is one of the most beautiful places to explore in eastern Cyprus—and easily one of the highlights of any trip to Ayia Napa.
Let’s dive into what makes this coastal paradise so special.
Where Is Cape Greco National Forest Park?
Cape Greco (also spelled Cape Gkreko or Cavo Greco) sits on the southeastern tip of Cyprus, just a 10-minute drive from Ayia Napa and around 15 minutes from Protaras.
The park covers about 385 hectares of protected coastline, filled with rocky cliffs, pine-covered hills, and stunning Mediterranean viewpoints.
Because it’s a protected nature reserve, you won’t find big hotels or resorts here—just nature, fresh air, and panoramic sea views.
A Landscape of Cliffs, Caves, and Crystal Water
The first thing visitors notice about Cape Greco is the dramatic coastline. Limestone cliffs plunge into bright blue water, creating natural rock formations, arches, and caves carved by centuries of waves.
The water here is famously clear—perfect for snorkeling or swimming if the sea is calm.
Some of the most famous coastal spots include:
Many boat tours stop along this coastline because it’s one of the most photogenic stretches of sea in Cyprus.
The Legendary Blue Lagoon
One of the crown jewels of Cape Greco is the Blue Lagoon, a stunning natural swimming spot where the water turns an almost surreal shade of turquoise.
Because the lagoon is tucked into the rocky coastline, the sea here is usually calm, making it perfect for:
Swimming
Snorkeling
Jumping off the boat for a refreshing dip
Boat tours from Ayia Napa Harbour regularly stop here, allowing passengers to swim in one of Cyprus’s clearest waters.
And yes—it really does look as good as the photos.
Scenic Hiking and Cycling Trails
Cape Greco is also a paradise for outdoor lovers. The park has several marked trails that pass through cliffs, viewpoints, and coastal forests.
Some popular routes include:
Aphrodite Trail – about 2 km, easy scenic walk
Sea Caves Trail – stunning coastal views
Cycling Route Cape Greco – ideal for mountain bikes
The terrain is relatively gentle, making it suitable for most visitors. Just bring water, sunscreen, and a camera—you’ll want it.
The Viewpoints You Shouldn’t Miss
Cape Greco has several spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean.
One of the most famous is the Cape Greco Viewpoint, where you can see endless blue sea stretching toward the horizon.
Another highlight is the Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, a small white chapel perched on the cliffs above the sea.
Beneath it lies a tiny cave believed by locals to have healing properties.
If you love sunsets, this is one of the best places to watch them in Ayia Napa.
Wildlife and Nature in the Park
Despite its popularity with visitors, Cape Greco is also an important ecological area.
The park is home to:
Over 400 plant species
Migratory birds crossing between Europe, Asia, and Africa
Native Mediterranean shrubs and pine forests
Occasional sightings of Mediterranean monk seals along the cliffs
Spring is especially beautiful when wildflowers bloom across the hills.
How to Explore Cape Greco
There are several ways to explore the park, depending on your travel style.
By Car:
The easiest way to reach the viewpoints and beach is.
By Bike:
Cycling routes connect Ayia Napa with the park.
On Foot:
Hiking trails offer scenic walks along the cliffs.
By Boat:
Boat tours provide the best view of the coastline, sea caves, and Blue Lagoon.
Many visitors combine several experiences in one day.
Book Cape Greco Boat Tours and Activities
One of the best ways to experience Cape Greco’s spectacular coastline is from the sea.
Boat tours allow you to see the famous cliffs, sea caves, and hidden swimming spots that can’t always be reached by land.
Through our online shop, you can easily book boat cruises, snorkeling adventures, and sea activities to Cape Greco.
Popular options include:
Relaxing, lazy day cruises
- Jeep Tours
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops at the Blue Lagoon
Fun party boats
Snorkeling adventures along the cliffs
During the summer peak season, these tours can fill up very quickly—so it’s highly recommended to book in advance.
The good news?
When booking through our website, you pay only a deposit online, and the remaining balance is paid on board.
Why Cape Greco Is One of the Best Places in Ayia Napa
Cape Greco is the kind of place that reminds you why people fall in love with Cyprus.
Within one protected park, you get:
Dramatic cliffs
Hidden sea caves
Crystal-clear swimming spots
Scenic hiking trails
Stunning sunset views
It’s peaceful, beautiful, and surprisingly wild considering how close it is to Ayia Napa’s busy nightlife.
In short: if you visit Ayia Napa and skip Cape Greco, you’re missing one of the best natural attractions on the island.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Ayia Napa and Protaras, southeastern Cyprus |
| Also Known As | Cape Gkreko / Cavo Greco |
| Type of Attraction | National Forest Park and Protected Coastal Nature Area |
| Size | Approximately 385 hectares |
| Distance from Ayia Napa | About 10 minutes by car |
| Main Highlights | Blue Lagoon, Sea Caves, Love Bridge, Konnos Bay, Agioi Anargyroi Chapel |
| Best Activities | Hiking, cycling, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, boat tours |
| Best Time to Visit | Morning for hiking, sunset for views, summer for swimming |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Boat Tours | Available daily from Ayia Napa Harbour with swimming stops at the Blue Lagoon |
| Tip | Book boat tours early during summer as they often sell out |
Is Cape Greco worth visiting?
Absolutely—Cape Greco National Forest Park is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in eastern Cyprus and easily one of the highlights of a visit to Ayia Napa.
The park offers a rare combination of dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and hidden swimming spots, all within a short distance from the resort areas of Ayia Napa and Protaras.
Visitors love Cape Greco because you can experience many different activities in one place:
Swimming in turquoise water
Exploring sea caves
Hiking coastal trails
Watching spectacular sunsets
Taking boat trips along the cliffs
It’s also much quieter than the busy beaches of Ayia Napa, which makes it perfect if you want a nature escape without traveling far.
In short: Yes, Cape Greco is definitely worth visiting.
Can you swim at Cape Greco?
Yes, you can absolutely swim at Cape Greco, and the water here is some of the clearest in Cyprus.
Some of the best swimming spots include:
Blue Lagoon – a famous turquoise swimming area popular with boat tours
Konnos Bay – a beautiful sandy beach at the edge of the park
Sea Caves area – adventurous swimmers sometimes enter the water from rocky platforms
The calmest and safest swimming conditions are usually found at Blue Lagoon and Konnos Bay, while the sea caves are better for experienced swimmers when the sea is calm.
Snorkeling is also fantastic here because the water visibility can reach 20–30 meters.
Can you drive to Cape Greco?
Yes, you can drive to Cape Greco very easily.
Several roads run through the national park, allowing visitors to reach viewpoints, trails, and beaches by car.
Typical travel times:
10 minutes from Ayia Napa
15 minutes from Protaras
There are parking areas near the main attractions, such as:
Cape Greco Viewpoint
Sea Caves
Agioi Anargyroi Chapel
Konnos Bay
Many visitors drive between different viewpoints during the day and stop for short walks or photos along the way.
What is Cape Greko?
Cape Greko (also spelled Cape Greco, Cape Gkreko, or Cavo Greco) is a protected natural area on the southeastern coast of Cyprus between Ayia Napa and Protaras.
The area is officially known as Cape Greco National Forest Park, covering around 385 hectares of coastline, cliffs, and Mediterranean forest.
It’s famous for:
Stunning coastal cliffs
Natural sea caves
Scenic hiking trails
Crystal-clear swimming spots
The famous Blue Lagoon
Because it is a protected nature reserve, the park remains largely undeveloped, allowing visitors to enjoy raw Mediterranean scenery just minutes from the resorts.
Today, Cape Greco is considered one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Cyprus and a must-see destination for travelers exploring Ayia Napa.
