← Larnaca Marathon·3 nights

Ayia Napa and Cape Greco: The Quiet Coast in Winter

Two nights on the eastern coast with a short cliff walk at Cape Greco, then a last night back in Larnaka before the flight.

Duration3 nights
TransitIntercity bus, about 1 hr 15 min to the Paralimni corridor (Nikolaidis building)
DepartsLarnaka Nikolaidis bus station

After the Larnaca Marathon: Ayia Napa and Cape Greco

The Route: Larnaka → Ayia Napa → Cape Greco → Larnaka → Larnaca Airport Logistics: Intercity bus east from Larnaka, about 1 hr 15 min for the whole Paralimni corridor, then short taxi hops. Return to Larnaka for the last night. Marathon Month: November Duration: 3 nights

Larnaka Nikolaidis ──(about 1 hr 15 min Intercity bus)──> Ayia Napa ──(taxi)──> Cape Greco
        ▲                                                                              │
        │                  Larnaca Airport (LCA) ◄──(bus or taxi)── Larnaka ◄──(bus)───┘

Ayia Napa is the opposite of the other trips on this list. It is a summer resort town, and in November much of it is closed. That is the point of the trip: a nearly empty coast, short cliff walks and no pressure to see anything in particular.

November in Ayia Napa: the water park and many beach businesses run from April to October, so do not plan around them. The town's sea caves, cliffs and walking paths do not close, but they are weather-dependent. In most years there are good walking days between showers, though conditions vary.

The Intercity bus east from Larnaka leaves from the Nikolaidis building. The figure of about 1 hr 15 min covers the whole Paralimni corridor, not a door-to-door trip to your hotel, and the fare is around €5. Allow extra time for the last mile by taxi. Check the timetable at intercity-buses.com.

Nights one and two: Ayia Napa

Many resort hotels close for the winter, so choose a property that you have confirmed is open and has a restaurant serving in the evening before you book. Ask for a ground-floor or lift-served room, and ask about breakfast hours.

Ayia Napa Monastery sits in the middle of the town and is a calm, level place to start. Opening hours in winter can differ from summer, so check before you go. The Ayia Napa Sculpture Park is open air and has no set hours, and the Thalassa Municipal Museum, which covers the sea and the island's maritime history, runs shorter hours between November and March, so confirm the opening time at the door or with your hotel.

Cape Greco is the main walking asset. The Aphrodite Nature Trail runs for about 2 km along the north-east coast of the park, and there are benches along the paths and a picnic site near Cyclops' Cave. The Kamara tou Koraka arch, a natural sea arch, stands along the small road into the cape. The chapel of Ayioi Anargyroi sits above the water with steps down to the sea, which are better looked at than climbed after a marathon. Go by taxi, walk a short section and have the driver wait or return at an agreed time. Do not try to reach the sea caves on foot; they are reachable only from the water.

Night three: Larnaka

Take the bus back to Larnaka for the final night, which removes any risk of missing the flight. Les Palmiers, on the Finikoudes front at Athens Avenue and Evathias Pieridou, gives a noon checkout, and Sun Hall, on Athens Avenue, is a short walk away on the same seafront. Eat at Militzis, at Piyiale Pasa 42, which opens daily from 12:30 to 23:00 and serves halloumi-filled ravioli, giant beans and oven potatoes, with meze for two.

Getting to Larnaca Airport

Larnaca Airport (LCA) is served by the airport and coastal bus route 425 and is a short taxi ride from the centre. Check the November timetable and the first and last services before relying on the bus, and book a taxi the night before if your flight leaves early.