Cape Greco

Cape Greco is a picturesque cape in southeastern Cyprus. It is the easternmost point of the island, which belongs to the Republic of Cyprus. The rocky coastline with amazingly clear and transparent water stretches between the bays of Famagusta and Ayia Napa and is very popular with snorkelers, scuba divers, snorkelers and those who want to jump into the sea from the rocks.

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Video: Cape Greco

Contents

Highlights

The eastern tip of Cape Greco is closed to travelers as it is home to a UK military base and radar station. In addition to the military-owned radars, several civilian radio stations have repeaters on the shore.

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Quite a large area is set aside for the Cavo Greco National Park, where people go for hiking and biking tours, parachuting behind a speedboat, swimming in the sea, diving, sea fishing or kayaking. Many people are attracted to horseback riding, as well as walks to the small chapel of St. Anagiri and the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite.

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On the western side, Cape Greco abounds with coastal caves and grottos that have been washed into the rocky shore by the powerful waves of the surf. It is quite difficult to descend into the caves from above, so they are usually explored from boats or during dives. During the migration period, flocks of resting birds can be found on the cliffs.

Not far from the caves is a stone arch overhanging the sea, called “Lovers’ Bridge”. It is 6 meters long and about 1.5 meters wide. There is a visible crack on the arch, so for safety reasons it is not allowed to walk on it. In summer, Mediterranean white-bellied seals or monk seals come to the turquoise shallow waters under the “Bridge of Lovers”. This is one of the endangered species of marine animals, their population today does not exceed 500 individuals.

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In the evening, connoisseurs of beautiful sunsets come to Cape Greco. However, you can not get to the most extreme point, where the most impressive views open up. There rises a lighthouse, around which there is a fence. Walks along the rocky coast are very pleasant. Especially since tired travelers can always sit down on benches or shelter from the sultry sun in neat pavilions.

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Legend

Ever since the days of Ancient Greece, there has been a legend among the people of Cyprus about the Ayia Nappa monster, often seen near Cape Greco. Fishermen speak of it “To Filiko Teras”, which translates as “friendly monster”. They believe that the sea monster does not cause much harm to humans. However, sometimes the Ayia Napa Monster gets angry and tears fishermen’s nets.

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The legend of the monster has long since become a popular tourist brand. Many travelers coming to Cape Greco buy boat tours in order to try their luck and see the monster, or at least visit the places where locals have seen it.

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National Park

Since 1993, the 384.9 hectare conservation area has had the status of a state forest park. It is part of the international program “Nature 2000”, which is held in the countries of the European Union. Many exotic plants such as crocuses, irises and more than thirty species of rare orchids grow in the green zone.

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Cape Greco Nature Park has an excellent tourist infrastructure. It has observation decks from where visitors can watch bird colonies and admire the picturesque landscapes. Fans of active recreation travel along the equipped routes on foot or on bicycles. In addition, the park has picnic areas and an information desk for tourists.

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Diving and snorkeling

Most snorkeling is found near the Sea Caves or Sea Caves Cavo Greco. The bizarre caves and grottos of Cape Greco stretch along the coastline starting from the resort area of Ayia Napa. The sea water near the rocks shimmers with beautiful shades of turquoise, greenish, ultramarine and soft blue colors. This palette is due to the different nature of the seabed and the colorful algae.

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The length of the largest cave reaches 900 meters. Despite the fact that the underwater landscape seems complex, the depth near Cape Greco does not exceed 12 meters, so diving here is considered safe even for beginners. Underwater, divers observe cardinal fish, soldier fish, bizarre flute fish, octopus and moray eels. Conveniently, all the necessary diving equipment can be rented at an organized rental shop on shore.

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How to get there

Cape Greco is only 10 minutes drive from the center of Ayia Napa. It can be reached by rental car and bicycle from Ayia Napa, Protaras and Paralimni. From Ayia Napa and Protaras there are shuttle buses 101 and 102 to the base of the cape. In addition, bus, bicycle and boat tours are organized from the coastal resorts to the natural attraction.

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