Sun-seekers and party animals descend on the Cypriot town of Ayia Napa every summer, but why is it so popular? Well, the ‘jewel of the eastern Mediterranean’ seamlessly blends breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife and a welcoming culture, making it the perfect destination for a holiday or summer job abroad.
Ayia Napa has a lot to offer those on the lookout for a good time – here are 9 reasons to consider spending your summer there.
- To let your hair down
Ayia Napa has been known as a party holiday destination since the mid-90s and there’s a reason why people still head there year after year. It’s a place where you can truly lose your inhibitions and focus on having fun.
It takes about five hours to get to Ayia Napa from the UK and if you’re flying all that way, you might as well make it worthwhile! Stay for a whole month and you’ll get to spend your summer partying – what’s not to love?
- The entertainment industry
Ayia Napa is famous for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. During summer, it hosts world-renowned DJs and artists who come to the resort town to play at various clubs and music festivals.
The booming entertainment industry makes Ayia Napa’s nightlife one of the best in the world, but it also means that there are loads of jobs going for event and PR staff. If you secure a job in the entertainment industry, you’ll have the chance to be part of an exciting atmosphere and potentially even meet some of your favourite artists.
- Work abroad
As a buzzing resort town, Ayia Napa has high demand for seasonal workers. There are jobs going for roles like holiday rep, bar staff and restaurant workers.
Working abroad gives you all of the usual benefits of getting a job – you can earn money, make friends and get useful work experience. But you also benefit from experiencing a foreign culture and getting to spend your days off on the beach!
Plus, when you get a summer job in Ayia Napa through Ace Working Holidays, we’ll set you up with worker’s accommodation and provide help with your application.
- Adventure and exploration
Ayia Napa is slightly further afield than some other popular party holiday destinations. This makes it a great option for those who love to explore foreign cultures but don’t want to stray too far from home.
Cyprus, the island that Ayia Napa’s located on, offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. You can go hiking in scenic spots, take a tour of traditional villages and visit ancient ruins. Cape Greco National Forest Park is just a short drive from Ayia Napa – it’s well worth a visit if you’re into nature or photography.
- Experience an outdoor lifestyle
Sun, sea and sand are the order of the day in Ayia Napa… no matter what day it is! The town is located on the south-eastern coast of Cyprus and offers a sun-soaked, outdoor lifestyle.
Beautiful beaches litter the coast and are within easy walking distance of the resort. Nissi Beach and the Blue Lagoon are crowd favourites. With their crystal-clear, turquoise waters and white sand, it’s easy to see why.
Whether you’re working or playing in Ayia Napa, you’ll be surrounded by sunshine, warmth and good vibes.
- The unique Cypriot culture
With a rich history that’s been influenced by a mix of ancient civilizations, Cyprus is a cultural goldmine. Most people who live there are of either Greek or Turkish heritage and will proudly tell you so.
There are various local festivals held throughout summer, where attendees might be treated to traditional music and dances like the ‘sousta’. Day to day, you can get your cultural fix from the incredible food (halloumi, anyone?) and blended architecture.
Ayia Napa’s history as a melting pot of cultures has ingrained in the locals a hospitable approach to foreigners. There are few places or people that make you feel so genuinely welcome!
- Water-based leisure activities
Let’s be honest, the UK may be an island but the waters that surround it aren’t exactly inviting. Cyprus, on the other hand, has the climate to match its island status. Water sports are therefore a lot more common (and a lot more enjoyable!).
If you’re staying in Ayia Napa for the whole summer, your leisure time will be mostly spent on the beach. Here, you’ll be able to sign up for a range of water-based activities, including scuba diving, jet skiing, boat trips and much more.
Just a short drive away from Ayia Napa town you’ll find the WaterWorld waterpark, which is one of the biggest in Europe and consistently ranks on lists of the world’s best waterparks.
- To fall in love
The Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was said to have risen from the seafoam around Cyprus. This is why you’ll sometimes hear it referred to as the ‘island of Love’.
While we can’t promise that you’ll meet your future spouse in Ayia Napa, if you’re looking for a holiday romance, there’s no better place to be. You’ll be working and mingling with like-minded people all day, then going out at night – so if there’s someone for you, you’re bound to run into them.
And if you don’t fall head over heels for another person, there’s still a very good chance that you’ll leave at the end of summer having fallen completely in love with the island itself.
- To better yourself
If you work in Ayia Napa over summer, you’ll learn new skills that you can use back home, such as problem-solving and communication. You’ll also experience living in a tightknit community, which is great practice if you’re soon heading off to uni.
Getting outside of your comfort zone is an important step in growing as a person. And whether it’s learning a language, gaining valuable work experience or expanding your social circle, there are plenty of ways that you can do just that in Ayia Napa.
Looking for work in Ayia Napa? Don’t forget to check out our other incredible destinations to get a summer job abroad.