Ayia Thekla is an area of exceptional natural beauty, a mere
5-minute drive from Ayia Napa and approximately 2 kilometres from
Ayia Thekla beach. You will find peace and tranquillity without
sacrificing the comforts of modern life. There is plenty to entertain
the children: Ocean Aquarium at Paralimni, 12 kilometres away,
Water World, and Go-Kart racing 4 kilometres away, glass bottom
boat trips, and family party cruises out of Ayia Napa. There is
a cycle track, which runs adjacent to the road from Potomas to
Ayia Napa centre. By-cycles can be hired for CY£2.00 per
day.
Potomos is a picturesque fishing refuge, with the remains of a
Venetian watchtower nearby. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud worked
in this area in the 1880s. It is situated just 2 kilometres away
from Ayia Thekla, and today you have a choice of two superb fish
restaurants with excellent views of either the harbour, or the
Mediterranean.
Ayia Napa, which was originally a small fishing village, just
a five-minute car or taxi ride away, is now a major tourist centre
and a veritable paradise for anyone who loves the sea and water
sports. The interesting mediaeval monastery dedicated to our Lady
of the Forests stands in the middle of the village, surrounded
by a high wall. Its 16th century church is partially underground,
cut into the rock. The hostel, west of the church, belongs to
the World Council of Churches. The ancient sycamore tree, in front
of the south gate, is believed to be 600 years old. The original
fishing harbour is an ideal place to take boat trips from and
there are several nice restaurants around the harbour and its
vicinity specialising in seafood.
There is plenty of nightlife, bars and restaurants to suit everyone’s
tastes. During the day the tranquil harbour and golden sand beaches
and shops provide a natural attraction to many. Indeed, it is
well worth spending a few hours on Liminaki beach which is to
the left of the harbour.
Paralimni has become the main commercial centre of the Famagusta
area since 1974. It lies within what is known as the "Kokkinochoria",
the red villages. It is a prolific potato producing area because
of the fertile soil.
The main square has three churches and provides the main focal
point of the town.
The name of the town means by the lake and came about because
of the lake that formed when there was heavy rain. The lake was
seasonal and evaporated completely by summer arrives. These days
the area is irrigated and so the lake no longer forms.
