The Old port of Ayia Napa is a favorite place for evening walks of tourists. It is moored by yachts, boats and sightseeing ships, where tourists can take a tour along the south-eastern coast of Cyprus. Some of them even sail as far as Protaras.
During the period of Byzantine rule, these places were covered with forest. In the 11th century, a hunter found an Icon of the Mother of God in a cave, called the Virgin Mary of Panagia Napa, which means the Virgin Mary of the Holy Forest. Later, the icon was called Ayia Napa. The Ayia Napa Monastery was founded here, and the area was also named after him.
Since the 15th century, a small fishing village has appeared near the monastery. It was also called Ayia Napa. Now in its place is the Old Port. On the right side of the port is the large city beach of Ayia Napa. It is called Pantachou beach. In the port there are fish taverns, which are always full of people.
The famous ship Black Pearl is moored in the old port of Ayia Napa. It is a large pleasure boat that can sail long distances to Protaras along the main attractions in the Kavo Greco National Park.
