There is more to a holiday in Ayia Napa than just whirlwind party and fun, it is in fact a beautiful resort with a more peaceful side to it, if that is what you are looking for.

There is the fantastic and popular Nissi Beach which is beautifully sandy and clean. There are plenty of water sports to choose from if you are looking for some day time activity and you will always find somewhere to get refreshments and snacks, close by.

The Harbour area is worth a look with some impressive rock formations just out of the shoreline. These are popular with divers and snorkellers, and of course you will see small boats going about their day.

Ayia Napa was once a small and traditional fishing village. Evidence of its past is still around today with its quaint little streets and colourful squares. Here you can easily find a seat and take a coffee while you watch life go by and spot locals doing their daily chores.

The monastery has plenty of history dating back to the Venetian and Ottoman eras, parts of which were probably constructed in the 16th century. The monastery was once a convent, but was changed to a men's monastery, and remained so for nearly a 100 years. The monastery has some delightful gardens which you can walk around, or take some time out to enjoy some relaxation in pleasant surroundings.

Of course we couldn't talk about Ayia Napa without mentioning its club life. As well as the clubs there are many bars and pubs, all of which boast a lively night life to suit most people looking for a buzzing atmosphere. A lot of the night life takes place outside so you don't have to feel claustrophobic. Music plays through the streets and you can freely join in. If you have a special flyer for one of the clubs (these are handed out quite freely) then entrance is much cheaper to the clubs. You are also not restricted to staying in one bar or pub for the entire evening, you can buy drinks from one and move around the central square, stopping in whichever one you choose to sample the ambiance. Most pubs and bars are open from 11 in the morning until about 1.30 - then you can move onto the clubs which are open until around 4 am.

A holiday in Ayia Napa would suit people looking for a lively and fun packed resort. However, it is possible to visit Ayia Napa and to sample some of the other aspects of it where life is more sedate.