Sculpture Park and Cactus Park in Ayia Napa

On the eastern outskirts of Ayia Napa is one of Cyprus’s most unusual attractions — Ayia Napa Sculpture Park. Right next to it is Ayia Napa Cactus Park, home to a large collection of cacti and other plants adapted to a dry climate. Together, the two parks form a single open-air walking space with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Admission is free, making this one of the most popular places for a stroll among both tourists and locals.

• Ayia Napa Sculpture Park
• Cactus Park
• What to See During Your Walk
• Useful Information Before Your Visit
• Frequently Asked Questions

Ayia Napa Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park was opened in 2014 at the initiative of the Ayia Napa municipality. The idea behind the project was to create an open-air museum of contemporary art where artists and sculptors from different countries could create works directly on the park grounds.

Today, Ayia Napa Sculpture Park is considered one of the largest venues of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean. The collection is constantly growing thanks to international sculptors’ symposia that are held regularly in Ayia Napa. Many artists come to Cyprus in person and create their works right under the open sky.

The park features more than two hundred sculptures made by artists from dozens of countries around the world. Materials used include marble, limestone, granite, metal, wood, and modern composite materials.

The exhibition is very diverse in theme. Here you can see heroes of ancient Greek mythology, figures of people and animals, abstract compositions, symbolic installations, and contemporary art objects. Many works are dedicated to the sea, the nature of Cyprus, ancient culture, and the island’s history.

The park’s main feature is that the exhibition is seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. The sculptures are placed along walking paths among rocks, trees, and Mediterranean vegetation, with panoramic sea views unfolding behind them. Depending on the time of day and lighting, the impression of the works changes constantly, which is why many photographers come here specifically at sunrise or before sunset.
Location

Cactus Park

Directly next to the Sculpture Park is Ayia Napa Cactus Park. Many visitors do not even notice the boundary between the two areas and perceive them as one park.

The Cactus Park appeared a little later and became a natural extension of the walking area. It contains a large collection of plants characteristic of the world’s arid regions.

In addition to numerous species of cacti, there are agaves, aloes, yuccas, spurges, prickly pears, and other succulents. Some specimens reach several meters in height and look especially impressive against the seaside backdrop.

The plants are arranged in a way that most closely resembles a natural landscape. As a result, the walk feels more like visiting an open-air botanical garden than a traditional city park.

In spring, many plants begin to bloom, and the area takes on a completely different look. At this time, not only tourists but also botany and photography enthusiasts come here.
Location

What to See During Your Walk

Visiting both parks usually takes one to two hours, although many people spend much longer here. In addition to the exhibitions themselves, it is worth paying attention to the many viewing platforms that offer views of the Ayia Napa coastline and the Mediterranean Sea.

Very nearby is one of the city’s most famous natural landmarks — Love Bridge. A little farther on begin the Sea Caves, and a few kilometers later lies Kavo Gkreko National Forest Park.

Thanks to this location, many tourists combine all these places into one walk or driving route.

Useful Information Before Your Visit

Both parks are open year-round, and admission is free.

In summer, there is practically no natural shade here, so it is best to plan your walk in the morning or later in the evening. Be sure to bring drinking water, a hat, and sunscreen.

The area is located on a hillside, so the paths have some climbs and descents in places. Comfortable footwear is recommended for the walk.

If you want to take beautiful photos, the best time to visit is the hours before sunset. The soft evening light highlights the texture of the sculptures, and the panoramic sea views become especially striking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does admission cost?

Visiting the Sculpture Park and Cactus Park is free.

How much time do you need for a walk?

It usually takes one to two hours to explore both parks.

Can you visit the park with children?

Yes. The area is suitable for family walks, but in summer you should take into account the hot weather and the almost complete lack of shade.

When is the best time to come?

The most comfortable time is morning or evening. Before sunset, the views of the sea and coastline are especially beautiful here.