If you are considering a holiday in Cyprus on one of the South Eastern coastal resorts of Protaras, Ayia Napa, or Pernera, you really should make some time in your itinerary to see the fabulous sea caves in the area. Situated between the two main tourist areas, the sea caves are mostly only accessible from the sea via one of the many boat trips that sail out of the harbour at Ayia Napa.
The main place where the caves are to be found is a part of an area of outstanding natural beauty known as the Cavo Greco National Forest and it is reputed to be one of the most scenic places on the whole of the island. Much of the bedrock along that section of the coast consists of limestone and millennia-old volcanic rock.
A stunning sight
The warm waters of the Mediterranean appear particularly clear near the sea caves due to the rock formations below that have created so many amazing shapes over time. The algae that cling to the rocks further provides a whole range of constantly changing hues from emeralds and deep blues through to turquoise. Visitors cannot help but marvel how the constantly shifting sea has eroded the rock through to over 900 metres in one place.
Getting up close and personal
Many of the boat trips that visit the caves or stop off there on the way along the coast weigh anchor to allow swimmers to explore the caves close up. If you are planning to do likewise make sure you chose a calm sea day and try to remember to bring one of those nifty waterproof cameras too. There are some rare occasions when the water line recedes far enough to allow access to some of the caves on foot. Unfortunately, the Med isn’t a tidal sea so it has only happened during times when the moon has been particularly close to the earth has happened back in 2017.
Diving in head first
The other quick and easy way to get to the sea caves is to travel by road to the Cavo Greco National Forest Park, climb onto the top of the limestone cliffs, and dive off! The view from the rocks is nothing short of stunning and the dive (or jump) is a good 30 feet or more in places. The first thing you will notice when you approach the rocks above the caves is the large number of signs warning you that diving off the cliff is, in fact, forbidden. This doesn’t appear to have deterred the local Cypriot daredevils, however, and there is usually a steady flow of tourist throughout the holiday season that appears to be more than happy to risk life and limb in following their lead.
Pirates and smugglers
There are plenty of legends and stories circulating that suggest the caves may have been used first as secret churches by persecuted Christians during the Roman crackdown and then later by smugglers and pirates. However, no one has found any gold doubloons in there yet so we suggest you keep doing the lottery for now.
Looking out for yourself
Whether you travel to the Cavo Greco National Forest by car or bike, or you choose the boat trip option, don’t forget to pack your common sense before you set off. That equates to making sure you wear a hat, use sunscreen on your pasty exposed parts, and ensure that you have a ready supply of water. Stay safe and enjoy the sea caves in South Eastern Cyprus.
For friendly and helpful advice concerning places to visit in Cyprus, or to book your holiday there, please contact us at Cyprus Sun Holiday Rentals, or call us on 00 357 2383 1194.
