Cape Greco: walks, sea caves and swimming spots
Last verified 19 October 2026
Cape Greco (Kavo Gkreko) is the headland at the south eastern tip of Cyprus, between Ayia Napa (Agia Napa) and Protaras. The land around it is a national forest park of a little over 380 hectares, run by the Forestry Department and part of the Natura 2000 network. It is low, rocky limestone country: cliffs, sea caves, a natural arch, juniper scrub and small stands of pine, with clear water on every side. Most people come for a short walk and a swim, and half a day is enough to see the main sights.
A short history
In antiquity the headland was called Cape Pedalion, and the Greek geographer Strabo wrote that the hill above it was sacred to Aphrodite. The scattered remains known as the temple of Aphrodite lie beside one of the coastal trails. From 1973 the cape carried large mediumwave radio masts. The broadcasts ended in 2019 and the masts were demolished in November 2021.
The cape is an Important Bird Area and a resting point for migrating birds, especially birds of prey in spring and autumn.
What to see
The sea caves. On the Ayia Napa side of the park, off the main road about six kilometres east of town, the coast is cut into pale limestone arches, ledges and caves. You look down on them from the clifftop. The caves themselves are reached only from the water. In May 2026 the Forestry Department put a temporary fence around the most used part of the clifftop, both to stop people jumping and because a rock formation there has shown signs of instability. Follow the signs and stay behind the fence.
Kamara tou Koraka. A natural rock bridge on the coast between the sea caves and the chapel, and one of the most photographed spots on the cape. Look at it from the viewpoints around it rather than walking across it.
Agioi Anargyroi. A small whitewashed chapel standing right on the rocks on the Protaras side of the cape. It is built over a sea cave where, according to tradition, the saints it is named after lived as hermits. Stone steps run down from the chapel to the water and the cave below. It is a church, so dress modestly if you go inside.
The tip of the cape. The headland itself is the easternmost point of the south, with a viewpoint over it reached on the Kavos trail below.
Konnos Bay. A sheltered sandy bay on the Protaras side, ringed by pines, with calm water, lifeguards in season, sunbeds and parking. It is the most comfortable place to swim in the park and the start of several trails. See our beaches guide for the rest of the coast.
Walks
The park has a network of marked nature trails, most of them easy. The lengths below are the official figures.
Aphrodite trail. A circular walk of about 2 kilometres, around 45 minutes to an hour, from near the chapel. It passes coves, the Kamara tou Koraka arch, juniper scrub and the clifftops above the caves.
Konnos to Agioi Anargyroi. A linear trail of 4.8 kilometres, about two hours one way, starting at Konnos beach. It follows the bay, reaches the chapel, then carries on south past the arch and the Aphrodite ruins to end in a small pine wood. The highest point is only 28 metres.
Sea caves circular. About 3.6 kilometres from the sea caves area, roughly an hour and a half. Steep and craggy in places, so wear proper shoes.
Kavos circular. About 2.5 kilometres from an old quarry car park off the Ayia Napa to Cape Greco road, past fossils in the rock and climbing cliffs to the viewpoint over the cape.
Konnos to Cyclops Cave. A circular walk of about 2.4 kilometres from Konnos beach through pines and along the cliffs to the cave.
Profitis Elias to Konnos. The longest route, 8.5 kilometres, from the hilltop chapel of Profitis Elias above Protaras down to Konnos.
Several trails link up, so you can make a longer day of it. Stay on marked paths: the scrub is fragile and the Cyprus viper lives here.
On and in the water
Cliff jumping. Jumping from the sea cave cliffs is popular and dangerous. Signs on the cliffs prohibit it, and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre has repeated that it is banned because of erosion. There are no lifeguards at the caves. A 21 year old man died after a dive there in 2022, and rescuers reported six or seven accidents a year at the site. In August 2025 four people were rescued in one afternoon after jumping, two days after another rescue. Do not jump, whatever others are doing.
The Blue Lagoon by boat. The Cape Greco Blue Lagoon is a sheltered stretch of very clear turquoise water by the cape, where boats anchor in season and passengers swim. Day cruises from Ayia Napa harbour run round the cape past the sea caves and chapels, with swim and snorkel stops at the Blue Lagoon and Konnos Bay. Trips from Protaras also go there.
Snorkelling. Konnos Bay is the easiest place to snorkel, with calm, shallow water. Smaller coves suit confident swimmers only. Under the chapel the rock drops steeply and the site is used for diving, not casual swimming. Watch for sea urchins when you get in off rocks.
Cycling. A network of forest tracks crosses the park, and the coast road from Ayia Napa round the cape to Protaras is a popular ride. The Konnos area is hilly. Bicycles can be hired in both resorts.
Visiting
Getting there and parking. The park is roughly 10 minutes’ drive from Protaras and 15 from Ayia Napa. There are free car parks by the main viewpoint and at the trailheads, including the sea caves, the old quarry and Konnos. Buses run between the two resorts, but expect a walk from the stop.
Tracks and vehicles. Some coves are reached by unmade tracks. Check whether your hire agreement covers unsealed roads. Drive slowly near the cliff edges: in August 2026 a quad bike went over the railings into the sea by the sea caves after its rider lost control while parking.
Heat and shade. There is very little shade. In summer walk early in the morning or in the late afternoon, and carry more water than you expect to need. Facilities inside the park are limited, apart from Konnos.
Best seasons. Spring and autumn are best for walking, and March and April bring wildflowers. Late afternoon light on the caves is the classic view. Winter can be good too, with clear air after rain.
Fees. The car parks are free.
Nearby
For the resorts either side, see our Ayia Napa and Protaras hub.