Cape Greco Sea Caves
Popularity over the year
O atrakcji
The Cape Greco Sea Caves are a dramatic stretch of weathered limestone coast on the western edge of the Cape Greco National Forest Park, three kilometres east of Ayia Napa. Millennia of wave action have carved the soft Pliocene reef-limestone into shelves, arches, and small partially-submerged caves. Above, the cliff edge is unfenced wild scrubland of juniper, sea fennel and pine; below, the water is consistently clear and an impossible depth of blue.
The Sea Caves area is photographed for two main reasons: the rock formations themselves (a particular natural arch known as the Bridge of Love is the postcard) and the wooden swing erected over the cliff that has become an Instagram pilgrimage spot. The actual swimming and snorkelling, however, is the less-publicised pleasure — small ledges down to the water, clear visibility on calm days, parrotfish, octopus, sometimes barracuda. Confident swimmers and divers can explore the cave channels in calm conditions; wave swell can make this dangerous so check before entering.
What to do. Photograph the arches and the swing; swim and snorkel in the small natural pools; walk the marked cliff path that connects the sea caves with Konnos Bay (about 3 km, 1 hour) and continues west toward Ayia Napa harbour. The cliff trail is one of the better easy coastal walks on the island.
Insider tips. Sunrise is when the swing photo is empty; by 10:00 there is a queue. The actual best snorkelling spot is the small unmarked cove 200 metres east of the famous arch, where a natural rock ramp gets you safely into the water. The path edges are unfenced and the limestone is friable in places — keep distance from the lip. Park at the Konnos Bay car park and walk in if Sea Caves parking is full.
Combinations. Combine with Konnos Bay (a beach swim), Cape Greco lighthouse (the actual cape, with the chapel of Agioi Anargyroi), Glyki Nero Beach (3 minutes), and either Ayia Napa or Protaras for an evening dinner.
Bring. Sturdy shoes (the path is uneven stone), snorkel kit, sunscreen, hat, camera, water. When. April-November. Calm-water mornings are the sweet spot. Avoid days with a strong southerly when the swell is unsafe in the caves. The Sea Caves are the wild side of the Ayia Napa experience and the place that proves the eastern coast is more than nightclubs.
