Cape Greco National Park

Cape Greco is the south-eastern tip of Cyprus, where the island ends in a low limestone headland of pine and juniper scrub above sea-cliffs that drop 30-40 metres into clear blue water. It is a designated National Forest Park, with the sensitive coast protected from development, and it is one of the most rewarding outdoor destinations on the eastern coast — a contrast in five minutes' drive from the bars of Ayia Napa.

The headline features run a coastal arc. The Sea Caves at the western edge: limestone cliffs eroded into shelves and arches where confident swimmers and divers explore the channels (and where Instagram photographers have made the wooden jumping platform famous). The small white-domed chapel of Agioi Anargyroi sits on the cliff above the Cape itself, with a stair down to a tiny chapel cut from the rock at sea level. The cape proper, with its modest lighthouse, gives 270° sea views; the Konnos Bay swim beach sits in a horseshoe just to the north-west. The whole area is mapped with walking trails — the cliff-edge path from Konnos to the chapel and on to the sea caves is around 5 km and one of the better easy coastal walks on the island.

Insider tips. Drive in via Konnos and park there; walking the cliff path saves you from negotiating the small lots at each individual stop in season. Sunset at the lighthouse end is the photo. Snorkelling at the sea caves is excellent in calm weather — the water is glass-clear, with parrotfish, octopus, occasional barracuda. The bridge of love rock and the wooden swing photo spots near the sea caves get queues; arrive at sunrise to skip them.

Combinations. Combine with Konnos Bay (a swim), Glyki Nero Beach (smaller, calmer), the Cape Greco lighthouse viewpoint, and either a lunch in Ayia Napa or in Protaras depending on direction. The Cape Greco circuit is itself a half-day.

Bring. Sturdy walking shoes (the cliff path has uneven stone), 1L water, sunscreen, hat, snorkel kit if intending to swim, a camera. When. April-June and September-November. Avoid summer midday; mornings and evenings only. Cape Greco is the side of Ayia Napa most visitors do not see, and it is the better one.