Ayia Napa Museums

(Ayia Napa, Famagusta, Cyprus)

There really are only a couple of noteworthy museums to be found within the lively beach resort of Ayia Napa, covering an array of different aspects of coastal life on Cyprus.

Founded in 1974, the Pierides Foundation is responsible for a number of the most significant museums on Cyprus. Based in Larnaca and also featuring a branch in the Greek capital of Athens, the Pierides Foundation is responsible for no less than two museums in Ayia Napa, the Tornaritis (Marine Life) and the Thalassa (Sea).

Pierides Municipal Museum of Marine Life (Tornaritis)

Address: 25 Ayias Mavris Street, Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2372 1179
Located on the ground floor of Ayia Napa's Town Hall and along Ayias Mavris Street, the 'Tornaritis' Pierides Municipal Museum of Marine Life was founded in the summer of 1992. The exhibits are well organised and present all manner of marine life and information about the rich sea heritage of Cyprus and how important it is to preserve the island's underwater Mediterranean landscape.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 14:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Pierides Municipal Museum of the Sea (Thalassa)

Address: Kryou Nerou 14, Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Tel: +357 2381 6366
Known locally as the Thalassa, the Municipal Museum of the Sea is situated within the very heart of Ayia Napa and is part of the Pierides Foundation. As well as its extensive marine artefacts and displays, there are some interesting Cypriot seascape paintings, ceramics, engravings and sculptures at the museum. However, there are several exhibits, which really do stand out from the others. The 4th-century Mediterranean trading ship named the 'Kyrenia Ship' is especially notable and this life-size replica has been created with painstaking attention to detail. Another fascinating reconstruction is that of an 11,000-year old Mesolithic papyrus raft. Various educational programmes and marine-themed events take place here throughout the course of the year, being staged within the two large exhibition halls, and at the open-air amphitheatre. Also onsite is a gift shop and a cafe serving basic refreshments
Open hours: June to September, Monday - 09:00 to 13:00, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 13:00, 18:00 to 22:00; October to May, Monday - 09:00 to 13:00, Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students, children and groups