Cape Greco: sea caves, diving, and wild coastline

Where the party stops and the wild coast begins

Drive 10 km southeast from Ayia Napa and the beach clubs, water parks, and neon signs abruptly give way to limestone cliffs, maquis scrubland, and a coastline that looks much as it did before Cyprus was discovered by mass tourism. Cape Greco — officially the Cape Greco National Forest Park — covers the southeastern tip of the island, where the Mediterranean meets the Levantine Sea. The park protects a stretch of dramatic coastal cliffs, sea caves accessible from the water, endemic plant species, and some of the clearest diving conditions in Cyprus.

For visitors staying in Ayia Napa or Protaras who want a few hours away from the beach resort experience, Cape Greco is the obvious destination. For divers, it is one of the most interesting sites on the island.

What makes Cape Greco special

The geology of the cape is its defining feature. Layers of pale limestone have been cut by wave action and tectonic pressure into arches, tunnels, and caves both above and below the water line. The sea caves (Kamara tou Koraka and others) are accessible by small boat or by experienced swimmers. Below the surface, the cave networks and the clear water — visibility regularly exceeding 20 metres — make this one of the few genuinely rewarding scuba sites in the eastern Mediterranean that does not require a liveaboard.

Above water, two sea arches stand offshore — one intact, one partially collapsed — that are popular with photographers and swimmers who approach from the path. The coastline path itself (part of the E4 European long-distance trail) follows the cliff edge for several kilometres in each direction from the cape. In spring (March–May), the macchia scrubland between the trail and the cliff edge is covered in wild cyclamen, orchids, and sea squill — not what most visitors expect from the Ayia Napa coast.

The cape is also an important migratory bird site in spring and autumn. Raptors, warblers, and Mediterranean-endemic species pass through in significant numbers between March and May, making it a worthwhile destination for birdwatchers staying in the Ayia Napa area.

Top things to do here

Scuba dive the sea caves. The underwater caves and rock formations at Cape Greco are among the most impressive dive sites in Cyprus. Several operators in Ayia Napa and Protaras run daily boat dives here for certified divers and introductory dives for beginners.

Join a sea caves boat tour. Glass-bottom boats and small tour boats from Ayia Napa harbour run to the cape and its sea caves — a good option for non-divers who want to see the formations from the water.

Walk the coastal trail. The section of the E4 trail from the main cape car park west towards Ayia Napa, or east towards Protaras, is one of the most scenic coastal walks in Cyprus. The eastern section (towards Protaras) is slightly easier and has the best views of the sea arches. Allow 2–3 hours for the full round trip.

Join a guided BBQ boat tour from Oroklini. Some operators combine a full coastal boat tour with a BBQ lunch and stops at Cape Greco, the sea caves, and the coastline between Larnaca and Ayia Napa.

Photograph the sea arches. The two natural arches offshore from the cape are most dramatic in the morning (eastern light) and at sunset. From the cliff path, several positions give clear sightlines to the arches without requiring a boat.

Watch the sunrise from the eastern cliffs. Cape Greco faces northeast at its tip, and the sunrise over the sea from the cliff edge is excellent. Arrive before 6 am in summer; the walk from the nearest car park takes 15–20 minutes.

Practical info

Getting there. From Ayia Napa, follow the coastal road east (towards Protaras) and turn south when signed for Cape Greco. From Protaras, the cape is southwest. Approximately 15 minutes from either town. There is no public bus to the cape; a hire car or bicycle (the cape is well suited to cycling) is necessary.

Parking. Several free car parks within the national park. The main one near the chapel of Agii Anargyroi (the small white church on the cliff) is the most useful base for walks.

Entry. The national park is free to enter. Dive trips and boat tours are commercial products with separate pricing.

Diving operators. Multiple operators in Ayia Napa and Protaras run trips to the cape. Most require a PADI Open Water certification minimum; introductory dives available.

Facilities. The cape itself has no restaurants or cafés. Bring water and food if planning a long walk. Nearest facilities are in Ayia Napa (10 km) or Protaras (8 km).

When to visit. April to early June is the best combination of mild temperatures, wildflowers, and good diving visibility. September and October are excellent for diving. July and August are hotter and the Ayia Napa road gets congested; early morning visits are best.

Where to eat nearby

Protaras (8 km north) has a good range of seafood restaurants along the seafront. More relaxed than Ayia Napa, with better-value fish restaurants away from the waterfront.

Ayia Napa (10 km northwest) has a restaurant for every budget and every preference, from genuine Cypriot tavernas in the village square to international chains on the harbour.

Fig Tree Bay (Protaras) has several cafés and tavernas overlooking the beach — a pleasant lunch stop if combining the cape with a Protaras beach day.

How it fits into a Cyprus itinerary

Cape Greco is almost always visited in combination with Ayia Napa or Protaras. If you are staying in Ayia Napa, a half-day at the cape — one morning of walking or diving — provides a complete contrast to the resort experience. From Larnaca (50 km), the cape works as part of a day trip that also includes a Larnaca Zenobia dive or the salt lake. From Paphos or Limassol, the cape requires a longer day but the drive east on the A1 is fast and easy.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Greco accessible without a dive certificate?

Yes. The coastal walking trails, the sea arches, and the cliff viewpoints are all accessible without diving. Glass-bottom boat tours also visit the caves for non-divers. The site rewards non-divers as much as divers.

Can I snorkel at the sea caves?

Yes, from the water surface. The caves are accessible by swimming from certain points along the cliff path, though conditions vary with wind and swell. Check local advice before attempting to enter the caves independently.

Is there an entry fee for the national park?

No. The Cape Greco National Forest Park is free to enter and open daily.

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Dogs are permitted on leads in the national park.

What is the best time of day to see the sea arches?

Morning light (before 10 am) is generally best for photographs of the arches. Sunset can be dramatic but the western cliff faces are in shadow by late afternoon from the cape side — drive to the Protaras side for sunset sea arch views.