Makronissos Archaeological Site Near Ayia Napa Beach

The Makronissos archaeological site is a burial complex from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Its 19 tombs, small sanctuary and ancient quarry give you several kinds of remains to see within one coastal archaeological area.

The tombs were severely looted over the years, a process recorded from 1872. The site’s history is therefore not just one of ancient burial customs, but also of later loss.

The tombs were cut into rock, and their original features offer clues to burial practices. Entrances were closed with one or two slabs; most chambers have a rectangular trench in the middle and three benches along the sides.

Archaeologists believe the dead were originally placed in clay sarcophagi covered with three flat tiles. Pyres found on the surface are described as characteristic of Greek burial customs. The sanctuary is a simple rectangular enclosure built from large, irregular blocks.

Makronissos Beach is a cluster of three bays about 5 km from central Agia Napa, and the tombs are in the beach area. You can make the archaeological visit part of a coastal outing, then spend time at the shore or stroll toward Vathia Gonia to the east or Agia Thekla to the west.

The beach has toilets, changing rooms, sunbeds, umbrellas and water-sports facilities; a convenience store is nearby, with restaurants and kiosks in the general area. The southwestern part of the beach lies within a protected Natura 2000 area. For more coastal options around town, browse this guide to beaches in Ayia Napa.

Makronissos Beach is accessible on foot, by bicycle or by car, and parking is available. The Olympic Hotel (Makronissos Beach) is a stop on the Larnaca–Ayia Napa–Paralimni route.

You can also consider the Municipality of Agia Napa’s guided walk, which combines coastal scenery, the archaeological site and Agia Thekla church; it takes approximately three hours, starts and ends at the Agia Napa CTO Information Office, and requires advance booking.

Visit Cyprus gives the tombs’ admission as free and their hours as daily from 09:00 to 17:00, with public-holiday closures; it cautions that hours and fees may change without notice. Check the official site before you go. For practical transport planning around town, see how to get around Ayia Napa by bus, on foot and by car.