Cyprusโ coastal resort of Ayia Napa is notorious for its beautiful beaches and vibrant entertainment scene. Unbeknown to many, however, todayโs cosmopolitan hot spot was once a remote wooded valley steeped in myths and legends and covered in nothing but thick greenery. And now, the sunkissed and blissfully warm days of autumn will soon be honouring the enduring spirit of the past as the seaside resort enters the spotlight in legendary fashion.
Between October 7th and 14th 2023, the Ayia Napa Medieval Festival will transform the seaside town into a whirlwind of alternative activity against the backdrop of shimmering seas. A week of thrilling action beckons travellers from around Cyprus and beyond to witness the magic of a bygone era, where knights and jesters roam and the salty sea breeze carries the echoes of history.
First celebrated in 2006, the festival has taken on phenomenal proportions, gaining international recognition and celebrated as one of the biggest events in the Famagusta region. Hereโs all you need to know about this yearโs Medieval-inspired action as the countdown to the action-packed Ayia Napa Medieval Festival begins!
The lowdown on legendary Ayia Napa holidays in medieval style
Revel in enchanting performances, savour medieval feasts, and experience the magic of the Middle Ages, set against the backdrop of Ayia Napaโs medieval monastery in the centre of town, dating to 1500 AD.
The exciting activities featured in this yearโs festival lineup are designed to captivate visitors of all ages, transporting everyone to a captivating bygone era of fun and adventure.
Local talent and international musical and theatrical groups will enter the spotlight, jetting in from Greece, Russia, Italy, Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia, Germany, Holland, France, Spain, Belarus, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Keep your eyes peeled for spectacular street theatre, a theatre performance within the scenic monastery grounds, inspiring concerts, and exuberant dance shows.
Last but not least, no medieval festival in Cyprus would be complete without sprightly Knightly action paying homage to the 300-year legacy of the Crusaders on the island. This year, numerous teams and schoolchildren will be parading through the seaside town in an event aptly named โThe streets of Crusadersโ dressed in medieval costumes and keeping the flame of the past alive.
A medieval market around the Monastery grounds will also transport you back in time during your Ayia Napa holidays. The market will be packed with produce to purchase and delights to devoir, including full-bodied wine (in wooden barrels) and medieval-inspired delicacies. You can also set your sights on stunning medieval weapons and embroidery. Or simply kick back and try your hand at pottery making or basketry in various Medieval workshops.
Where to stay during your alternative Ayia Napa holiday?
The whole family is bound to love the timeless allure of the Middle Ages. You can make the most of your Ayia Napa holiday with the kids in carefree all-included five-star luxury at the Olympic Lagoon Resort Ayia Napa, just a five-minute drive from all the magical medieval action.
Festival fun aside, sink into your sunbed and bask in the warm embrace of the October sun in the resortโs landscaped gardens beside shimmering pools. The little ones will also have a blast at the kidโs club while you relax in lush surroundings and succumb to sensory heaven at the Serenity Health Club & Spa. Or venture out for a stroll with the whole family and enjoy sheer bliss on the sandy shores of Landa Beach.
If youโre craving a romantic break just with your other half, the Amanti MadeForTwo adults-only hotel in the heart of Ayia Napa is designed for love, within walking distance from the Medieval Festival. Spend your carefree days revelling in romance on the blissfully quiet grounds, dipping in and out of the sparkling Saffire infinity pool. Then, savour exquisite meals as part of the hotelโs half-board premium dine-around gastronomy offering and luxuriate in style with spa treatments ร deux. The epitome of sunkissed holiday perfection awaits!
The 18th Ayia Napa Medieval International Festival will take place between October 7th – 14th 2023 at Ayia Napa Monastery, from 7 pm onwards every evening.
Book your alternative Ayia Napa October holiday today.ย
A luxurious, couples-only escape, blending upscale elegance with relaxed seaside charm, and offering tailored services and unique experiences for couples.
Discover the ultimate all-inclusive five-star Olympic Lagoon Resorts, Ayia Napa, renowned for its lush gardens, Blue Flag beach, bespoke entertainment, and top-tier luxury services.
Experience luxury and endless leisure at our all-inclusive Olympic Lagoon Resorts Paphos, on a prime Blue Flag beach. With personalised services, and daily signature entertainment for couples and families.
Overlooking a Blue Flag beach and Paphos harbour, Alexander the Great, offers luxury accommodations steps from the shore, with excellent leisure facilities, and exceptional dining.
The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept has been developed by our award-winning team of Executive Chefs and Sommeliers in close cooperation with our consultant Michellin starred chef, Theodor Falser. The concept is designed to provide an innovative approach to dining by offering MadeForTwo guests the exclusive opportunity to experience unique and creative meals served in beautiful locations and settings, each one featuring a unique ambience and mood. The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept includes the following:
Diverse culinary experience that combines modern fine-dining menus , fusion tasting menus and themed live cooking menus
Dine-around option includes our 4 signature restaurants; indoor Ezaria and Nocturne; outdoor Immenso and Fortolana
Indoor dining featuring from themed menus prepared in an open kitchen to luxury 7 course fine dining and fusion menus
Menus inspired by Cypriot, Mediterranean, Asian and other favourite cuisines from around the world, captured in innovative, contemporary and original taste combinations
Outdoor dining by the beach and on the roof garden with spectacular sunset views
Evening meals include aperitifs , premium wine labels, premium local beers, non-alcoholic drinks and digestifs, coffees & teas in our themed restaurants
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Your Price Includes
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The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept has been developed by our award-winning team of Executive Chefs and Sommeliers in close cooperation with our consultant Michellin starred chef, Theodor Falser. The concept is designed to provide an innovative approach to dining by offering MadeForTwo guests the exclusive opportunity to experience unique and creative meals served in beautiful locations and settings, each one featuring a unique ambience and mood. The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept includes the following:
A diverse culinary experience that combines modern fine dining menus, fusion tasting menus and theme live-cooking menus
A dine-around experience in four signature restaurants: Ezaria and Nocturne (indoors), Immenso and Fortolana (outdoors)
Ten signature live cooking theme buffet nights cooked in an open kitchen at the Ezaria restaurant
Menus inspired by Cypriot, Mediterranean, Asian and other favourite cuisines from around the world, captured in innovative, contemporary and original taste combinations
Outdoor dining on the terrace and on the roof garden with spectacular sunset views
Evening meals include aperitifs , premium wine labels, premium local beers, non-alcoholic drinks and digestifs, coffees & teas in our themed restaurants
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Your Price Includes
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There is little doubt that the offerings of our award-winning luxury resorts outrank any other all-included resort in Cyprus. Couples and families enjoy superior gastronomy including dining options, all-day snacks and unlimited branded drinks, combined with an array of bespoke facilities, amenities and services. Hereโs what you can look forward to:
The most extensive dine-around concept in as many asย 7 themed restaurantsย with ร la carte menus, all-day snacks, premium ice-cream creations and themed buffet nights featuring unique culinary experiences, each with a unique setting and ambience.
A world of leisure and recreation with as many asย 7 themed swimming poolsย featuring waterfalls, waterslides, hydro-relaxation loungers and zero-level pool entries, nestled in a tropical island setting with large landscaped gardens, lakes and beautiful palm trees.
As many asย 4 themed bars, each with a unique setting and ambience, open from early in the morning until late at night, serving the worldโs best alcoholic brands in unlimited premium alcoholic drinks and signature cocktails.
The most spectacular evening entertainment with ourย 7 signature musical showsย and concerts staged daily at the high-tech entertainment arena, and many other entertainment acts performed in various venues and settings around the resorts.
The most extensive entertainment and weekly animation programme with more thanย 150 fun-packed activitiesย performed by the proud Kanika All-Stars Team of professional actors, musicians, animators, qualified childcare experts and sports instructors.
Most engaging weekly kids and teens programmes withย 3 dedicated supervised clubsย including our own All-Stars soccer academy offering supervised interactive all day activities and sports, customised for groups of all ages.
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Your Price Includes
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There is little doubt that the offerings of our award-winning luxury resort outranks any other all-included resort in Cyprus. Couples and families enjoy superior gastronomy including dining options, all-day snacks and unlimited branded drinks, combined with an array of bespoke facilities, amenities and services. Hereโs what you can look forward to:
The most extensive dine-around concept in as many asย 6 themed restaurantsย with ร la carte menus, all-day snacks, premium ice-cream creations and themed buffet nights featuring unique culinary experiences, each with a unique setting and ambience.
A world of leisure and recreation with as many asย 5 themed swimming poolsย featuring waterfalls, waterslides, hydro-relaxation loungers and zero-level pool entries, nestled in a tropical island setting with large landscaped gardens, lakes and beautiful palm trees.
As many asย 5 themed bars, each with a unique setting and ambience, open from early in the morning until late at night, serving the worldโs best alcoholic brands in unlimited premium alcoholic drinks and signature cocktails.
The most spectacular evening entertainment with ourย 7 signature musical showsย and concerts staged daily at the high-tech entertainment arena, and many other entertainment acts performed in various venues and settings around the resorts.
The most extensive entertainment and weekly animation programme with more thanย 150 fun-packed activitiesย performed by the proud Kanika All-Stars Team of professional actors, musicians, animators, qualified childcare experts and sports instructors.
Most engaging weekly kids and teens programmes withย 3 dedicated supervised clubsย including our own All-Stars soccer academy offering supervised interactive all day activities and sports, customised for groups of all ages.
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Your Price Includes
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Our dine-around food and beverage experience caters to every taste bud, with three themed restaurants and endless culinary choice to tempt you, as part of our Half Board Plus package. Enhance the dining extravaganza with Full Board Plus, providing even more inclusions around the clock.
Lavish breakfast, and the choice of lunch or dinner taking you on a culinary journey around the world
Diverse culinary experience that combines modern fine-dining menus , fusion tasting menus and theme live cooking menus
A glass of sparkling wine, a glass of premium wine or a glass of premium local beer, or a glass of soft drink or juice and a bottle of mineral water for two
Menus inspired by Cypriot, Mediterranean, Asian and other favourite cuisines from around the world, captured in innovative, contemporary and original taste combinations
Dine-around option includes four outlets; with 3 ร la carte restaurants
Outdoor dining by the beach with spectacular sunset views