Cape Greco National Forest Park: Sea Caves, Trails and Swimming

Cape Greco is the rocky headland at the south-eastern corner of Cyprus, and it packs a lot into a small space: sea caves, natural arches, turquoise coves and easy coastal paths. It is one of the most rewarding half-day trips on the island, especially outside the hottest hours.

What is Cape Greco National Forest Park?

Cape Greco (officially Cape Gkreko) is a National Forest Park and Natura 2000 site of about 385 hectares, according to Visit Cyprus. The low limestone plateau is covered with Phoenician juniper, Calabrian pine and coastal scrub, and ends in sea cliffs cut into caves and arches.

Visit Cyprus records about 400 plant species in the park, including 14 endemics, and wildlife such as foxes, hares, hedgehogs, lizards and many migrating birds. The endemic Cyprus wheatear is among the birds recorded here.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The park lies east of Ayia Napa and south-east of Protaras, in the Famagusta district. Both resorts are about 10 minutes away by car along the coastal road, and Larnaca Airport is roughly 45–50 minutes away.

• By car: there are several informal car parks, including at the visitor centre, Konnos Bay, Agioi Anargyroi church and the sea caves. They fill up by late morning in summer.
• By bus: local buses between Ayia Napa and Protaras run along the main road; see our public transport guide. Expect a walk in the sun from the stop.
• By bike or on foot: a coastal path links Ayia Napa with the headland, and the park has cycle paths.

What can you see and do?

Walk the nature trails

The park's waymarked trails are short and mostly easy, which makes them good family walks in the cooler months.

All four are rated easy (grade 1) by Visit Cyprus. The Sea Caves and Konnoi trails also form part of the E4 European long-distance path; see our E4 trail guide. There is no drinking water on most routes.

Visit Agioi Anargyroi chapel

This small whitewashed church sits on the cliff edge, with steps leading down to a cave at sea level. It is a calm, photogenic stop and the end point of the Sea Caves trail.

See the sea caves

The sea caves on the western side of the cape, towards Ayia Napa, are the park's most photographed feature. Admire them from the cliff top or, better, from a boat: cruises from Ayia Napa and Protaras sail along the cliffs. See our boat trips and snorkelling guide.

Swim and snorkel

Konnos Bay, a sheltered cove on the northern edge of the park, is the main swimming beach and was on the July 2026 Blue Flag list. Elsewhere you swim from the rocks, with no lifeguards. Visit Cyprus describes Cape Greco as one of the island's most popular spots for freediving, with caves, reefs and turtles.

Learn at the environmental centre

The Environmental Information and Education Centre near the main car park has exhibitions on coastal and marine ecosystems, aquariums and a café. As of 2026, Visit Cyprus lists it as open daily in summer (May to October) and on weekday mornings in winter, with a small entrance fee; check the current hours before you go.

When is the best time to go?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November) are ideal for walking, with wildflowers in spring and warm sea in autumn. In summer, go early in the morning or for sunset: there is almost no shade, and the limestone reflects the heat. Winter is quiet and often clear, but the sea can be rough.

Practical tips and safety

• Do not cliff jump. In 2026 the Forestry Department fenced off part of the sea caves because the rock showed signs of instability. There have been serious injuries and deaths there, and rescues there are a regular occurrence.
• Water and shade. Take at least a litre of water per person, a hat and sun cream.
• Footwear. The limestone is sharp and uneven; wear proper shoes, and water shoes for swimming from the rocks.
• Stay on the paths. It is a protected area: no off-road driving, no fires and no picking plants.
• Fire risk. From May to October the risk of wildfire is high. Report smoke on 1407 or 112.
• Drones. Rules on drone use apply in Cyprus; check before you fly.

What else is nearby?

• Ayia Napa and Protaras beaches – Nissi, Makronissos and Fig Tree Bay; see our Blue Flag beaches guide.
• Profitis Ilias chapel – a hilltop church above Protaras with wide coastal views.
• Ayia Napa monastery – a Venetian-era monastery in the centre of town.

What to do next

• Read our Protaras area guide and Ayia Napa area guide.
• Explore more walks in our guide to hiking routes in Cyprus.
• See the whole district in our Famagusta hub.