Where to Eat in Ayia Napa and Protaras, in Season and Out

Ayia Napa and Protaras have far more restaurants than residents, and most of them cook for summer crowds. The places worth seeking out are the ones that serve locals too: the fish tavernas on Ayia Napa harbour and along the Protaras coast, and the village tavernas a few minutes inland. Our short answer: Vassos Psarolimano for fish on the harbour, Kalamies or Spartiatis for lunch by the sea in Protaras, and Mousikos in Sotira for a traditional evening.

Our own picks, checked in October 2026. Opening days and hours change, especially in winter, so check before you go. Know a great place we've missed? Tell us.

Where should you eat in Ayia Napa?

Vassos is the one to book. It opens every day from midday and takes bookings on 23 721884. The menu has a children's burger and a vegan moussaka, which makes it easy for mixed groups. Ayia Napa Marina, on the western edge of town, works all year with cafés and restaurants on its promenade; it is flat and easy with a pushchair, and in winter it is usually the liveliest corner of town. Our guide to Ayia Napa and Protaras in winter lists the marina's cafés with daily hours.

Where should you eat in Protaras, Pernera and Kapparis?

Kalamies takes bookings on 23 831145 and opens every day from 09:00. Spartiatis (23 831386) is perfect after a morning walk at Cape Greco, where there is free parking near the viewpoints, but it closes for part of the winter. Karas is set back from the sea on the Kapparis road, but it is one of the area's best-known family fish tavernas; book online or on +357 23 820 565, and it also delivers through Foody and Wolt. For more on fish and how pricing by the kilo works, see our guide to the best fish tavernas by the sea in Cyprus.

Is there an authentic village taverna near Ayia Napa?

Yes. The red-soil villages inland, known as the Kokkinochoria, still cook for their own people, and they are only ten to fifteen minutes from the beaches.

Mousikos opens in the evenings; call 23 828833 to book and to check the day. It has no website or official social page. Sotira is also known for its kolokasi (taro), a winter dish; read more in our Sotira area guide. For more village tavernas around the island, see how to find an authentic Cypriot taverna.

What stays open in winter?

This is the big difference from Larnaca or Limassol. As of October 2026, Ayia Napa does not close completely, but many businesses aimed at summer visitors shut or cut their hours, and Protaras is even more seasonal, with many hotels, bars and restaurants closed by November. Here is what to expect:

Our advice for November to March:

• Head to the harbour and the marina in Ayia Napa, which stay the liveliest.
• Look inland. Paralimni town centre, where residents shop and eat all year, has cafés and tavernas that do not depend on tourists.
• Follow local restaurants on social media, as many post when they close for the winter and when they reopen.

Practical tips

• Booking: in July and August book everything for the evening, especially at Vassos and Kalamies. In spring and autumn you can usually walk in at lunchtime.
• Getting there: local OSEA buses link Ayia Napa, Protaras and Paralimni, and Intercity runs to Nicosia and Larnaca; extra summer services started on 13 June 2026. Check the latest timetables before relying on a late bus back.
• Parking: the harbour area gets busy on summer evenings; arrive early or take a taxi.
• Families: Karas has a children's menu and Vassos a children's burger. For play areas, see our guide to family-friendly restaurants.
• Vegetarian: Vassos has a vegan moussaka; at tavernas, ask for a vegetarian meze in advance.

Related guides

• Ayia Napa and Protaras in winter
• Best beaches in Ayia Napa and Protaras
• Things to do in Ayia Napa and Protaras beyond the beach
• Living in Famagusta district