Ayia Thekla Chapel

Ayia Thekla Church is a small whitewashed chapel on the coastline of Ayia Napa, close to Ayia Thekla Beach. It is one of those places that feels simple at first glance, but the setting makes it memorable. The chapel sits above the sea, with views over the turquoise water and the surrounding coastline.

What makes it special

Explore a small chapel in the rocks by the sea

Enjoy stunning views of the clear blue sea

Visit during sunset or sunrise for magical moments

This is a good stop if you want a peaceful place away from the busier centre of Ayia Napa. It works well for a short visit, a quiet moment, photos, or as part of a wider day around Ayia Thekla Beach and the western side of Ayia Napa.

What Makes It Worth Visiting

The main reason to visit Ayia Thekla Church is the setting. The chapel itself is small and modest, but its position by the sea gives it a calm and beautiful atmosphere.

It is also a popular spot for weddings and wedding photography, especially for couples who want a romantic coastal backdrop without the feel of a large formal venue.

What to Expect

Ayia Thekla Church is a traditional coastal chapel with a simple white exterior and a peaceful feel. It is not a large attraction that needs hours to explore, but it is a lovely place to stop if you are nearby.

The area around the church is scenic, with sea views, open sky, and easy access to the nearby beach. It is especially nice around sunset, when the light over the coast becomes softer and the views feel more atmospheric.

Ayia Thekla Beach Nearby

Just below the chapel, you will find Ayia Thekla Beach, a sandy beach with clear water. This makes the church easy to combine with a swim, a beach walk, or a relaxed stop by the sea.

If you are visiting the beach, it is worth taking a few extra minutes to walk up to the chapel and enjoy the view from above.

Weddings and Photography

Ayia Thekla Church is often chosen for weddings because of its intimate size and seaside location. The chapel, the sea, and the open coastal scenery create a naturally romantic setting.

Even if you are not attending a wedding, it is a good place for photos, especially in the late afternoon or close to sunset.

Useful Things to Know

Ayia Thekla Church is best visited as a short stop rather than a full day attraction. It is ideal if you are already exploring the Ayia Thekla area, heading to the beach, or driving along the coastline outside central Ayia Napa.

As it is a religious site, visitors should be respectful, especially if there is a service, wedding, or private ceremony taking place.

ElloCyprus Recommends

Visit Ayia Thekla Church in the late afternoon if you want softer light and a quieter atmosphere. Combine it with Ayia Thekla Beach for a simple coastal visit that does not feel as busy as the main beaches closer to the centre of Ayia Napa.

If you are planning photos, sunset is the best time to come, but arrive a little earlier so you are not rushing.

Insider Tips

  • Combine your visit with Ayia Thekla Beach.
  • Visit near sunset for the best coastal views.
  • Keep the visit respectful, as this is a church and wedding venue.
  • Bring a camera or phone, as the sea views are one of the main highlights.
  • Use it as a peaceful stop if you want a break from the busier parts of Ayia Napa.

Key Points

  • Small whitewashed church in the Ayia Thekla area of Ayia Napa.
  • Dedicated to Saint Thekla.
  • Located close to Ayia Thekla Beach.
  • Known for sea views, peaceful atmosphere, and sunset scenery.
  • Popular for weddings and wedding photography.
  • Best visited as part of a beach stop or coastal drive.
  • Suitable for quiet visits, photos, and short sightseeing stops.

Final Thoughts

Ayia Thekla Church is a small but beautiful coastal chapel that is worth visiting if you are exploring the quieter side of Ayia Napa. It is simple, peaceful, and perfectly placed above the sea.

If you are heading to Ayia Thekla Beach or looking for a calm sunset spot, this little chapel is worth adding to your route.

Ello says

If possible, visit during daytime to fully appreciate the beauty of Ayia Thekla Chapel and its surroundings

Take time to explore both the main chapel and the smaller one in the rocks below

Consider visiting during sunset or sunrise for breathtaking views and serene atmosphere

Be prepared that public facilities like toilets may not always be accessible

Reviews

Google reviews sit at 4.8 from 749 reviews, while Tripadvisor is at 4.5 from 190, so the response looks consistent across both sources. Recent comments most often mention the setting and the value for money.

Google
Google749 reviews
4.8/5
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor190 reviews
4.5/5

Google rating breakdown

5 stars622
4 stars83
3 stars36
2 stars3
1 star5
5/5

Paul Feng

4 January 2026from GoogleGoogle

Such a beautiful chapel! A nice place for pilgrimage and photo shoot ☦️☦️☦️☦️

3/5

Simon 784

10 June 2025from GoogleGoogle

Good for photos. Not much else. It's just a church on a hill. Road leading up to it is rough.

5/5

Kee

16 February 2026from GoogleGoogle

A pretty chapel right on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea next to Ayia Thekla beach. Stunning sea views and benches to sit down and take them all in.

5/5

Horea Lazar

3 September 2024from GoogleGoogle

Quite isolated, but a nice small chapel. Good to visit late evening. And was stil open.

5/5

Ανδρέα Κο

7 November 2025from GoogleGoogle

Beautiful little church ⛪️ by the sea. Very busy with various events during thd day

4/5

David A.J. Sockett (Andrew Sockett)

22 July 2019from GoogleGoogle

The church was closed when we made it late Sunday evening, it was a nice place to visit, what got us by surprise was the small cave not to far from the church. Not sure if the cave was a chapel, a tomb or what but whatever it was it was interesting. If you at the church there are stairs that lead down towards the sea and you will see the cross on the rocks and you can go inside and explore. I am not sure why there is not much info on google maps about the cave and the history about it. I wouldn’t go out of you way to come here however if your driving near by it is worth the visit.

5/5

Costas Trahilis

15 November 2025from GoogleGoogle

No words needed. It is why we love Cyprus.

5/5

ksaittis

11 October 2020from GoogleGoogle

Scenic place you can can visit if you are in the area. Church is usually closed but you can still enjoy the view and visit the altar in the small cave next to the church.

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