A Stroll Through the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park

Just a short drive from Protaras coastline lies a place that quietly surprises almost everyone who visits it — the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park. Open-air, unpretentious, and set against a sweeping Mediterranean backdrop, it’s one of those places you don’t plan to love, yet somehow you do.

How It All Began ?

The story of the park is surprisingly simple and very Cypriot. In the early 2010s, Ayia Napa’s mayor at the time, Yiannis Karousos, wanted to create something that would bring culture, nature, and tourism together in a way that felt generous, not commercial. Together with local cultural committees and a circle of international sculptors, the idea grew:

an open sculpture park overlooking the sea, built through annual artistic gatherings rather than construction plans.

The first international symposium took place soon after, and artists arrived from different continents carrying sketches, dreams, and a willingness to work under the sun. Nearly every sculpture was created right there on the hill — the sound of chisels echoing across the rocks, limestone dust swirling in the breeze. Over the years, the park expanded piece by piece, artist by artist, until it became one of Cyprus’ quiet cultural treasures.One sculpture may be abstract and flowing; the next figurative, carved with clear lines and emotion. Most works are shaped from Cypriot limestone and other natural stones, materials that react beautifully to the island’s sun and soft evening colours. Many pieces were created on-site, allowing visitors to sense the raw energy of the process — chisel marks, textures, and the intentional imperfections that make hand-crafted work so compelling. Artists from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have contributed, turning the park into a global conversation carried out in stone.

Spread across a rocky hill overlooking the sea, the park brings together more than 300 sculptures created during international symposia by artists from all over the world. Walking among them feels a little like wandering through an outdoor atelier where every piece has been left exactly as the artist intended — without barriers, glass, or distance. The wind, the sea, the light… everything becomes part of the exhibition.

The atmosphere changes with the time of day.

Early morning feels calm and spacious; late afternoon casts long shadows and warm hues; sunset spreads gold and rose across the entire landscape, making the sculptures seem almost alive. With its mix of nature, sea views, and creativity, the park becomes an unexpectedly peaceful place for slow wandering, photography, or simply letting your mind rest in the presence of art.

For guests staying at Libra Arte Villa, the Sculpture Park offers an easy and inspiring excursion — something different from the beaches and bustle of the coast. It’s a reminder that Cyprus is not only about turquoise water and lively evenings but also about craftsmanship, imagination, and thoughtful spaces shaped by artists from around the world.

Whether you spend twenty minutes or two hours there, the experience stays with you — quiet, contemplative, and wonderfully human.

Whether you enjoy photographing art, taking scenic walks, or discovering lesser-known places, this park is a charming addition to your Cyprus itinerary.

Plan Your Visit ;)

Location: Ayia Napa, on a coastal hill with sweeping Mediterranean views.

Entry: Free

Best time: Morning for calm; or sunset for breathtaking colours

Good for: photography, slow walks, families, art lovers, anyone seeking a peaceful moment