The Love Bridge, Ayia Napa's rock arch

The Love Bridge is one of those quick stops that end up in every photo album from Ayia Napa. It doesn’t take long, but it pays to go at the right time. Here’s what it is and when to see it. The town itself has its own page, Ayia Napa.

An arch made by the sea

Visit Famagusta, the regional tourism portal, describes it as a natural rock arch. One end reaches into the water, which here is clear, somewhere between turquoise and emerald, and the other rests on a raised coastal plateau. Nature has shaped it over time, with no human help.

It sits right in front of the Ayia Napa sculpture park, so the two visits go together. The same website counts it among the most photographed spots in the district.

The kissing legend

The name comes from a local tradition the region records. If a couple stand in the middle of the arch, kiss and make a wish, the wish comes true. That’s why it’s so popular with couples and honeymooners. As it’s bare natural rock, I’d tread carefully, especially when it’s wet.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ayia Napa before prices climb.

The best time of day

The regional website explains that the colours of the rock and the sea shift with the position of the sun, so the place looks different hour by hour. I find it prettiest late in the afternoon, in low light, which is also when the heat on the rock eases off. At midday in summer there’s no shade at all.

Ammos tou Kambouri, the beach next door

Beside the arch, on the eastern edge of town, is Ammos tou Kambouri, a small beach framed by rocks that Visit Famagusta presents as a quiet corner away from the crowds. One regional page speaks of golden sand and another of a pebbly beach. It’s a favourite for seaside weddings, has lifeguards, parking and a canteen, and a coastal tree that locals call almiritzi grows there.

For diving, the region points to Blue Haze here, a site with easy entry from the sand or down a few steps and a maximum depth of about 6 m, used for try dives and courses. I’d bring a mask and snorkel even if you don’t dive.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Love Bridge and choose by the reviews.

Getting there and the surroundings

OSEA’s circular route 202, which covers the east of Ayia Napa, has a stop called Love Bridge, next to Ammos tou Kambouri, for €2 by day. On foot, just follow the coast from the centre. Further east lie the Ayia Napa sea caves and then Cape Greco, and to stay in the area, see hotels in Ayia Napa.

A car frees you from timetables: search car hire in Ayia Napa on DiscoverCars and compare companies.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ayia Napa before prices climb.