Saint Thekla Chapel
A charming white and blue chapel by the sea, offering stunning views and a nearby beach. Explore its historical cave too!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Saint Thekla Chapel
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming white and blue chapel by the sea, offering stunning views and a nearby beach. Explore its historical cave too!
"A small but nice church by the sea, worth the visit if you're driving nearby."
🚗 Rough Road Access
The road leading up to the chapel can be rough, so drive carefully or consider parking and walking.
📸 Great Photo Spot
This chapel is a fantastic location for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Saint Thekla Chapel
Seaside, Ayia Napa
A charming white and blue chapel perched by the sea, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Cave Chapel / Catacombs
Below the main chapel, near the sea
An intriguing rock-carved tomb or chapel accessible by stairs, offering a glimpse into ancient history.

Ayia Thekla Beach
Adjacent to the chapel
A beautiful, sandy beach with warm, clear waters, perfect for a relaxing dip after visiting the chapel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rough Road Access
The road leading up to the chapel can be rough, so drive carefully or consider parking and walking.
📸 Great Photo Spot
This chapel is a fantastic location for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
⛪ Explore the Cave
Don't miss the small cave chapel below; it's an interesting historical site.
🏖️ Beach Access
Enjoy the adjacent Ayia Thekla Beach for a refreshing swim after your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rough Road Access
The road leading up to the chapel can be rough, so drive carefully or consider parking and walking.
📸 Great Photo Spot
This chapel is a fantastic location for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
⛪ Explore the Cave
Don't miss the small cave chapel below; it's an interesting historical site.
🏖️ Beach Access
Enjoy the adjacent Ayia Thekla Beach for a refreshing swim after your visit.
🅿️ Free Parking Available
There's ample free parking available near the chapel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Saint Thekla Chapel is praised for its beautiful seaside location and photogenic qualities, making it a popular spot for photos, especially at sunrise. Visitors also appreciate the nearby beach and the intriguing cave chapel. However, some find it to be 'just a church on a hill' with little else to do, and the road access can be rough.
"Good for photos. Not much else. It's just a church on a hill. Road leading up to it is rough."
Simon 784
"Great spot at sunrise before the journey home from our holiday."
Jamie
"Is a small but nice church by the sea. There's a small chapel in the rocks just underneath the main one. Yoy will find the church open during the day, and there is plenty of free parking, too."
Kypriopoulla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Saint Thekla Chapel is located a short drive from central Ayia Napa, approximately a 5-minute journey.
You can reach it by car, taxi, or even by quad bike safari. Be aware that the road leading up to the chapel can be rough.Yes, there is plenty of free parking available near the chapel, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Information on direct public transport routes to Saint Thekla Chapel is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car, taxi, or as part of an organized tour for easier access.
For those staying in Ayia Napa, renting a car or a quad bike offers the most flexibility to visit Saint Thekla Chapel and explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
While accessible, the road leading up to the chapel is described as rough. Visitors with standard cars should proceed with caution.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Saint Thekla Chapel. It is generally open during the day for visitors to explore freely.
The chapel is typically open during the day. While it was found still open late Sunday evening by one visitor, it's advisable to check for specific hours if you plan a very late visit.
Access to the cave chapel, located near the main chapel, is also generally free. It's an interesting historical site to explore.
Yes, visitors have reported visiting the chapel on a Sunday evening, though it may be closed at certain times.
While not explicitly stated for public services, the chapel is a place of worship. One Instagram reel mentions singing in prayer during a supplication service.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during sunrise and sunset, offering beautiful light and fewer crowds.
Drone photography also captures stunning aerial views of the chapel and its surroundings.Generally, photography is permitted. However, always be respectful of the religious nature of the site.
You can capture picturesque shots of the white and blue chapel against the backdrop of the sea, the nearby beach, and the intriguing cave chapel.
Drone footage shared on TikTok showcases impressive aerial views, suggesting drone photography is possible and yields stunning results.
The cave chapel itself, with its rock-carved features and stairs leading down, offers unique and atmospheric photographic opportunities.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities
Yes, Ayia Thekla Beach is located right next to the chapel, offering a sandy shore and clear, warm waters for swimming and relaxation.
You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the beach. It's known for not being overly crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
The beach is described as sandy with warm, clean water, making it a pleasant spot for families.
While the beach is great for swimming, specific water sports facilities are not widely mentioned. The focus is more on relaxation and natural beauty.
Ayia Thekla Chapel is a historic religious site, while Ayia Thekla Beach is the adjacent sandy shoreline offering recreational opportunities.
🎫 📜 History & Legends
The chapel is dedicated to Saint Thekla, a follower of Saint Paul who lived as a hermit after escaping persecution. The site was a women's monastery until 1937.
It's believed to date back to the 1st century AD, with some sources mentioning it was built in the 1700s.One TikTok video mentions tales of paranormal activity, with visitors reporting cold spots, strange noises, and unseen forces.
The cave chapel, or catacombs, is an ancient rock-carved tomb or chapel. Its exact history and purpose are not widely documented on platforms like Google Maps, making it a point of curiosity for visitors.
Saint Thekla was an early Christian saint, a disciple of Saint Paul the Apostle. She is known for her faith and courage in escaping persecution.
Historically, the site served as a women's monastery until 1937.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking is available and free, making arrival easier with children. Consider visiting during the day when the chapel is open and the beach is at its most inviting. The relatively uncrowded nature of Ayia Thekla Beach compared to other Ayia Napa hotspots can also be a significant advantage for families seeking a more relaxed beach experience.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Drone footage is highly recommended to capture the chapel's stunning coastal position and the expanse of Ayia Thekla Beach. The beach itself offers beautiful seaside compositions, especially during golden hour. The rough road leading up is a minor challenge, but the visual rewards are substantial.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Exploring the cave chapel adds an element of discovery and historical intrigue to the visit. The ease of access with free parking and the chapel's open nature make it a convenient and rewarding stop, whether you're seeking spiritual reflection or simply beautiful scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Sacred and the Ancient
Beyond the main chapel, a significant historical element is the cave chapel or catacombs located nearby, accessible by stairs leading down towards the sea. This rock-carved tomb or chapel is less documented but offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's ancient past. Visitors have noted its intriguing nature and the mystery surrounding its exact historical purpose.
The site's history also includes its time as a women's monastery until 1937, adding another layer to its historical significance. While some sources mention it was built in the 1700s, its origins are believed to be much older, possibly dating back to the 1st century AD.
Photography Opportunities and Best Times
Drone photography offers a unique perspective, showcasing the chapel's coastal setting and the adjacent Ayia Thekla Beach from above. The nearby cave chapel also provides atmospheric and unique photographic opportunities, with its rough-hewn rock and descending stairs.
While the chapel itself is a primary subject, the surrounding Ayia Thekla Beach offers further photographic potential, especially during golden hour. The combination of historical architecture, natural beauty, and the sea makes this location highly photogenic throughout the day.
Ayia Thekla Beach: A Coastal Escape
Visitors appreciate the beach for its natural beauty and the convenience of having it right next to the chapel. It's an ideal place to unwind after exploring the historical site. The beach is also considered family-friendly due to its calm waters and sandy composition.
While the primary draw might be the chapel, the beach provides a perfect complement, allowing visitors to enjoy both cultural exploration and seaside leisure in one location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit