Saint Thekla Chapel - View of Santa Maria della Pietà towards Gran Sasso. Abruzzo, Italy. Olympus 35 RC on Kodak Color Plus film.
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Saint Thekla Chapel

4.7
·689 reviews·Ayia Napa, Cyprus

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Evening

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Saint Thekla Chapel - View of Santa Maria della Pietà towards Gran Sasso. Abruzzo, Italy. Olympus 35 RC on Kodak Color Plus film.

Saint Thekla Chapel

Best Time

Late Evening

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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!

4.7
(689 reviews)

"A small but nice church by the sea, worth the visit if you're driving nearby."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Saint Thekla Chapel

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

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

Ayia Thekla Beach

Adjacent to the chapel

A beautiful, sandy beach with warm, clear waters, perfect for a relaxing dip after visiting the chapel.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While Saint Thekla Chapel is open during the day, visiting late evening offers a more serene experience with fewer crowds. Sunrise is also a popular time for photographers before heading home. Reddit+1

Exploring the Surroundings

Beyond the chapel, discover a small cave or rock-carved tomb nearby, accessible by stairs leading towards the sea. This historical site, sometimes referred to as a catacomb, is often overlooked but offers a unique exploration opportunity. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late Evening
Why
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Sunrise
Why
Ideal for photographers
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime
Why
Chapel is open for visits
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Chapelle Ayia Thekla #ayianapa #vacances #chapelle #vu #fyp
@julie.djs18
231 likes • 2.7K views

🚗 Rough Road Access

The road leading up to the chapel can be rough, so drive carefully or consider parking and walking. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Spot

This chapel is a fantastic location for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset. TikTokReddit

Replying to @San The most gorgeous place ⛪️💙 #greekchurch #ayianapa
@danaelizamusic
49 likes • 1.3K views
A throwback to a special moment at the mountain chapel a few years ago. Singing in prayer during a supplication service to Saint Thekla. ⛰️✨ May her faith, courage, and love for Christ continue to inspire us especially during this journey of Great and Holy Lent ☦️💙 Quick reminder: camp registration closes on 3/31!! Don’t forget to sign up ✅ link in bio to register now!
campst.thekla
68 likes • 636 views

⛪ Explore the Cave

Don't miss the small cave chapel below; it's an interesting historical site. Reddit

🏖️ Beach Access

Enjoy the adjacent Ayia Thekla Beach for a refreshing swim after your visit. TikTok

One of our excursions took us to Ayia Thekla beach, home to a charming white-and-blue chapel overlooking the sea. It’s 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. ⛪️🌊 #bayswatersummer #studybayswater #foreverconnected #sunseaenglish . #EnglishCourses #holidaycourses #learnEnglish #studyabroad #Li...
englishincyprus
44 likes • 1.4K views

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. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Spot

This chapel is a fantastic location for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset. TikTokReddit

⛪ Explore the Cave

Don't miss the small cave chapel below; it's an interesting historical site. Reddit

🏖️ Beach Access

Enjoy the adjacent Ayia Thekla Beach for a refreshing swim after your visit. TikTok

🅿️ Free Parking Available

There's ample free parking available near the chapel. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(689 reviews)

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

Beautiful seaside location
Great for photos
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited activities
Rough road access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Saint Thekla Chapel is located a short drive from central Ayia Napa, approximately a 5-minute journey. TikTok 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. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of free parking available near the chapel, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

While accessible, the road leading up to the chapel is described as rough. Visitors with standard cars should proceed with caution. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Access to the cave chapel, located near the main chapel, is also generally free. It's an interesting historical site to explore. Reddit

Yes, visitors have reported visiting the chapel on a Sunday evening, though it may be closed at certain times. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are during sunrise and sunset, offering beautiful light and fewer crowds. TikTokReddit Drone photography also captures stunning aerial views of the chapel and its surroundings. TikTok

Generally, photography is permitted. However, always be respectful of the religious nature of the site. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

Drone footage shared on TikTok showcases impressive aerial views, suggesting drone photography is possible and yields stunning results. TikTok

The cave chapel itself, with its rock-carved features and stairs leading down, offers unique and atmospheric photographic opportunities. Reddit

🎫 🏖️ 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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

The beach is described as sandy with warm, clean water, making it a pleasant spot for families. TikTok

While the beach is great for swimming, specific water sports facilities are not widely mentioned. The focus is more on relaxation and natural beauty. TikTok

Ayia Thekla Chapel is a historic religious site, while Ayia Thekla Beach is the adjacent sandy shoreline offering recreational opportunities. TikTok+1

🎫 📜 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. Instagram It's believed to date back to the 1st century AD, with some sources mentioning it was built in the 1700s. TikTok+1

One TikTok video mentions tales of paranormal activity, with visitors reporting cold spots, strange noises, and unseen forces. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram

Historically, the site served as a women's monastery until 1937. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Saint Thekla Chapel and its surroundings offer a pleasant outing for families. The adjacent Ayia Thekla Beach is a major draw, featuring warm, shallow, and clear waters that are safe and enjoyable for children to play in. TikTok The sandy beach provides ample space for building sandcastles and relaxing. While the chapel itself is a place of worship, its picturesque setting and the nearby historical cave offer a brief, engaging point of interest for curious young minds. Reddit

Parking is available and free, making arrival easier with children. Reddit 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. TikTok

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

For photographers and content creators, Saint Thekla Chapel is a gem. The iconic white and blue chapel against the Mediterranean backdrop is incredibly photogenic. TikTok+1 Aim for sunrise or late evening for the best natural light and atmospheric shots. TikTokReddit Don't forget to explore the cave chapel for unique, moody shots. Reddit

Drone footage is highly recommended to capture the chapel's stunning coastal position and the expanse of Ayia Thekla Beach. TikTok 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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

Solo travelers and couples will appreciate the serene and picturesque setting of Saint Thekla Chapel. Visiting during late evening offers a tranquil and romantic atmosphere, perfect for quiet contemplation or a peaceful stroll along the coast. TikTokReddit The adjacent Ayia Thekla Beach provides a lovely spot for a relaxing afternoon or a sunset walk. TikTok

Exploring the cave chapel adds an element of discovery and historical intrigue to the visit. Reddit 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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Sacred and the Ancient

Saint Thekla Chapel is a picturesque, white-and-blue structure perched on the coast near Ayia Napa. It's dedicated to Saint Thekla, an early Christian saint and follower of Saint Paul. The chapel itself is a beautiful spot for reflection and offers stunning sea views. TikTokInstagram+1 Many visitors find it a peaceful place, especially outside of peak hours. Reddit

Beyond the main chapel, a significant historical element is the cave chapel or catacombs located nearby, accessible by stairs leading down towards the sea. TikTokReddit 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. Reddit

The site's history also includes its time as a women's monastery until 1937, adding another layer to its historical significance. Instagram 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. TikTok+1

Photography Opportunities and Best Times

Saint Thekla Chapel is a photographer's dream, particularly for its scenic seaside location. The white and blue chapel stands out beautifully against the azure sea and sky, making it a popular subject for both casual and professional photographers. TikTok+1 Many visitors recommend visiting during sunrise or late evening to capture the best light and avoid crowds. TikTokReddit+1

Drone photography offers a unique perspective, showcasing the chapel's coastal setting and the adjacent Ayia Thekla Beach from above. TikTok The nearby cave chapel also provides atmospheric and unique photographic opportunities, with its rough-hewn rock and descending stairs. Reddit

While the chapel itself is a primary subject, the surrounding Ayia Thekla Beach offers further photographic potential, especially during golden hour. TikTok+1 The combination of historical architecture, natural beauty, and the sea makes this location highly photogenic throughout the day.

Ayia Thekla Beach: A Coastal Escape

Adjacent to the Saint Thekla Chapel is the lovely Ayia Thekla Beach. This sandy stretch is known for its warm, clear, and shallow waters, making it an inviting spot for swimming and relaxation. TikTok Unlike some of the more bustling beaches in Ayia Napa, Ayia Thekla Beach offers a more tranquil experience, often with fewer crowds. TikTok

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. TikTok The beach is also considered family-friendly due to its calm waters and sandy composition. TikTok

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. TikTok

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