The Ayia Napa Sea Monster is a cryptid, claimed to inhabit the coast off of Ayia Napa in Cyprus, a popular tourist resort on the Mediterranean. Most sightings occur around Cape Greco (Cavo Greko). It is known by the local fishermen as "To Filiko Teras", which translates as "The Friendly Monster". There have been no reports of it causing any harm, although it has been reported at times to rip and drag away fishing nets. There have been countless sightings of the "Creature from the Depths", with some local newspapers calling the mystery the "Cyprus Loch Ness". It has been speculated to be something like acrocodile or serpent. There is no evidence that the monster actually exists, except in folklore and through various sightings by tourists and locals alike. There exists little photographic evidence, except unverified short-films and pictures. A search for the monster was recently featured in a Destination Truth episode on the SyFy (formerly Sci-Fi Channel) series in Series 04 (episode 13).
Many believers of the myth of the Ayia Napa Sea Monster like to link it with the common mythical sea monster of Greek mythology called Scylla, which is depicted in the mosaics that remain in the House of Dionysus, a Roman villa from the 2nd century ACE in Paphos, Cyprus. Many ancient authorities describe it as a monstrous form of a giant maiden in torso, with a serpent for its lower body, having six snarling dog-heads issuing from its midriff, including their twelve forelimbs. This is the form described by Hyginus, the Bibliotheca and the Suda, among so many others, and it is this form most often depicted on vase paintings. According to a description from Gaius Julius Hyginus, a Latin author, actually it possessed “more heads than the vase-painters could paint”, and whoever encountered it was killed almost instantaneously.
Government officials have started a search for the monster and its existence. The hope of spotting the Ayia Napa Sea Monster remains a highlight for many tourists on boating day-trips. Many hotels boast to being close to sightings. There is no possible link to any such sea monster and any monster said to be living in Kouris Dam, which according to reports are more likely to be crocodile-type creatures that had been kept as pets but unlawfully released.
Rent a luxury villas in Ayia Napa[]
Stay in a private villa for rent at Ayia Napa, which is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Cyprus. See the monastery, sculpture park, Central Square, sea caves, and the many beaches here. The Cape Greco region is also very close.
Select from 3 or 4-bedroom luxury villas that comes with modern amenities and luxuries. Our villas for rent have private swimming pools, manicured gardens, barbecue, air-conditioning, music system, movie libraries, terrace with sea view. The rooms are larger than the average star-category hotel.
Some of these holiday villas are beachfront properties while the others are tucked away in cozy corners, offering you a serene and peaceful vacation with privacy. The tourist attractions of Ayia Napa and the beaches are all close. Rent an Ayia Napa villa for the most luxurious and memorable Cypriot vacation.