Paliatso Luna Park is the largest amusement park in Cyprus and one of the most popular family entertainment centers on the island. Located in the heart of Ayia Napa, just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront promenade, this park has become an integral part of the town’s resort atmosphere. It combines modern rides, children’s areas, evening shows, and a festival-like atmosphere, transforming your vacation into a vibrant and memorable adventure.
Contents
- 1 History and development of the park
- 2 Atmosphere and concept
- 3 Main attractions
- 4 Kids’ area and family entertainment
- 5 Ticket system and visit organization
- 6 Cafes, restaurants and services
- 7 Safety and standards
- 8 Paliatso in the evening – the city of lights
- 9 Location and directions
- 10 Opening hours and useful information
- 11 The Importance of Paliatso for Cyprus Tourism
History and development of the park
Paliatso Luna Park opened in 1999 and has since become an iconic amusement park on the east coast of Cyprus. Its founder, Cypriot entrepreneur Andreas Paliatso, set out to create a park that would combine European safety standards with a fairground atmosphere.
Over time, the park steadily expanded, adding new areas, playgrounds, extreme rides, and cafes. Today, Paliatso covers over 25,000 square meters and is the largest amusement park on the island. It is visited by tourists from around the world and locals alike, especially on summer evenings, when Ayia Napa transforms into a city of lights and music.
Atmosphere and concept
The park’s main idea is to bring people of all ages together and make recreation vibrant, safe, and accessible. There’s a special energy here—the smell of cotton candy, the sounds of laughter, music from the speakers, and the twinkling of hundreds of lights create a truly festive atmosphere.
The territory is divided into several zones:
- Children’s – with safe carousels, mini-mushrooms, cars and mini-roller coasters.
- Family – with classic attractions like a Ferris wheel and a race track.
- Extreme – with modern installations designed for thrill-seekers.
- The gaming area includes arcades, a shooting range, simulators, and slot machines with prizes.
Main attractions
Paliatso is famous for its large-scale and varied attractions, many of which are unique in Cyprus.
The main ones are:
- Sling Shot is the park’s tallest attraction and one of Ayia Napa’s landmarks. Visitors are launched into a special capsule more than 90 meters high at speeds exceeding 160 km/h. The attraction is visible from anywhere in the city.
- The Giant Wheel is a huge Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of Ayia Napa and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Crazy Frog and Power Surge are spinning rides that create centrifugal acceleration and are popular with young people.
- Go-Kart Track is a go-kart track with a professional surface, suitable for both children and adults.
- Haunted House is a haunted house where the effect of presence is achieved through light, sound and moving figures.
- Bumper Boats and Water Balls are water activities that are especially popular on hot summer days.
- Drop Tower is a vertical drop from a height of over 50 meters, giving the effect of free flight.
Kids’ area and family entertainment
There’s a separate area for children, where all rides are age- and height-appropriate. Miniature carousels, trains, trampolines, and play structures are designed in a cartoon style and undergo regular safety inspections.
In the evening, the children’s area is softly illuminated, and staff are on hand to ensure order and assist the little ones. Parents can relax nearby while watching their children from the café terraces. Discounts on tickets and special combo packages are available for families with small children.
Ticket system and visit organization
Admission to the park is free—you only pay for the rides. Visitors can purchase pre-loaded cards or unlimited wristbands, which are especially convenient for family outings.
The cost of a ride depends on the difficulty level of the attraction:
- children – from 2 to 3 euros;
- family – from 4 to 6 euros;
- extreme – from 7 to 12 euros.
Cafes, restaurants and services
Paliatso offers a wide selection of cafes and food courts serving pizza, burgers, ice cream, sweets, and drinks. There are also areas serving traditional Cypriot cuisine, such as souvlaki, gyros, kebabs, and fresh juices.
For guests’ convenience, restrooms, stroller routes, and baby changing rooms are available. Security and a first aid station are available 7 days a week. All rides are maintained by certified operators, and the equipment undergoes regular inspections.
Safety and standards
All attractions comply with international EN and TÜV standards. Staff undergo annual training, and equipment is inspected daily. Age and height restrictions for children are posted on each attraction.
The park is equipped with CCTV cameras and emergency call centers. A medical service is located in the central area, next to the café and Ferris wheel.
Paliatso in the evening – the city of lights
After sunset, the park is transformed: neon signs light up, music plays, and the air fills with a truly festive atmosphere. It’s during the evening hours that vacationers from all over Ayia Napa flock here.
The Ferris wheel becomes a vibrant dominant feature of the evening sky, and the Sling Shot catapult illuminates the sky with its flashes. The park’s nighttime lights are visible even from Nissi Beach, and for many tourists, they become a symbol of the resort’s vibrant nightlife.
Location and directions
Paliatso Luna Park is located in the center of Ayia Napa, on Nissi Avenue, close to the central square and bus stops. The park is easily accessible on foot from most of the resort’s hotels.
Guests arriving by car can enjoy ample free parking. During peak season, it’s recommended to arrive before 8:00 PM to avoid long lines at the ticket office.
Opening hours and useful information
The park is open all year round, but peak attendance occurs between April and October.
- In summer: from 18:00 to 00:30 (on some days until 02:00).
- In winter: from 17:00 to 22:00 (some attractions are closed).
Children under 90 cm tall can ride free on some carousels. Discounts are available for groups and families, and the park’s website regularly posts promotions and special offers.
The Importance of Paliatso for Cyprus Tourism
Paliatso has become more than just a leisure activity; it’s become an important part of Ayia Napa’s cultural life. It shapes the resort’s image as a comfortable place for the whole family to spend time. The park actively participates in charity events, supports children’s organizations, and offers free visits to schools.
For tourists, the park is one of the places where they can experience the spirit of resort Cyprus, combining joy, music, and family gatherings.
Paliatso Luna Park is a symbol of modern Ayia Napa and one of the island’s most famous entertainment complexes. It combines a fun atmosphere with safety, offering entertainment for all ages.
Thanks to its scale, variety of attractions, and ideal location, Paliatso remains a must-see for anyone visiting Cyprus. Every evening here becomes a celebration, and the memories are long-lasting.
