Nissi Beach among world’s best on Instagram

Ayia Napa may be struggling to rebrand itself, but its many white-sand beaches need no introduction as Nissi Beach is among the world’s top 50 on Instagram just in time for summer holidays plans.

Nissi Beach is currently the third most popular beach on Instagram judging by the number of photos, as 124,910 images have been posted on the social media application according to Globehunters, a well known travel website.

Three more beaches in the Famagusta area were also very popular, with Fig Tree Bay in 20th place, Konnos Bay in 40th and Makronnissos Beach in 53rd.

The significance of Instagram photos is rather telling of how popular Ayia Napa has become, as people who use the application are regular tourists and beachgoers and not professionals in the travel industry.

Ayia Napa Mayor Yiannis Karousos posted a comment on his personal Facebook account, saying he was happy that Famagusta area beaches were in the spotlight.

Karousos, who is himself caught up in a firestorm of criticism by government officials, recently spoke publicly about the need to improve the image of his town and attract better quality tourists.

But a number of development projects in beach areas, including some of those featured on Instagram, have been called off on the basis they were either unlawful or unlicensed work.

The government urged everyone involved both at state and local levels to better coordinate with various office, so that any construction work is done properly and legally. Cyprus is expecting another record year for tourist arrivals in 2018.