Despite the bitter cold, over 300 winter swimmers from all over Cyprus and abroad dived into the waters of Makronissos beach, proving once again the dynamic and uniqueness of the institution.
The 3rd International Ayia Napa Winter Swimming Festival, co-organized by the Ayia Napa Municipality and the Ayia Napa Winter Swimming Club on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at "Makronisos" beach, was a great success. The Festival was held in the presence of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou, and the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, who himself participated in the winter swimming.
Also present were the Deputy Mayors of the Municipal Districts of the Municipality of Ayia Napa (Sotiras, Liopetriou, Ayia Napa and Achna), Messrs. Antonis Koumis, Markos Koumis, Antonis Christou and Nikos Vasilas, who also participated in the jury of the competition for the best sand art work.
In his greeting, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou, expressed his particular joy and satisfaction for his presence at the 3rd International Winter Swimming Festival of Ayia Napa, which he described as a unique institution that has now become established in the sporting and cultural events of the Municipality. He emphasized that the excellent and careful organization gives the opportunity to dozens of swimmers from Cyprus and abroad to meet, practice their favorite sport and exchange experiences, in a common meeting place for the exchange of experiences and cheerfulness.
At the same time, he pointed out that through the organization of international festivals, the Municipality's strategic goal of promoting the unique characteristics of the region, its natural landscape and the special hospitality that characterizes Ayia Napa is strengthened, highlighting it as a year-round tourist destination. He congratulated the members of the winter swimmers, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ayia Napa, but especially the employees of the Municipality as well as the volunteers who worked with joy and dedication to make this Festival happen.
“Thanks to their valuable contribution, both the winter swimmers and all of us visitors enjoy a beautiful gathering.” He also expressed special thanks to the participants who took part in the four-day Festival, noting that their presence honors Ayia Napa and gives the event an international character.
The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, in his greeting, emphasized the importance of the Festival as an institution that promotes sports, wellness and respect for the marine environment. He underlined the support of the State through the presence of the Minister of Interior and highlighted winter swimming as a philosophy of life that cultivates resilience and environmental awareness.
He also highlighted the Festival's contribution to extending the tourist season and promoting Ayia Napa as a modern, sustainable and multidimensional destination throughout the year.
He referred to the Municipality's strategy for connecting sports, culture and sustainable development, as well as the need to protect the image and identity of Ayia Napa as a national tourist and cultural capital.
Finally, he thanked the Minister of Interior, the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers Association and the organizers and congratulated the athletes, describing them as ambassadors of a culture of endurance, responsibility and respect for the sea.
Welcoming the attendees, the President of the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers' Club, Mr. Andreas Larkou, thanked the swimmers from all the provinces, as well as from the Municipal Districts of Achna, Liopetri, Avgorou, Sotira and Ayia Napa, for their support and contribution to the third consecutive success of the Festival.
He expressed special thanks to the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Mayor, Mr. Christos Zannetou, for their long-standing and practical support, as well as to the Minister of Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou, who honored the event with his presence, the Famagusta Swimming Association for its respectful financial assistance, the sponsors and all those who contributed to the organization. “The success of the organization is the result of the collective effort of the organizers, the sponsors and the participating swimmers.”
The President of the Organizing Committee, Ms. Nora Hadjisotiriou, in her greeting, thanked by name everyone who worked for the successful outcome of the Festival, pointing out that the success of every event is based on cooperation and collective effort.
Today's Festival program included a speech by Ms. Maria Ioannou on "The Sea through the Eyes of Experts", swimming, Tai Chi and Yoga lessons, a sand art competition and a SUP (Stand Up Paddle) demonstration.
The oldest winter swimmer, 90 years old, Ms. Androulla Frangou, was also honored for the third consecutive year, as well as five younger participating swimmers aged 7 to 9. At the same time, medals and commemorative plaques were awarded to the two teams and the three children who distinguished themselves in the competition.
After the awards ceremony, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, together with the Minister of Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou and accompanied by the Deputy Mayors, the President and the Members of the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers' Club, proceeded to unveil the Club's embossed emblem. This is a special moment that marks the Club's dynamic and timeless presence on "Makronisos" beach.
The four-day events of the 3rd Ayia Napa International Winter Swimming Festival continue with guided tours of the Ayia Napa International Sculpture Park on Monday, January 19, the Ayia Napa Municipal Museum "THALASSA" on Tuesday, January 20, as well as swimming at "Pantahou" beach on the same day.
