The cutting of the 2026 Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers' Club's royal cake took place in a festive atmosphere on Sunday, January 11, at "Makronisos" beach.
With wishes, a rich breakfast, dives in the sea and tombola, the members of the Group celebrated the new year, in the presence of the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannettos, who cut the royal cake and extended heartfelt wishes for health, personal and family happiness, as well as peace in our country and throughout the world.
In his greeting, Mr. Zannetou said that it is an honor for him to be once again close to the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers' Club, which was founded in January 2023 and is celebrating its third anniversary this year. As he said, the winter swimmers, with their boldness and consistency, swim daily in the waters of Makronissos beach, highlighting the uniqueness of the area.
At the same time, he noted that through the Group's actions, not only the natural beauties of Ayia Napa are promoted, but also the particularly favorable weather conditions of our country, substantially contributing to the attraction and development of winter tourism.
On this occasion, the Mayor invited the public to attend the four-day events of the 3rd Ayia Napa International Winter Swimming Festival, which, as he stated, will take place from 17 to 20 January 2026. He added that the official event of the Festival will take place on Sunday, 18 January 2026, at "Makronisos" beach, from 10:00 to 13:00, in the presence of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou, while the unveiling of the Group's embossed emblem will also take place as part of the event.
For his part, the President of the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers' Club, Mr. Andreas Larkou, thanked the Mayor of Ayia Napa for his long-standing support and stressed that this cooperation will continue with the aim of new successes. He stated that the Club currently has 80 members and is constantly growing.
He also noted that the Club launched the first Winter Swimmers Festival in January 2024 with the support of the Ayia Napa Municipality and it has now become an established institution. He then thanked and wished all the swimmers health and happiness and all the best for the new year.
During the tombola, four lucky winners won rich prizes, while the golden coin was found by Group member, Mr. Sotiris Konstantinou.
