Chef’s Kiss Food Festival 2026: Cyprus’s Tastiest Weekend Returns to Ayia Napa Marina
Published: May 2026 | Category: Events & Festivals in CyprusOverview
Mark your calendars: the Chef’s Kiss Food Festival 2026 — officially titled CHEF’S KISS Vol. 02 — returns to
Ayia Napa Marina on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026, running from noon until late into the evening.
Following its sell-out debut in May 2025, the festival is back bigger and bolder, bringing together over
30 curated food concepts, live cooking shows, cocktail experiences, entertainment stages, interactive workshops,
art vendors, and a dedicated kids’ area — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of one of Cyprus’s most modern marinas.
Best of all: admission is completely free for all visitors. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie, a family with young
children, or simply looking for a great day out by the sea, this is one of the best
Cyprus experiences
you can have in May 2026.
At a Glance
- Dates: Saturday 16 May & Sunday 17 May 2026
- Opening Hours: 12:00 noon until late
- Location: Ayia Napa Marina, Ayia Napa, Cyprus
- Admission: Free entry for all
- Stages: 2 entertainment stages
- Food Concepts: 30+
- Official Instagram: @chefskiss.cy
- Marina website: marinaayianapa.com
What Is Chef’s Kiss?
Chef’s Kiss is Cyprus’s premium waterfront food festival, built around three core pillars: Learn, Taste, and Create. It draws inspiration from the contemporary culinary scene, the desire for authentic experiences, and the power of food culture as a means of connection and creativity. If you’re planning a trip to the island and want to go beyond the beaches, Chef’s Kiss sits alongside the kinds of local-approved Cyprus experiences that tourists almost always miss.Learn
Renowned local chefs take to the demo stage to share techniques, stories, and culinary secrets through live cooking demonstrations and specialised workshops. Past editions have featured live demos from celebrated Cypriot chefs and sessions on topics ranging from fermentation and food styling to cocktail mixing and kombucha crafting.Taste
With more than 30 food concepts arranged across the marina promenade, visitors embark on a global culinary journey — from Cypriot meze and artisan seafood to street food from Japan, Mexico, Peru, and beyond. Private dining experiences are also on offer for those seeking a more intimate setting.Create
Attendees don’t just watch — they participate. Interactive sessions allow visitors to craft their own dishes, join food challenges, and take part in unique live activations. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete beginner, there’s a creative experience waiting for you.What to Expect at the 2026 Festival
Building on the success of Vol. 01, the 2026 edition has been expanded in scale and ambition. Here is what’s confirmed:- 30+ curated food concepts along the marina waterfront
- Live cooking shows by renowned Cypriot and international chefs
- Two entertainment stages with live DJ sets from noon through to late night
- Cocktail experiences and premium tastings — including a signature Chef’s Kiss cocktail
- Interactive workshops covering food art, mixology, fermentation, and more
- Food challenges and live activations
- Exclusive private dining experiences
- Art vendors alongside food stalls
- Dedicated kids’ area with supervised activities, games, painting, and family entertainment
- Relaxing lounges and social spaces ideal for groups and families
Exhibitors and Food Concepts
The full exhibitor and vendor list for the 2026 edition is expected to be announced closer to the event via the official @chefskiss.cy Instagram page. We will update this section as confirmed participants are announced. Based on the 2025 inaugural festival and the confirmed 2026 programme, visitors can expect food concepts spanning the following cuisine categories:Cypriot & Mediterranean
- Traditional Cypriot meze and grilled meats
- Artisan seafood dishes
- Mezedopolio-style small plates
- Local cheese and charcuterie boards
International Street Food
- Mexican tacos, burritos, and street corn (featured prominently at the 2025 edition)
- Japanese-inspired dishes and sushi rolls
- Peruvian ceviche and fusion cuisine
- Gourmet burgers and loaded fries
- Asian fusion bowls and bao buns
Sweet Treats & Drinks
- Artisan dessert stalls and patisserie
- Specialty coffee and cold brew
- Freshly made lemonades and mocktails
- Signature Chef’s Kiss cocktails and premium spirits
- Kombucha and fermented drink experiences
Workshops & Speciality Experiences
- Mixology masterclass — craft your own cocktail
- Food art and plating workshops
- Fermentation and health drink workshops
- Private chef’s table dining (limited seats — check @chefskiss.cy for bookings)
Location: Ayia Napa Marina
Ayia Napa Marina is located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, approximately 3 km southwest of Ayia Napa town centre. It is a modern, award-winning marina combining luxury residences, waterfront dining, berthing services, and a year-round events programme. The marina’s promenade provides an ideal open-air setting for the festival, with stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. Address: Ayia Napa Marina, Ayias Theklas Avenue, Ayia Napa 5341, CyprusGoogle Map
Open in Google Maps →How to Get There
By Car
Driving is the most flexible option, particularly if you are coming from Nicosia, Larnaca, or Protaras. If you don’t have your own vehicle, it’s easy and affordable to hire a car in Cyprus — having your own wheels also lets you explore the wider Famagusta district at your own pace before or after the festival. Parking is available at and around the marina, though spaces fill up quickly on festival days — arriving early is recommended.From Nicosia (approximately 90 km, 1 hour)
- Head south-east on the A1 motorway towards Larnaca.
- At the Larnaca junction, take the A3 motorway eastbound towards Ayia Napa / Famagusta.
- Exit at Ayia Napa / Xylofagou and follow signs towards Ayia Napa Marina along Ayias Theklas Avenue.
- The marina entrance is clearly signposted on your right as you approach from the west.
From Larnaca (approximately 45 km, 35–40 minutes)
- Take the A3 motorway eastbound towards Ayia Napa.
- Exit at Ayia Napa / Xylofagou and continue along Ayias Theklas Avenue.
- Follow signs to Ayia Napa Marina — it will be on your right before reaching the town centre.
From Protaras / Paralimni (approximately 10–15 km, 15–20 minutes)
- Head south along the Protaras–Ayia Napa coastal road.
- Pass through Ayia Napa town and continue west along Ayias Theklas Avenue.
- Ayia Napa Marina is clearly signposted and will appear on your left.
By Bus
Ayia Napa Marina is served by several public bus routes operated by OSEA (Famagusta District Transport Organisation) and Intercity Buses. All tickets are paid in cash to the driver.From Larnaca — Intercity Bus Route 711
- Route: Larnaca → Xylofagou → Ayia Napa Marina → Waterpark → Ayia Napa town
- Frequency: Approximately every 30 minutes during daytime hours
- Journey time: Approximately 45–60 minutes to Ayia Napa Marina
- Fare: Approximately €4–5 one way
- Departure point (Larnaca): Archiep. Makariou III Ave. (Nicolaides Building stop) / Larnaca Port area
- The bus stops directly at Ayia Napa Marina before continuing to the Waterpark and Ayia Napa centre.
From Nicosia — Intercity Bus
- Route: Nicosia → Ayia Napa → Paralimni
- Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to Ayia Napa
- Departure point (Nicosia): Solomou Square intercity bus terminal
- Fare: Approximately €6–8 one way
- From Ayia Napa town, take the local OSEA West Circle Line bus or a short taxi to the Marina.
From Protaras / Paralimni — OSEA Local Route
- Route: Paralimni → Kapparis → Protaras → Konnos → Ayia Napa → Ayia Napa Marina → Xylofagou → Larnaca
- This route passes through Konnos Bay — one of Cyprus’s most beautiful beaches — making it easy to combine a morning at the beach with an afternoon at the festival.
- Check current timetables at osea.com.cy
Within Ayia Napa — OSEA West Circle Line
- Key stops: Ayia Napa Central Bus Station → Ayia Napa Square → Nissi Avenue → Nissi Beach → Landa Beach → Makronissos Beach → Ayia Napa Marina → Waterpark → back to Bus Station
- Buses run regularly throughout the day from approximately 08:00 to 22:00 in season.
- Exact times and fares: osea.com.cy/en/bus-routes/
Useful Bus Resources
- OSEA (local & intercity Famagusta routes): osea.com.cy
- Intercity Buses (Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol connections): intercity-buses.com
By Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis are available from all major towns in Cyprus. From Larnaca, expect to pay approximately €40–50 for a private taxi to the marina. Bolt operates in the Larnaca and Ayia Napa area and is often the most affordable on-demand option.Tips for Visiting
For general travel advice before heading to Cyprus, our tips for visiting Cyprus guide covers cultural etiquette, practical advice, and what to expect as a first-time or returning visitor. For the festival itself, here’s what to keep in mind:- Arrive early: The festival opens at noon and the most popular food stalls can sell out or develop queues by mid-afternoon.
- Come hungry: With 30+ food concepts, pacing yourself is key — try smaller portions from multiple stalls.
- Cash and card: Bring both. Most vendors accept card payments, but having some cash is always useful.
- Sunscreen and shade: The marina is open-air and exposed — May sunshine in Cyprus is strong. Wear sunscreen and a hat for the afternoon hours.
- Book workshops in advance: Interactive sessions and private dining experiences may have limited capacity. Check @chefskiss.cy for booking details.
- Bring the family: The dedicated kids’ area makes this a genuinely family-friendly event from afternoon through early evening.
- Stay for the evening: The festival transforms after sunset into a vibrant night event with DJ sets and cocktail bars — the atmosphere at the marina after dark is spectacular.
- Parking on festival days: Arrive before 12:30 to secure a space. Overflow parking is available along Ayias Theklas Avenue.
- Explore further: If you’re making a weekend of it, the eastern coast has plenty to offer. Konnos Bay is just 15 minutes away and is widely considered the most picturesque beach in the region.
Make a Weekend of It
With the festival running across two full days, it’s worth turning the trip into a longer stay. The eastern coast of Cyprus is rich with things to see and do beyond the marina. Here are some ideas to plan around your Chef’s Kiss visit:- Konnos Bay — Spend Saturday morning at Konnos Bay, one of Cyprus’s most sheltered and beautiful beaches, before heading to the festival in the afternoon. It sits right on the bus route between Protaras and Ayia Napa Marina.
- Green Bay, Protaras — If you enjoy snorkelling, Green Bay near Protaras offers crystal-clear water and abundant marine life — a perfect Sunday morning activity before the festival’s second day.
- Hidden Cyprus — Planning a longer stay on the island? Our guide to 15 hidden gems in Cyprus that most tourists miss will take you well beyond the resort belt.
- Accommodation — Browse hotels and accommodation across Cyprus to find the best option near Ayia Napa for the festival weekend.
- Hire a car — With your own vehicle you can combine the festival with a drive along the Cape Greco coastal road. Our Cyprus car hire guide covers everything you need to know before booking.
More Events in Cyprus in 2026
If you’re visiting Cyprus this year and want to catch more live events, the island has a packed calendar. The Gipsy Kings are performing in Limassol on 19 July 2026 — a memorable summer night of flamenco and Romani rhythm if you’re still on the island in mid-summer.About Ayia Napa Marina
Ayia Napa Marina is not just a docking facility — it is a complete lifestyle destination on the eastern coast of Cyprus, combining luxury marina berths, waterfront residences, premium dining, and a year-round calendar of events. The marina has rapidly established itself as one of the Eastern Mediterranean’s premier leisure destinations, hosting events that range from international boat expos and aquathlons to cultural festivals and culinary celebrations like Chef’s Kiss. Its open promenade, Mediterranean views, and modern infrastructure make it an ideal setting for an outdoor food festival of this scale.Stay Updated
For the latest announcements on confirmed exhibitors, chef line-ups, workshop schedules, and festival news:- Follow @chefskiss.cy on Instagram
- Visit the Ayia Napa Marina official website
