The first-ever Chef's Kiss festival at the stunning Ayia Napa Marina — and here are the highlights!

Last weekend, Ayia Napa Marina transformed into a culinary paradise, hosting the very first Chef’s Kiss Food Festival. Set against the endless blue of the Mediterranean and the refreshing May breeze, thousands of food lovers—families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors—gathered to enjoy a holistic Learn-Taste-Create experience, featuring popular cuisines from around the world. 

From early afternoon to late evening, guests were immersed in the aromas of freshly tacos and artisan seafood, mesmerized by live cooking demos from Christina Christofi and Stavros Georgiou, and got hands-on in workshops on food art and mixology. A special highlight was the Kids Corner inside the Event Center, offering supervised interactive activities, games, painting, and obstacle courses inspired by Survivor, all designed to keep children fully engaged. Meanwhile, parents enjoyed moments of relaxation. 

The tasting trails connecting dishes from Japan, Mexico, Peru, Italy, and Cyprus quickly became the talk of the town. Throughout the Marina, a celebratory vibe took over—thanks to live DJ sets, signature cocktails, and enthusiastic applause. Under the lights and high energy of the festival, Chef’s Kiss proved that great food goes beyond taste—it’s about community, creativity, and memorable experiences. 

LEARN: Secrets from the Chefs’ Kitchen 

The Chef’s Kiss stage came alive as top Cypriot chefs took the spotlight to share their know-how—from fermentation and food styling to cocktail masterclasses and knife skills. The Q&A corner was buzzing with activity as guests soaked up advice on flavor pairing and left inspired with new culinary ideas.  

TASTE: A Global Culinary Journey 

In the open-air space featuring 15 kitchens, everyone found their perfect bite—from queso-loaded tacos and juicy burgers to gourmet fusion dishes. The tasting trails—featuring Dubai cups, gelato bars, and signature cocktails—turned each step into a new surprise.  

CREATE: Hands-On Experiences & Food Art 

At the CREATE zone, “make your own dish” moments went viral. Free food art workshops, wine & paint sessions, and interactive booths kept visitors engaged all day. Every session was fully booked from the start, with standout moments like the popular Pottery & Wine experience that perfectly blended creativity and relaxation. 

As the sky turned orange at sunset, the venue transformed once more: live DJ sets brought energy to the night, signature festival cocktails took center stage, and friends gathered under the glowing lights of the Marina. The electric atmosphere was contagious—Ayia Napa Marina became the ultimate food and party hotspot for two unforgettable days. 

The festival also attracted well-known influencers. Popular food blogger Cyprus Eats joined the Kombucha Experience workshop, sampled dishes from almost every kiosk, and shared stories that quickly went viral. Lifestyle influencer Charis Papadotheoharous captured the Marina’s most Instagrammable spots, while Andreas Haris added humor to the weekend with fun reels and stories that delighted his audience. Antri Karantoni visited with her daughter, sampling food from various kiosks and enjoying family activities at the Event Center. 

Celebrity chefs Christina Christofi and Stavros Georgiou also made waves— their live demos became instant Instagram trends, drawing dozens of mentions under the hashtag #ChefskissCy. 

But it wasn’t just about food and fun. The Special Signature Cocktail supported the Karaiskakio Foundation, and part of Sunday’s proceeds from food and drink sales were donated to PASYKAF.