Protaras beaches Travel Guide
About Protaras beaches
With year-round sunshine, a warm climate and sandy beaches, it is easy to see why European holidaymakers flock to Protaras each year. The eastern Cypriot resort also boasts a lengthy seaside promenade, perfect for a leisurely bicycle ride or sunset stroll, myriad restaurants, where alfresco dining is de riguer, and a wealth of vibrant bars and clubs. For those who want to dip into the hedonistic nightlife of Ayia Napa, Cyprus's renowned party capital is just 16km (10 miles) away. Whether you want to dance into the small hours of the morning, unwind on the beach, try your hand at watersports or treat the children to a day at the water park, Protaras is a resort that has something to offer everyone.
Beach:
Protaras's Fig Tree Bay is one of the best beaches on Cyprus's east coast. Its soft golden sand is the ideal place to spread out a towel and soak up the suns rays before plunging into the warm and clear Mediterranean. Opportunities for watersports abound, both at Fig Tree Bay and at the resort's other beaches.
Beyond the beach:
Make a pilgrimage to the tiny Church of the Prophet Elias, which overlooks the resort from a 100m-high hill. The 300-step ascent is rewarded with far reaching views of Protaras and the coast. The vista is particularly impressive when the spring flowers are in bloom. The beautiful Cavo Greko National Forest Park, with its myriad opportunities for cycling, horse riding and hiking is another must-see attraction. Boat trips from Protaras provide a leisurely vantage point from which to snap the coast and the Cavo Greko sea caves.
Family fun:
Fringed by sandy beaches, some stretches of which are watched over by lifeguards, Protaras is an ideal resort for families. Restaurants are child-friendly, while a smorgasbord of watersports and the local water parks provide more than enough activities to keep kids and big kids happy for days.
Exploring further:
Unearth Larnaca's ancient history at the Kition Archaeological Site or Ancient Kition, where excavations have revealed the site apparently dates back as far as the 13th century BC, before learning more about the oldest still-inhabited city in Cyprus through its museums. Larnaca's 17th-century Turkish fort and the attractive orthodox St Lazurus Church also merit a visit.
