Protaras Holidays

Holidays to Protaras wouldn’t be complete without embracing a day of sun, sea and surf. The resort’s famous Fig Tree Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus. With transparent, shallow waters that seem to stretch to the horizon and a Blue Flag award for cleanliness, this beach is a firm favourite for families.

The whole south eastern tip of Cyprus is a natural park and one of the island’s great beauty spots. Cape Greco is Cyprus’ own Land’s End with amazing views at the top of the enormous rock, which make it well worth the climb. Alternatively, you can swim in the quiet coves and clear blue water, which are also top snorkelling spots.

Get up close to the coast when you hike along the nature trails around Protaras. Along the Konnos nature trail you can take the three hour walk that takes you from the chapel of Profitis Elias that sits on a 100 metre hill, to Konnos Beach. Or you can visit another small church along the 45 minute circular trail from Agioi Anargyroi chapel, which is surrounded by the fragrant juniper plant.

Paralimni Lake, situated near Protaras, is a seasonal lake and is a special protection area for birds and part of the NATURA 2000 network. When the lake is full it attracts the likes of Greater Flamingos, Heron species, Crakes, Plovers, Waders and different breeds of Lapwings.

Protaras holidays begin on the beach. With Blue Flag award winning sands and year round sunshine, you have every excuse to visit the beach.

The six beaches on this part of the coast are said to be the island’s best, with golden sands that hug the ruggedly beautiful coast. The resort’s main one, Fig Tree Bay a blend of soft golden sand and crystal clear waters and comes with an array of water sports, as well as a small island you can swim out to. Some of the other five quality beaches have also gained Blue Flag status.

For a tranquil beach, only 10 minutes from Protaras, head to Green Bay. The other secluded gem is the tiny cove of Sirena Bay that has a thin arc of sand with tree-shaded bar and waterfront taverna. It should also be noted that the Larnaca region that surrounds Protaras is absolutely riddled with beaches, and it's difficult to take a wrong step.

For a typical Cypriot meal try a Meze, a delicious mix of traditional Cypriot appetizers and savouries in up to 20 saucer like dishes, which can be enjoyed a bottle of wine from one of the small, local, family-owned vineyards. Then indulge in a Souflakia or Kebab with lamb or pork skewered and roasted by slow charcoal fire. What a way to enjoy your Protaras holidays.

La Cultura Del Gusto in Pernera is a classy restaurant that dishes up modern Cypriot cuisine. You can experiment with more unusual local flavours on the menu such as wild boar, venison and monk fish and watch your meal be prepared by the chef as he prepares it all in the open kitchen.

In the centre of Protaras, the Hippocampus Lounge Restaurant is set under a white bougainvillaea tree, with Greek island style decor, serving simple dishes in a stylish environment. On the menu is a range of eclectic dishes, including Greek Moussaka and delectable seafood plates, locally caught.

Protaras holidays offer plenty of lively clubs, sports bars and karaoke bars, as well as a number of discos. Much of its evening entertainment also occurs in the hotels and resorts. Unlike its neighbour Ayia Napa which has a thriving nightlife, the resort has a low-key feel when the sun goes down.

For amazing cocktails and great prices, the Love Boat is great place to spend an evening on your Protaras holiday.  With great seating, the bar hosts several acts every, like Michael Jackson and the Elvis tribute.

Opposite the Vrissiana Boutique Beach Hotel, the stylish Bliss Bar offers an al fresco drinking area, along with a lit-up onyx bar and contemporary white sofas. Order a signature apple mojito or frozen strawberry daiquiris whilst DJs keep the party going until the early hours.

If you’re on holiday with kids, keep them entertained with the plethora of family-friendly attractions in Protaras. The resort is a favourite among families because it is awash with water parks, live shows and aquariums, so there is always something to keep the little ones busy.

As the 1st Price Winner of European Innovative Theme Park Contest, both parents and children will enjoy the Magic Dancing Waters Show. The magical show features a spectacular combination of dancing waters, laser show, volcano eruptions, fire and smoke show. You’ll be impressed by the water dancing to the rhythm of the music, whirling up to 12 metres high and making amazing pirouettes.

Just outside Protaras, in neighbouring Ayia Napa is the popular Water World. This enthralling water park is packed with dozens of water slides, swimming pools and wave pools. The little ones can play in the water playground and special kids’ pools.

Another water attraction is the Ocean Aquarium that has dozens of tanks filled with rare marine life and a penguin house. The aquarium is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens that house exotic birds and fish, and crocodile swamps.

Couples will love the hidden coves, romantic tavernas and secluded sights on their holiday to Protaras.

Take your loved one to Ayia Thekla, the small coastal village south of Protaras. Set in a peaceful, relatively undeveloped area, the village has a small sandy beach and a tiny island that you can both escape to. After you have relaxed on the beach, visit the Ayia Thekla church, which is considered one of the oldest landmarks in the region and, dates back to the middle ages.

Cyprus is famous for its stunning sunsets, with the most romantic setting being on a clifftop restaurant at Konnos, overlooking Konnos Bay. Here you can enjoy the pretty azure sea that stretches out to the horizon. The idyllic spot features a golden sandy beach that is cradled between two craggy headlands on the south-eastern tip of Famagusta Bay.

Protaras is home to lush national parks, nature trails and aquamarine waters, meaning that there is plenty of action and adventure to be had outdoors.

The protected nature reserve of Cape Greco is one of the best places in Cyprus to spend a sunny day. The picturesque headland provides a stunning backdrop to paraglide, swim or dive into the warm blue waters.

Water sports lovers can also get a piece of the action with parasailing, speed boating, water skiing, wakeboarding and pedal boating on offer at Fig Tree Bay Water Sports. Strong swimmers can explore the rocky inlets just off the coast, or if you’d prefer a relaxing activity, take a luxurious chartered boat tour on the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.

Explore the caves along the Kavos trails. From Konnos to Spilia tou Kyklopa you will take the coastal route which is rich in flora. Starting at Konnos Beach, the trail passes between the Protaras area and Cape Greco, ending at the picturesque Spilia tou Kyklopa.

With a captivating history, Protaras offers plenty for history lovers to explore. A short walk around town can lead you to discover a myriad of architectural delights.

The quaint Ayios Elias Church, situated just off the Protaras-Pernera road, sits on a rocky peak. You can enjoy fantastic views of the coast and surrounding areas after a walk up the stairs to the top.

Outside Protaras, in the Old Town in Paralimni is the traditional 19th century Cypriot house. The renovated the house preserves various household items, including working tools and textile objects, and many other historical exhibits.

Also in Paralimini is the largest church square in Cyprus, which is home to three churches. Two of the churches are dedicated to Saint George and further down the road is an ancient Byzantine church, Agia Anna which is also great to explore.