Protaras Beach Resort Guide
Introduction
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 al fresco 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' 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.
Who goes there?
Western Europeans flock to Protaras from April to October. Family groups are in the majority, though holidaying couples and singles are more than welcome year round. During the mild winter months Protaras appeals to older holidaymakers seeking respite from cold northern winters.
Where in the world?
Protaras is on the east coast of the island of Cyprus, close to the border between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. Approximately 16km (10 miles) southwest of Ayia Napa; 48km (30 miles) from Larnaca Airport.
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and sandy beaches, the waterfront promenade is backed by shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Protaras merges with the neighbouring resort of Pernera to the north. Ayia Napa lies southwest around the headland. The resort itself is spread out over a fairly narrow and flat strip of land.
When to go?
The hottest time of the year is from mid-May to mid-October when there is around 11 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures of 30°C (86°F).
Rain is very rare during these summer months, with most of the annual rainfall occuring between December and February. Although summer is the busiest time to visit, the spring and autumn months either side offer cooler and more comfortable climes for those wishing to explore beyond the beach.
Beach
Protaras' Fig Tree Bay is one of the best beaches on Cyprus' 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.
Retail therapy
Many of Protaras' shops are unashamedly geared towards holidaymakers and stock everything from beachwear to cheesy mementos. Silver, ceramics, wickerware and woodcarvings are among the more traditional Cypriot souvenirs that are also on sale. The resort's supermarkets are a good place to stock up on cheap cigarettes, as well as local wine and spirits. The retail experience in nearby Ayia Napa is more eclectic, with good jewellery stores and shops selling designer clothes joining the mix.
A night on the town
Protaras' myriad bars and nightclubs keep the resort buzzing into the early hours of the morning, especially at the height of summer. For a seriously wild night out, however, you should make a beeline to the nearby resort of Ayia Napa, where stylish clubs and big name international DJs have helped cement its reputation as one of Europe's leading summer party destinations.
Eating out
Protaras' restaurants are fairly eclectic with Thai, Italian, British, Indian and American cuisine on offer alongside traditional Cypriot meze (a veritable feast of local tapas dishes including vegetables, meat and fish) and fresh seafood. Most eateries have outdoor terraces for al fresco dining, many of which overlook the Mediterranean.
Getting around
Protaras can easily be explored on foot. It also has a fairly comprehensive local bus service, although the frequency of buses varies. A handy local route runs from Ayia Napa to Paralimi via Protaras. Longer distance buses link the resort to Larnaca, Larnaca Airport, Limassol and Nicosia. Hire cars are the best way to explore the holiday island. Taxis are readily available.
Exploring further afield
Unearth Larnaca's ancient history at the Kition Archaeological Site or Ancient Kition (located just north of the main resort centre), 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.
Splashing out
Treat yourself to an indulgent spa treatment or two at the 5-star
Grecian Park Hotel (Cape Greco) (
www.grecianpark.com) located in the Cavo Greko area of Protaras. Be as lavish or conservative as you like with a 20-minute massage or almost three hours of pampering, with everything available from cleansing wraps to relaxing facials.
Flying in
Larnaca Airport (LCA)
