Protaras

Part of the small town of Paralimni on the south east coast of Cyprus, Protaras is one the island’s most popular summer spots, a destination for sea lovers that boasts splendid beaches with pristine waters, from hidden bays to long stretches of white sand. Furthermore, the wide variety of restaurants and picturesque taverns, the modern bars, the traditional pubs and the laid back cafes, make Protaras a perfect resort town to wind down and enjoy the lazy days of summer, an ideal holiday destination for families and couples. 

Best Time to visit

The best time to visit Protaras is from May till June and from September till October. During these two periods, you will find better deals, great weather and great spots on any beach. 

July and especially August is high season, locals take their holidays and Protaras is their favourite holiday spot. Expect high rates, high temperatures, busy beaches, restaurants, bars, clubs and streets.

Places to visit in Protaras

Stroll in the beautiful newly built pedestrian road along the main coastline of Protaras. There are kiosks to sit and enjoy the view, spots to hop on, on a boat and take a mini tour of Protaras’ beaches, and playgrounds for children.

Families will have a fabulous time at the Οcean Aquarium where they can see turtles, crocodiles, penguins and many more creatures of the sea. For the romantics, the sea cave right below the picturesque Ayii Anargyri Chapel over Konnos Beach is a must visit. And if you are up to it, walk up the more than hundred steps to get to the beautiful Saint Elias chapel situated on Protaras’ highest hill.

To have a break from the beach, it is worth checking out the nearby villages of Derynia, Frenaros, Avgorou, Liopetri and Sotera and visit some of their ancient churches or even enjoy local delicacies in the traditional taverns.

Sea Caves
Sea Caves in Protaras Travel Guide
Profitis Elias church in Protaras Travel guide
Profitis Elias Church

Things to do in protaras

In Protaras, life is a…beach! You can spend your holidays, hopping from one beach to the other, kicking back and just relaxing, sunbathing or even enjoying drinks, fresh juice or a ‘frappe’ coffee at one of the many Protaras’ beach bars. On the other hand, if you are into sports, there are several water sport stations situated in the area’s most popular beaches. You can do jet skiing, kite surfing, kayaking, water skiing, paragliding and snorkelling or even take classes in scuba diving near Green Bay. If you want to do some sightseeing, the picturesque harbours of Ayia Triada and Ayios Nicolaos are beautiful.

What would be really interesting to do though, is explore the area’s nature by going hiking in one of its Nature Trails (including the European Walking Route E4 that starts from Gibraltar), set by Cyprus Tourist Organisation. Some of these trails include the Konnos-Ayii Anargyrii linear coastal trail, the Aphrodite trail or the Konnos- Spilia tou Kyklopa (Cyclop’s cave) circular nature trail. Finally, you should most definitely visit Cape Greco’s National Forest Park, that lies between Protaras and Ayia Napa. You will walk through an amazing natural landscape, you will enjoy the beauty of Cyprus flora (there are around 300 different species) and fauna (wild birds and small animals), you will swim or scuba dive in amazing crystal blue waters and you will have the opportunity to have truly spectacular views of Ayia Napa and the sea.

Top Tours & Activities

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Accommodation in Protaras

Protaras is an ideal destination for families and couples because of its many hotel and apartment options. From budget accommodation to 5 star hotels, there’s something for everyone. The main resorts and biggest hotels in Protaras come complete with their own swimming pools, often offering all-inclusive packages.

There also are plenty of private villas to choose from, in more relaxing and quiet areas, often overlooking the Mediterranean. Most villas offer accommodation for a minimum of four guests and can be surprisingly good value for money, especially during the peak season.

If you are looking for holidays during the summer months and you are looking for a great accommodation near a beach, you should book well ahead. Good choices include the Grecian Park Hotel, the Sunrise Beach Hotel, the Crystal Springs Hotel, the Pernera Beach Hotel and the Golden Coast Beach Hotel, all of which stand alongside Protaras legendary white sandy beachfront.

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Selected Hotels

★★★★★
Grecian Park Hotel
★★★★★
Sunrise Beach Hotel
★★★★★
Capo Bay Hotel
★★★★★
Sunrise Jade Hotel
(Adults only)
★★★★
Crystal Springs Hotel
★★★★
Flamingo Paradise Hotel
(Adults only)
★★★★
Pernera Beach Hotel
★★★★
Golden Coast Beach
Hotel
★★★★
Sunprime Protaras Beach
(Adults only)
★★★★
Malama Holiday Village

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Best Beaches in
Protaras

This is the «beach capital» of Cyprus. The options here are endless and the vast majority of the beaches in Protaras have blue flags. Starting from the dreamy Fig Tree Bay, voted one of Europe’s best beaches, there is a stretch of long beaches with golden-white sand and turquoise waters. Almost all of those beaches in this part of Protaras, right in front of the large resort hotels, are always crowded, since they are organised with sun beds and umbrellas, rented by the Paralimni Municipality. Some of them include the Sunrise beach and Vrissiana beach. A few kilometres away, you will find smaller beaches, like Kapparis beach, Agia Triada and Golden Beach that are ideal for families with young children.

On the other hand, if you want something quieter and more serene there is Protaras’ other side. The one with the small bays and the hidden coves that are waiting to be discovered. The waters in these beaches are bluer, the sand is darker and beaches such as the Serena Bay are surrounded by trees. Furthermore, if you want to avoid the crowded beaches, you can spend your day at the remote Glifades and Nisia Beaches, the Pernera Beach or at the beautiful Green Bay. Of course, agreed by many, the most beautiful beach in Protaras Area is Konnos beach. Situated in a small cove, this beach, surrounded by trees and rocks, Konnos beach is an idyllic place, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. And although it is always packed, it is worth checking it out and have a coffee at the kiosk overlooking the sea.

Best Beaches in Protaras

Explore the best and most popular beaches in Protaras

Shopping in Protaras

In Protaras you will find many boutiques selling arts and crafts, mini markets, and even a mall. If you want souvenirs, look for handmade Lefkara (Lefkaritika) laces, leather goods, ceramics and pottery, hookah pipes, and other interesting items made in Cyprus. There are also many jewellery stores, designer boutiques, and outlets selling designer sunglasses and watches

Many of the local shops and fashion boutiques in Protaras are family run, small in size and very friendly. 

During the summer most shops open at 9:00 or 10:00 in the morning and are open right through until 10:00  or 11:00 in the evening. Have in mind that on Wednesdays some shops close in the afternoons and many shops, like clothing stores, do close on Sundays. Most tourist shops stay open 7 days a week.

During the winter most shops close altogether, and those that are open are working only from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm. 

Don’t forget to try some local wines and spirits, and maybe take a bottle or two back home as gifts.

Places to eat in Protaras

You will be spoilt for choice in Protaras. In the area you can find traditional taverns serving authentic Cypriot cuisine. From «souvlakia» (kebab), «ofton kleftikon» (lamb meat slow cooked for hours in the plinth oven), to the traditional Mezze consisting of many little plates, as well as some very good fish taverns serving fresh fish and seafood, located just a few metres away from the beach. On the other hand, in all of Protaras, but mainly in Protaras Avenue, Pernera and Capparis areas, there is a really good variety of restaurants serving international cuisine. Some of the options include, Italian, Greek, fish ‘n’ chips, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and fusion cuisine, while there are also excellent steakhouses, burger joints and lovely pubs serving gourmet pub food.

The choice of restaurants in Protaras covers all budgets. From the lower price places to the more high end ones. Note that, many of the restaurants, especially those, near the beaches, are open throughout the day, while some other ones open around 5-6 in the afternoon. In Protaras, there are also some good pastry shops and ice cream parlours, nice cafes and bakeries, to take away food or pastries for the beach or home. Finally, in nearby Paralimni, there are some of the best traditional taverns in the Famagusta Area.

Top Restaurants

Kafkaros Tavern

Cyprus, Mediterranean | Get Directions

Molti Restaurant

Mediterranean, European | Get Directions

Andama Tavern

Cyprus, Mediterranean | Get Directions

Kamakura Japanese Restaurant

Japanese, Asian | Get Directions

Kalamies Restaurant

Mediterranean | Get Directions

Nightlife in Protaras

Protaras has been an up and coming party town in the past few years. During the night this resort town is being transformed into a party town. Along its main road, the Protaras Avenue, there are quite a few bars, pubs, clubs, karaoke places and even a «Magic Dancing Waters» show! Mind you, Protaras is nothing like the town of Ayia Napa that is world famous for its dance clubs and events.

If you want bars serving cocktails by the beach in beautiful surroundings, lounge bars playing ethnic and ambient music where you can enjoy your drink and smoke shisha, or places with live rock or pop music chances are you will find more here than in the town of Ayia Napa.

Most of the bars and pubs, in Protaras Avenue and in the other areas such as Pernera, stay open until 2:00 am. The same goes for the bars in Paralimni town.

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