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
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.
Things to do in protaras
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
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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Best Beaches in
Protaras
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.
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
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
Nameless Restaurant
Cyprus, Grill | Get Directions
Poseidonio Restaurant
International, Mediterranean | Get Directions
Wan Chai Restaurant
Chinese | Get Directions
The Corner Restaurant
Steakhouse, Mediterranean | Get Directions
Folio Restaurant
Mediterranean | Get Directions
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
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.
Popular Bars & Clubs
Rockafellas Bar
Bar | Get Directions
Ghetto Cocktail Bar
Bar, Club | Get Directions
The Love Boat Cocktail Bar
Bar | Get Directions
Bell’s Cocktail Bar
Bar, Club | Get Directions
Sfinx Bar
Bar, Club | Get Directions
To Antamoma Chill out Bar
Lounge, Bar | Get Directions
Nava Beach Bar
Beach Bar, Club | Get Directions
Nalu Cocktail Lounge
Bar | Get Directions
Waves Cocktail Bar
Bar | Get Directions
Cliff Bar
Lounge, Bar | Get Directions