Protaras in Cyprus: beaches, hotels, attractions

On the southeast coast of Cyprus, in the Famagusta region, the village of Protaras is located. This is a relatively young resort, with modern infrastructure, gorgeous beaches and numerous hotels. There are almost no historical sites and archaeological museums in Protaras, but nature compensates for everything in full - azure coasts with golden sand, rich flora, ideal bays for snorkeling and diving. Quiet Protaras is often chosen for family holidays.

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History of Protaras

In ancient times, there was a Greek town with a cozy harbor on the territory of Protaras . It has remained a small fishing village with authentic Cypriot views for the past few centuries. The heyday of Protaras as a resort center occurred after the transfer of Famagusta to the Turkish authorities, when a large resort center was closed, and tourism in Cyprus had to look for new development milestones. Protaras has become an ideal place for the resumption of the resort industry, as the village is located on a picturesque coast.

Dimitris Vetsikas

Climate in Protaras

The southeastern coast of Cyprus is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with comfortable weather for recreation and travel. In the hottest months - July and August, the air temperature can rise up to +40°С. During this period, the beaches of Protaras are filled with vacationers, but long trips around the area should not be abused. Leave sightseeing for the off-season holidays - March-April and October-November. Please note that evenings in spring and autumn are usually cold here, so you should stock up on appropriate clothing for the weather.

David Wilson

Beaches of Protaras

The climate and favorable location on the azure coast make Protaras a popular beach destination in Cyprus, along with neighboring Ayia Napa. Beautiful nature with rocky ledges, bright turquoise water and gray-golden beaches. The south of Cyprus is easily recognizable due to its natural wealth.

• Kalamies beach. A picturesque bay with calm blue waters and a gentle slope. The beach has all the relevant infrastructure. The main feature is the old chapel of St. Nicholas right on the coast.
• Pernera beach. This picturesque beach of Protaras has virtually no waves, and the calm crystal waters and excellent beach infrastructure make it an ideal place for families with children.
• Fig tree bay. Fig Tree Bay is known for its incredible colors. It is really very beautiful, and therefore the most visited. There is an excellent selection of water activities. Follow the scenic walking trail above the beach for stunning panoramas. And be sure to swim in Fig tree Bay with mask and snorkel.
• Sunrise beach. Another popular coast of Protaras, with all the resort infrastructure, an excellent choice of establishments on the coast and a clean, equipped beach. This is the central part of Protaras, so during the beach season there are a large number of vacationers.

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What to see in Protaras

In the resort town and its surroundings, there are several locations for a varied and exciting leisure time during your vacation.

Magic Dancing Waters

Great place for an exciting evening stroll. Dancing water show - a modern system of fountains of unique shapes in colorful highlights, a bright laser show and a realistic fire show with a volcanic eruption. Magic Dancing Waters is located on the territory of Kapetanios Bay Hotel .

Admission fee: 23 euros for adults and 15 euros for children. It is also possible to purchase a ticket with dinner included, but a table must be booked in advance.

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Protaras Oceanarium

The aquarium is located in the village of Kapparis , among luxury resort hotels, near Trinity beach. A fairly large area of the oceanarium occupies 15 thousand square meters. It is divided into thematic zones by type. In total, the Oceanarium presents about 1 thousand different species - from bright ocean fish to chimeras, alligator pikes, rays and sharks. There is also a penguin house, an aviary with crocodiles and a garden with exotic birds. During the visit, you can have a bite to eat in a cozy cafe with a good selection of snacks and à la carte dishes.

• Opening hours: from April to November, daily except Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Ticket price: for adults - 13 euros, for children from 2 to 13 years old - 7 euros.
  
  

Historical Museum

The Historical Museum in the center of Protaras has two exhibits. One represents the tools and household items of ancient times, and the second is dedicated to the last centuries of the development of the region. Here you can learn more about the culture and traditions of the Cypriots, see valuable artifacts and get acquainted with an extensive collection of vehicles - from old wagons to carriages.

Church of the Prophet Elijah

Orthodox temple, which can be seen in the central part of Protaras , was founded in the 14th century. There is a small stone church on a hill with an observation deck, from where the best views of Protaras open.

Dimitris Vetsikas

Liopetri

For a change, visit the authentic village of Liopetri, located on the coast of the fishing bay, near Protaras. Here, not only fish are caught, but also pomegranates, figs and Cypriot potatoes are grown. The atmosphere of a traditional village is appropriate - everywhere you can admire old houses, medieval churches and incredible nature.

How to get there: from Protaras to Liopetri about 18 kilometers to the west, towards Ayia Napa. You can get there by car or bus number 703.

Dimitris Vetsikas

Cape Greco

Near Protaras there is the easternmost point of southern Cyprus - Cape Greco. This place with incredible Mediterranean landscapes, rocky coastlines and clear waters has long attracted diving enthusiasts. On the cape there is a municipal natural park with rare plant species Cavo Greco, the area of which is 385 hectares.

Good infrastructure has recently been created on the territory of the park with hiking and cycling routes, picnic areas, viewing platforms and tourist attractions. For active leisure, guests of Protaras often choose Cavo Greco, where there are opportunities to ride a boat, fly with a parachute over the sea, go diving or snorkeling among the stunning underwater landscapes. On the way to the cape, pay attention to the old windmills.

How to get there: from Protaras by car or by bus number 102.

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Why choose Protaras

• Well-groomed beaches marked with the Blue Flag.
• Calm atmosphere of the resort, without noisy parties and clubs.
• An excellent choice of hotels for families.
• Mild climate and warm sea.
• Shallow sea depth and gentle entry into the water.
• Wide range of water sports including diving and snorkeling.

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How to get to Protaras

When booking a hotel, specify the information about the provision transfer from Larnaca airport. The distance to the resort village is about 67 kilometers. Protaras does not have a direct bus connection with Larnaca, but you can use a taxi service. The price of the trip will be about 50 euros.

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Hotels in Protaras

In a small town there is a huge number of hotels and inns of different levels and prices for all categories of guests, romantic or family holidays. A feature of the resort complexes is their proximity to the coastline. The top ten hotels in Protaras include:

• Kokkinos Boutique Hotel 4*
• Capo Bay Hotel 5*
• Cavo Zoe Seaside Hotel 4* 
• Leonardo Crystal Cove Hotel & Spa – Adults only 4* 
• Sunrise Jade - Adults Only 5* 
• Sunrise Beach Hotel 5*
• Evalena Beach Hotel 4* 
• Kapetanios Bay Hotel Protaras 3*
• Louis Althea Beach Hotel 4*
• Flamingo Paradise Beach Hotel - Adults Only 4*

Louis Althea Beach Hotel