Protaras is the most famous holiday resort in Cyprus. Protaras, the tourist area of Paralimni, is just 40 minutes drive from Larnaca International Airport on the southeast coast of the island. Protaras with its golden beaches is the ideal area to watch the sunrise over the calm Mediterranean waters, gradually lighting up the beautiful coastline.

Fortunately, the sea has retained its glassy clarity and Protaras’ beaches are among the best on the island.

The resort of Protaras is about 15 minutes east of Nissi Beach and has grown over the last 20years, from a simple fishing village into a super resort for holidaymakers. It is one of the most picturesque parts of the island of Cyprus.

It has lovely sandy beaches, one of the best known is of course Fig Tree Bay, here you can swim in the warm turquoise water or sun bathe on the golden sands, and you can have a truly memorable beach holiday in this area. In Protaras you will discover many isolated coves perfect for getting away from it all and take pleasure in complete relaxation. If you’re beginning to get beach inertia you should definitely take the opportunity to indulge in the many water sports available.

Protaras is popular with Cypriots and the beaches can get busy (especially at weekends) and anyone wanting to ‘get away from it all’ should head south to Cape Greko. Besides ‘peace and quiet’ the rocky shoreline provides some great snorkelling and diving. If you want to stretch your legs there’s an attractive coastal path running all the way from Protaras to Ayia Napa which takes in some impressive cliffs, sea caves and a number of Roman ruins. The resort of Pernera lies to the north of Protaras and offers similar opportunities for sun-worshiping with a number of ‘all-singing, all-dancing’ resort complexes.

Although Protaras is billed as a predominantly ‘family-oriented’ destination, it is also a place that knows how to party. There are plenty of bars, tavernas and choices of eateries around the area, why not explore the area around Protaras and nearby Paralimni, go to a karaoke place or a dancing club. Only eight kilometres to the south there’s the famous 24-hour party Mecca, that is Ayia Napa.

Protaras: The Sports Place

Protaras is a paradise for the sports enthusiast. Sports include angling, sea sports, golf, cycling, diving, sailing/yachting, swimming, hiking/nature trails, and water sports.

Deep water diving or scuba diving are catered for handsomely, the water is warm and the skies are blue.There is always that "undiscovered wreck" and that elusive "treasure" not to mention the beauty of the creatures that inhabit the waters.

Protaras is the ideal place for coarse fishing with its warm sunny climate and 23 well stocked reservoirs with a huge variety of healthy unmarked fish including CARP, ROACH, BASS, TENCH, ZANDER, CATFISH, and many more.

If you want to do something a little different during your stay in Cyprus, try Riding at the Moonshine ranch; it is a must.

Protaras: Entertainment & Nightlife

The nightlife of Protaras is filled with the sounds of music from the popular, laser-lighted discoes to the romantic bouzouki songs that can be heard at the various tavernas. The smells of local dishes fill the air, tempting the hungry visitors to dine at any of the countless restaurants and tavernas that line the main thorough fares.

You will find traditional entertainment - folk music and dancing - at numerous tavernas and restaurants. Tavernas offer a tantalizing selection of local food, and dessert is often on the house for visitors. You’re sure to enjoy this festive look into many of the colourful customs of old Cyprus.
Nightclubs of all stripes are found in Protaras and especially in Agia Napa (about 8 km from Protaras). The latter is known as an international clubbing destination, widely recognized for its British House Garage sounds, up-and-coming DJs and festive atmosphere. The action usually gets started late - towards midnight, unless the club also doubles as a restaurant or cafe.