Protaras Travel Guide

The holiday resort of Protaras on the southeast coast of Cyprus has all the trappings of the larger and more frenetic Ayia Napa, itself a few minutes' drive away. However, it's far more family friendly and boasts the best beach on the island: Fig Tree Bay.

Protaras is actually a town built on a piece of flat, scrubby land expressly for the purpose of catering for British holidaymakers. Just adjacent to the village of Paralimni, Protaras consists mainly of a grid of restaurants, nightclubs, and shops surrounded by numerous hotels and holiday apartment blocks. The hodgepodge of architecture and concrete can get blistering hot in the summer sun.

While Protaras lacks a genuine Cypriot atmosphere, it has the magnificent golden Blue Flag beach, which stretches for 10 miles (16km) or so, shelving gently into the crystal clear Mediterranean. And further up and down the coast, there is a choice of secluded coves and inlets for those wanting more privacy.

Shopping

The shops in Protaras may look a little tacky, but they provide everything required by holidaymakers, from beach paraphernalia to souvenirs. There are several hundred retail establishments in the resort, including supermarkets, clothing stores, and jewellers.

Serious bargain hunters are advised to take a bus or taxi to nearby Agia Napa, where there is an abundance of stores selling tax-free designer goods. Local jewellery and leather goods are also good souvenirs from Protaras.

Restaurants

Protaras has dozens of restaurants and fast food outlets, mainly catering for the usual tourist fare of pizza, curry, burgers, and the like. Many local establishments are run by British expats, while the many open-air seafood restaurants are ideal for local fare. For Cypriot specialities, visitors should try Bambos, which serves a mix of local and international dishes, or the Nicolas Taverna, renowned for delectable kleftiko.

Nightlife

The main street of Protaras awakens at night as the many discos, bars, pubs, and clubs turn up the volume, drawing in the crowds and holidaymakers up for a party. Many establishments offer live entertainment or karaoke, and the clubs feature English deejays and laser lights. There are only a few nightclubs, and serious all-night clubbers prefer to travel to Ayia Napa for the evening. Recommended for an entertaining evening of dancing is Sfinx, the bar at the end of the main road.

Holiday activities

The main beach at Protaras offers a vast range of water sports opportunities and equipment hire, from paddleboats to jet skis. The resort caters particularly well for children, most of the hotels and apartment complexes offering excellent kids' clubs. There are two exciting water parks nearby at Ayia Napa, which provide thrills and spills for all ages.

Most visitors enjoy a stroll along the cliff tops of the coastline, particularly in spring when the landscape is covered in wild flowers. The more energetic can hike up the steep crag on the outskirts of the resort to the Ayios Elias Church, with its amazing views. Local operators offer several day trips, sea cruises, and excursions to places of interest, such as into the Troodos Mountains or to explore the city of Nicosia.

Any negatives?

Protaras resort is not aesthetically pleasing or scenic, and the nearby village of Paralimni is also far from a quaint, authentic Greek Cypriot town. Young clubbers may be disappointed in the nightlife, which is more family-oriented, but there is the option of travelling to nearby Ayia Napa.