Protaras
Fig Tree Bay, clear shallow water and sunrise over the sea.
Welcome to Protaras
Protaras sits on the south-east tip of Cyprus, within the municipality of Paralimni. Its coastline is a chain of small sandy bays with clear, shallow water — the reason so many families come back year after year.
Days here are about the beach, a long lunch and an evening walk along the strip of restaurants and bars. Cape Greco’s cliffs and sea caves are a few minutes away, and Ayia Napa is about 15 minutes by car.
The sea is the main event. Most beaches shelve gently, the water is calm for much of the summer and the sand is soft and golden, so even small children can paddle safely. Sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports are available on the main beaches, and quieter coves are never far away if you prefer a book and the sound of the waves.
Away from the beach, Protaras is easy to enjoy at a slower pace. Mornings start early with a swim before the heat, afternoons are for a long lunch in the shade, and evenings bring a stroll along the strip, an ice cream, and dinner at one of the many tavernas serving fresh fish, meze and grilled meats.
Protaras is at its busiest from June to September, when the sea is warmest. May and October are wonderful too — still warm enough to swim, with quieter beaches and softer light. Even in winter the sun often shines, and the coastal paths towards Cape Greco are perfect for walking.
A car or scooter makes it easy to explore, but much of Protaras is walkable, and local buses run along the coast to Ayia Napa and Paralimni.
Highlights of Protaras
Fig Tree Bay
The best-known beach in Protaras: soft sand, turquoise water that stays shallow for a long way out, and a small rocky islet just offshore. Sunbeds, water sports and cafés are all within a few steps.
Sunrise Beach
A long, sheltered stretch of sand on the Protaras coast, popular with families. As the name suggests, it is the place to be early in the morning.
Profitis Elias Church
A small stone chapel on a rocky hill above the town. Climb the steps for a view over the whole coastline — best at sunset.
Cape Greco National Forest Park
Cliffs, sea caves and walking and cycling trails at the south-eastern tip of Cyprus. Look out for the natural rock arch, the sea caves and some of the clearest water on the island for snorkelling.
Konnos Bay
A sheltered cove between Protaras and Cape Greco, framed by pine-covered cliffs. Calm water makes it a favourite for snorkelling, paddle-boarding and kayaking.
Evenings on the strip
The main road through Protaras is lined with tavernas, restaurants and bars. Families also enjoy the Magic Dancing Waters fountain show and the Ocean Aquarium.
Interesting facts
- Fig Tree Bay takes its name from an old fig tree that grows near the shore.
- Protaras faces east, so you can watch the sun rise straight out of the sea.
- Protaras grew into a resort after 1974, when tourism on this coast moved south from Famagusta.
- Cape Greco, just south of Protaras, is the south-eastern tip of Cyprus.
