Protaras

Protaras is a lively coastal resort town stretching along the famous Fig Tree Bay in the southeastern part of Cyprus. Over the last three decades, it has experienced rapid development, emerging as a major tourist hub and a peaceful alternative to the nearby city of Famagusta, which was abandoned and fenced off as a military zone following the 1974 Turkish invasion. Today, Protaras is one of the premier beach holiday destinations on the island.

Unlike its high-energy neighbor Ayia Napa, which is famous for its intense nightlife and clubbing, Protaras caters primarily to families, couples, and travelers seeking a more relaxed coastal vacation. The town is characterized by its modern hotel resorts, excellent dining options, and some of the finest sandy beaches in the Mediterranean, all set against a backdrop of scenic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Larnaca International Airport (IATA: LCA), located about 65 km (40 miles) west of Protaras. The airport has scheduled flights to major European and Middle Eastern cities.

• Shuttle Bus: A direct shuttle bus operates on demand from the airport to Protaras, taking approximately 50 minutes and costing €17 (as of April 2025).
• Taxi: A taxi ride from the airport to Protaras takes about 45 minutes and typically costs between €75 and €95.

By Car / Road

Protaras is easily reached by car via the A3 motorway.

• From Nicosia: Take the A1, A2, and A3 motorways toward Ayia Napa, then follow the E327 and E324 roads and Leoforos Protara-Kavo Gkreko to Protaras.
• From Limassol / Paphos: Take the A1 (and A6 from Paphos) east, continue onto the A5 and A3 motorways toward Ayia Napa, and follow the same local routes.
• From Larnaca: Take the A3 motorway east and follow the signs for Ayia Napa/Protaras.

Protaras is a compact and highly walkable town, especially along the main beach promenade.

• On Foot: Walking is the primary way to get around, as the town's hotels, beaches, and restaurants are closely clustered.
• Taxis / Ride-Hailing: Taxis are widely available, and the Bolt app operates in the area for convenient rides.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car is useful for exploring nearby Cape Greco and other parts of the island, though it is not necessary if you plan to stay within the resort area.

• Fig Tree Bay: The town's flagship beach, famous for its fine golden sand, crystal-clear shallow waters, and excellent facilities. It is consistently ranked among the best beaches in Europe.

• Cape Greco: A protected national forest park located between Protaras and Ayia Napa. This dramatic headland offers panoramic sea views from its high cliffs, scenic nature trails, and unique rock formations. Local legend holds that these waters are home to the "Ayia Napa sea monster."

• Church of Ayios Ilias (Profitis Elias): A small, traditional stone church perched atop a steep volcanic crag on the outskirts of the town. The climb up the stone steps is challenging but rewards visitors with a stunning panoramic view of Protaras and the coastline. Entry is free.

• Green Bay Beach: A quieter, picturesque public beach located south of the main strip. It is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, though visitors should be careful of the rocky entry.

• Fig Tree Island: A small, rocky islet located just off the shore of Fig Tree Bay. Strong swimmers can easily swim to the island to explore its rocky terrain.

• Stamatia Gardens: A small, peaceful garden in the center of town featuring various Mediterranean plant species, offering a pleasant break from the beaches.

• Scuba Diving at Poseidon Dive Centre: Located at Leoforos Protara-Kavo Gkreko 469 (☏ +357 23833000). A well-established dive center offering guided dives and PADI certification courses. Dives range from €35 for beginners to €370 for advanced packages. Remember that you must wait at least 12 hours after diving before flying.

• Silent Blue - Dive Escapes: A mobile, personalized dive operation focusing on semi-private and private diving experiences, guided hikes, and SUP tours around Protaras and Cape Greco.

• Protaras Coastal Walk: A scenic, paved pedestrian path that runs along the coastline from Fig Tree Bay all the way north to Pernera. It is an easy, highly scenic walk, particularly popular at sunset.

• Water Sports: Available at Fig Tree Bay and other major beaches, including jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.

Protaras features a diverse dining scene, ranging from traditional taverns to international restaurants.

Budget

• George Zefkas: Located right next to Fig Tree Bay. A casual restaurant serving a variety of Cypriot, Greek, and international dishes. Famous for the signpost indicating "0 km Fig Tree Bay." A two-course meal typically costs €10 to €20 per person.

Mid-range

• Island Affair Restaurant: Protaras Avenue 42 (☏ +357 23831200). Open daily 08:30-23:00. Serves a wide variety of international and Mediterranean dishes in a pleasant atmosphere. Dinner costs around €15 to €30 per person.
• Kartanas Meze Tavern: Perneras Avenue 4, Pernera (☏ +357 23832954). Open daily 12:00-23:00. Located in nearby Pernera. Known for its large, delicious portions of traditional Cypriot meze and grilled meats served in an outdoor seating area. A meal costs €15 to €25.
• Siko Seaside: (☏ +357 96370610). A popular beachfront venue offering great views of Fig Tree Bay, famous for its cocktails, seafood, and light Mediterranean dishes. A meal with a drink costs €20 to €30.
• Il Basilico: Protara 35 (☏ +357 23832685). Open daily 12:00-23:00. A popular Italian restaurant on the main strip serving pasta, pizza, and meat dishes, though reviews regarding its pricing and service are mixed. A meal costs €15 to €35.

The nightlife in Protaras is centered around the main strip (Protaras Avenue), which is lined with family-friendly pubs, cocktail bars, and karaoke venues.

• Siko Seaside: An excellent spot for a sunset cocktail right on the beach.
• Main Strip Pubs: Numerous venues offer draft beers, live sports, and family-friendly entertainment. For intense clubbing and late-night dancing, take a short taxi ride to Ayia Napa (8 km).

Protaras is packed with accommodation options, from self-catering apartments to high-end resorts.

Budget

• Self-Catering Apartments: Numerous holiday apartments are available for rent near the main strip, with rates starting around €50/night during the shoulder season.

Mid-range

• At Herbal Boutique Hotel & Spa: Located in the Pernera area, this stylish hotel offers modern rooms, a wellness-focused spa, and family-friendly pools. Rates from €80/night.

Upscale / heritage

• Capo Bay Hotel: Located directly on Fig Tree Bay (☏ +357 23831100). A premier five-star resort offering exceptional service, beautiful gardens, multiple pools, and a luxury spa. Rates from €140/night.
• Sunrise Pearl Hotel & Spa: Protaras Avenue (☏ +357 23831500). A luxury beachfront resort featuring elegant design, multiple swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa, and several dining options. Rates from €150/night.
• Sunrise Jade: (☏ +357 23813700). A luxurious, adults-only five-star hotel offering a peaceful, romantic atmosphere and excellent dining. Rates from €130/night.

Shopping in Protaras is heavily geared toward tourists, with numerous shops along the main strip selling swimwear, beach toys, and souvenirs. For standard shopping, local crafts, or larger supermarkets with lower prices, head to the nearby administrative town of Paralimni (6 km north).

• Cape Greco National Forest Park: Located 5 km south. A beautiful nature reserve offering hiking, cliff jumping, and sea caves.
• Ayia Napa: Located 8 km southwest. Famous for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and medieval monastery.
• Paralimni: Located 6 km north. A traditional town offering local shopping, administrative services, and authentic taverns.
• Deryneia: Located 10 km north. A historic border town featuring a museum and a viewpoint overlooking the ghost town of Varosha.