Protaras holidays

How to reach Protaras

• Flight time: Flights to Larnaca take around 4 hours 40 minutes from London.

• Transfer time: Protaras is about a 1-hour taxi ride from Larnaca International Airport. Taking the bus will add another hour or so to travel time, with a change of services in Larnaca city centre.

• Price: A taxi from the airport to Protaras typically costs around €50–€60, while the bus costs about €5 overall.

Best time to visit Protaras

The best time for your Protaras holidays depends on the kind of vacation you have in mind.

• April to June welcomes temperatures ranging from 23 to 31°C and around 9 to 11 hours of daily sunshine. With little to no rain, these months are ideal for either beach days or exploring.

• July to August sees temps peak around 35°C on the hottest days and averages 12 hours of daily sunshine. Protaras’ beaches will be irresistible, albeit crowded, as locals and tourists cool off in the waters.

• September to October will be a better fit if you like it warm rather than bone-melting hot (temperatures drop into a comfortable 31 to 27°C range), and don’t mind the occasional shower.

• November to March experiences more frequent rains and sees temperatures drop from 23°C in November to 17°C in January before climbing to 20°C in March. Although many beachside venues will be closed for the season, the cooler conditions are just right for hiking and exploring.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the predominant language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and shops.

• Currency: The local currency is the Euro.

• Getting around: Protaras is easily walkable, while buses are available to nearby areas, such as Ayia Napa (fare is around €1.50 per journey). Taxis are popular for short trips and can be arranged via app or call, with standard fares €8–€15 around town.

• Electricity and plug types: Cyprus uses 240V with UK-style three-pin plugs.

• Time zone: Cyprus is on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Eastern European Summer Time).

• Required travel documentation: For UK citizens, only a valid passport (with an expiry date at least 3 months after the departure date and at least one blank page for stamping) is needed to enter Cyprus for stays up to 90 days.

Best things to do in Protaras

Holidays to Protaras are all about coastal beauty, family-friendly attractions and tranquil spaces to unwind.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Profitis Elias Church: The climb up may require some stamina, but this charming hilltop church is one of the best vantage points for views over Protaras.

• Bridge of Sympathy: Although it’s not a patch on Ayia Napa’s famous Love Bridge, this little arched rock formation presents a pretty picture.

The best districts

• Fig Tree Bay: An iconic spot in Protaras, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beach, this lively area has a fantastic range of cafés, bars and water sports facilities, with everything from snorkelling to jet-ski rentals.

• Pernera: North of the main strip, Pernera offers a more relaxed beach experience with scenic spots and a handful of laid-back eateries.

Parks and gardens

• Cavo Greco National Park: Located just south of Protaras, Cape Greco has a wild beauty, sea cliffs, turquoise seas, miniature pine and juniper trees.

Museums

• Cavo Maris Traditional Folklore Museum: Based at the Cavo Maris Beach Hotel and styled as a traditional Cypriot village house with all the usual household objects and agricultural tools, this museum is worth a look-see.

Historical monuments

• Ayios Nikolaos Chapel: Whitewashed walls and blue domes, this little beachfront chapel is picture-postcard pretty and a great example of traditional Cypriot ecclesiastical architecture.

• Agioi Saranta Cave Church: Chalk to Ayios Nikolaos’ cheese, rock-cut Agioi Saranta is one of a kind with an extraordinary natural skylight. The only drawback is it’s out in the middle of nowhere.

Day trips in the area

• Ayia Napa: Home to the Makronissos Tombs, scads of Blue Flag beaches, a sculpture park, and kid-friendly attractions like Parko Paliatso Luna Park and WaterWorld, next-door neighbour Ayia Napa has more than enough attractions to eat up a day.

• Deryneia: A short drive from Protaras, Deryneia offers monuments, museums and, most poignantly, a window into the ghost town of Varosha on the border of Northern Cyprus.

Activities for families in Protaras

Protaras is hugely family-friendly, from its sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters to evening entertainment.

• Family-friendly beaches: Fig Tree Bay Beach is a brilliant beach for children. Soft sand, shallow waters, a little island you can swim to and plenty of water sports.

• Playgrounds: A handful of playgrounds are dotted around town, but Sea View Playground is a handy option within a few minutes’ walk of Fig Tree Bay Beach. Jungle Float is just offshore, too, with trampolines and a slide into the sea.

• Boat trips: Many tours depart from Protaras and often include stops for swimming and snorkelling at scenic spots. Options include glass-bottom boats or simple cruises to explore nearby sea caves.

• Dancing fountains: Lights, music and water. Protaras’ Magic Dancing Waters show pulls out all the stops for an hour’s entertainment.

• Mini golf: Star Leisure MiniGolf and Fantastico Mini Golf Luna Park are easy options for something to do in the evenings.

Free things to do in Protaras

A tight holiday budget doesn’t mean you can’t have a memorable holiday, whether it’s a free summer event, a day at the beach or a magical sunset.

• Annual festivals and free events: Protaras knows a thing or two about street parties. Every August, the Protaras MoonWalk sets off along the Protaras coastal promenade, with scores of musicians providing a soundtrack at various points along the way. There are plenty of food and arts and crafts stalls en route, and the Cyprus Astronomical Society provides astronomical observations.

• Beaches: None of Protaras’ beaches charge entrance, and rental fees for sunbeds and umbrellas are a very reasonable €2.50 per day.

• Watching the sunset: Watching the sunset from Profitis Elias Church is an unforgettable experience.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking in national parks: The Aphrodite and Agioi Anargyroi trails are top routes at Cavo Greco National Park.

• Snorkelling and scuba diving: Protaras’ clear, warm waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving. Fig Tree Bay and Green Bay offer some of the best underwater visibility on the island. Dive shops in the area, such as Easy Divers Cyprus, provide guided trips to nearby dive sites, where you can see marine life like parrotfish and colourful coral.

• Water sports: For those who enjoy more dynamic activities, Protaras’ beaches offer a range of water sports. Fig Tree Bay is a top spot for jet-skiing, paddleboarding and parasailing, while other beaches, such as Vrissi and Pernera, are perfect for banana boat rides and windsurfing.

• Cycling routes: Protaras is cycling-friendly, with routes that wind through seaside trails and inland paths connecting the coastal town to nearby villages. Rentals are readily available, and local maps provide detailed paths, making exploring the area on two wheels easy.

• Fishing: Sea fishing trips run from Protaras’ small harbours. These excursions typically include instruction, equipment and refreshments, making them a relaxing way to experience Cyprus’ coastal lifestyle.

Discover the best beaches on Protaras holidays

Protaras is a beach lover’s paradise, boasting some of the most beautiful coastline in Cyprus. From family-friendly spots to hidden coves, there’s a beach for every type of traveller.

Fig Tree Bay – iconic and idyllic

Fig Tree Bay is the crown jewel of Protaras, famous for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. This Blue Flag beach is perfect for families, offering calm seas ideal for swimming and paddling. With plenty of sun loungers, water sports, and nearby cafes, it’s easy to spend an entire day soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine.

Konnos Bay – a tranquil retreat

Nestled between Protaras and Cape Greco, Konnos Bay is a secluded gem surrounded by lush greenery. Its turquoise waters and soft sands make it a popular spot for snorkelling and kayaking. With a serene atmosphere and fewer crowds, Konnos Bay is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape.

Pernera Beach – family-friendly fun

Pernera Beach is a favourite among families, offering shallow waters and a relaxed vibe. Its promenade connects to other beaches, making it perfect for a leisurely coastal walk. Nearby tavernas serve delicious Cypriot dishes, providing the perfect break from sunbathing and swimming.

Sunrise Beach – perfect for early risers

True to its name, Sunrise Beach is the place to be for a spectacular morning view. This bustling beach offers soft sands, clear waters, and excellent facilities, including sunbeds and water sports rentals. It’s a great spot to start your day before exploring the rest of Protaras.

Cape Greco – an adventurer’s paradise

While not a traditional beach, the Cape Greco area is a must-visit for its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Adventurous travellers will love diving into the clear waters and exploring the sea caves. It’s a short drive from Protaras and offers breathtaking views, making it a great day trip for holidaymakers.

Endless seaside adventures

Protaras’ beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful, ensuring your holiday is filled with relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re looking to bask in the sun, dive into water sports, or discover hidden treasures, the stunning shores of Protaras won’t disappoint.

Local dishes in Protaras

A holiday in Protaras is incomplete without experiencing its fantastic food and drink: traditional Cypriot meat dishes, seafood fresh from the Mediterranean, dessert wine and brandy.

Some typical dishes

• Stifado: This warming stew almost always includes onions, tomatoes, wine or vinegar, but the meat varies from beef to rabbit or octopus.

• Fasolada: Made with dried white beans, olive oil and vegetables, this Cypriot soup is a hearty alternative to meat dishes.

Meze dishes

• Halloumi: Served grilled, this savoury sheep’s or goat’s milk (or both) cheese is a mainstay on meze tables all over Cyprus.

• Kalamarakia Tiganita: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fried squid rings are always a safe bet.

Meat dishes

• Kleftiko: Infused with garlic, lemon and herbs and slow-cooked in a traditional clay oven, this lamb dish is one of the classics.

• Afelia: Another traditional slow-cook, this time diced pork, red wine and coriander seeds.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Oktapodi: Tenderised, grilled and served with a simple dressing, octopus is a staple in Cypriot seaside towns like Protaras.

• Tsipoura: Sea bream, whole or filleted, is typically grilled and served with a sprinkle of oregano, lemon and olive oil.

Street food

• Sheftalia: Well-seasoned minced pork stuffed in caul fat, skewered, grilled and served in pitta with salad and a tahini or yoghurt sauce.

• Souvlaki: Bite-size cubes of seasoned lamb, pork or chicken cooked and served on a skewer.

Sweets and desserts

• Soutzioukos: The classic Cypriot sweet, threaded nuts dipped in a grape juice and cornflour mix and sundried. Look for them at markets or roadside stalls.

• Loukoumades: Coated with syrup or honey, these fried pastry balls are good plain but even better topped with cheese, chocolate or chopped nuts.

Typical drinks

• Commandaria: Made from sun-dried native Xynisteri and Mavro grapes, Commandaria is smooth, rich and wonderful with desserts or as an after-dinner drink.

• Zivania: A mixture of dry Xynisteri and Mavro wines and grape pomace, this brandy makes a great pre-dinner drink, but you should probably stop there as it’s incredibly potent.