With highlights including the Cape Greco Peninsula and National Forest Park, south-eastern Cyprus is a place of true natural beauty. Visitors also choose the area for its historic sights, great nightlife and entertainment, and its big choice of family attractions.
Famed for its wondrous Blue Lagoon, Cape Greco is big draw for water-sports lovers, with snorkelling, off-boat swimming and cliff diving among popular pursuits. You will also find opportunities to try scuba-diving, jet-skiing and other water-sports at many of the area’s beaches, with lessons available from beginner level upwards.
Various hiking routes have also been planned out, so you can take in the best of the Cape Greco region. With a focus on local wildlife and historic monuments, the Aphrodite Trail is one route which covers the area.
Protaras is just a short drive north, and has all the essentials you need from a resort. Full of restaurants and bars, it’s a good place to eat, but most people come for the many wonderful beaches which line the coast. One of these, Fig Tree Bay, has been voted one of the best beaches in Europe, but there’s plenty of choice with the likes of Turtle Bay, Green Bay and Konnos Beach also worth seeking out.
You can also enjoy a variety of planned excursions around Protaras and the surrounding area. Some are sea-based, with all sorts of craft taking to the water and often taking in the sea caves and Blue Lagoon along the way. Others, like some food tours, take you up into the mountains to give you a taste of local delicacies.
Near-neighbour Ayia Napa is best known for its clubbing scene, but that’s far from its only offering. A great resort for families, it has amusement parks, a water-park and an array of historic and cultural sights too. Look out for the 16th-century monastery, ancient Makronissos Tombs, the intriguing Sculpture Park and sea-themed Thalassa Museum.
About 35 minutes’ drive from Protaras, the CyHerbia Botanical Park & Labyrinth is a photo-shoot pretty destination, with lots of fragrant herb gardens, woodlands and a maze. If you enjoy the tranquility of CyHerbia, you might also enjoy the peaceful Salt Lake in Larnaca, an important area of wetlands which hosts flamingos and countless other birds.
A short drive from here, you have a great wildlife park to visit in the form of the Camel Park. It has 60 camels and many more animals besides, along with a wealth of other fun attractions.
The Region
Perched on Cyprus’s stunning southeastern coastline, Protaras is a Mediterranean jewel boasting sky-blue seas, sun-soaked beaches, and laid-back touches of traditional charm. What is more, Protaras’ serrated coastline of coves and promontories means there is no shortage of shallow, serene bays that are ideal for families, swimming, and watersports.
The famed Fig Tree Bay, with its shallow, protected water and golden sands is the most popular beach, and regularly listed among the best in Europe. Named after the lone fig tree set amidst its pristine sands, this quaint inlet is a picturesque retreat for sunbathers and snorkelers alike, but it’s also only the beginning of Protaras’ delightful qualities.
If you’re looking for a slightly quieter spot to sunbathe and dip your toes in the calm, Mediterranean waters, make your way south across the Fig Tree Peninsula to find a series of bays, including Green Bay which is a laid-back and excellent spot for snorkeling where you might even be lucky enough to see a sea turtle!
But snorkeling only scratches the surface of Protaras’ spectacular coastline, as it is a haven for scuba divers of all levels of experience. The region boasts a number of fantastic dive sights including the Green Bay Caves, the wrecks of the Liberty and the Nemesis, and the wonderful submerged gallery of statues which is close enough to shore to be accessible to divers and snorkelers alike. But if getting your feet wet isn’t your bag, not to fear, the coastline is equally wonderful to explore on a private boat tour. Tours explore highlights such as Cape Greco, Konnos Bay and the lovely Blue Lagoon.
Anyone looking to put their hiking boots to good use will revel in Protaras’s sublime selection of hiking options, from the rugged Cape Greco National Park to the unique Paralimni Lake – a natural saltwater wetland area swamped with migratory birds including herons, ducks, and even pink flamingoes. Cape Grego National Park is well known for its breathtaking landscapes and boasts several hiking trails. What is more, the Park offers a bevy of swimming spots so make sure to bring your bathers.
Far from limited to natural wonders, Protaras is also a culinary adventure. The town’s tavernas are brimming with grilled halloumi and souvlaki, and serve as the perfect spots to sit and relax as twilight turns to evening and the strum of bouzouki music serenades the streets and promenades. But don’t get too comfortable, because the night won’t end there. Protaras has a lively nightlife which centres on The Strip where numerous bars and clubs are open until late into the night, offering plenty of music and entertainment to keep the party going.
With its splendid assortment of natural wonders from serene bays to rugged landscapes, and no shortage of activities, attractions, and alluring culinary delights, Protaras is a picturesque location for a perfect vacation whether you’re a young family or a group of firm friends.
