The stunning Villa Nicos is located next to the sea in the Cape Greco area of Protaras. Cape Greco is the headland in the southeastern part of the island between Ayia Napa and Protaras. The Cape Greco National Park offers scenic beauty, naturally blessed with sea caves, cliffs, lush greenery and impressive rock formations. Protaras is a town rich in beaches, tourist amenities and gastronomy. One of its highlights is the beautiful Church of San Elias which was built in the fourteenth century. It sits majestically at the top of a cliff offering spectacular sea views. Another beautiful church is the Church of San Epifanio, between Ayia Napa and Cape Greco.
Protaras’ Fig Tree Bay is one of the best beaches in the area. With stunning, turquoise, calm waters, incredible white sand, Blue Flag status and an excellent array of watersports as well as bars and restaurants serving delicious food, cocktails and frappes, it is very popular. The centuries-old fig tree in the middle of the beach gives it its name. Visitors can explore the fascinating rock cave at the north end of the beach or take the coastal path and hiking trails to Louma Beach and Lombardi Beach. The beaches in the area offer a variety of watersports including parasailing, jet skis, water skiing, wakeboarding, self-drive speed boats, banana boats and other inflatable rides. All year round you can scuba dive at Green Bay, Cyclops Bay, the Chapel, the Canyon, the Blue Hole and the Nemesis III and Liberty ship wrecks.
Ayia Napa is a charming, lively tourist town with beautiful beaches and a buzzy port. It is roughly 10-15 minutes drive away from Protaras. Ayia Napa is known for its beach parties, karaoke bars and nightclubs, the island’s entertainment hotspot. The bustling town also boasts fourteen Blue Flag beaches, delightful cobbled streets, a medieval monastery and fantastic atmospheric tavernas on the harbourside.
The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is roughly an hour away. Nicosia is a very attractive town within sandstone Venetian walls and boasts pretty churches, a number of museums and many jewellery and fabric shops. The pedestrianised Laiki Geitonia area is wonderful for purchasing souvenirs.
Cyprus is famous for its dramatic Troodos Mountains where you can take wonderful woodland walks through the fragrant pine forests. You can also visit ancient churches and monasteries in the tranquil villages and taste some excellent wine in the friendly local vineyards. Troodos Village is nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus which is the tallest peak.
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.
