Protaras holidays

Follow the coast northwards to find more beaches in the neighbouring village of Pernera. Here, the beach lies within a protective curve of sand that keeps the waters calm – an ideal spot for young children. At Kalamies Beach just beyond, golden sands lie in a deep harbour crowned by the pretty sight of the blue and white church of St Nicholas.

Inland is the town of Paralimni, whose large main square is dominated by three churches all vying for attention. If you fancy a break from the beach, Paralimni has a broad range of shops as well as an amphitheatre where concerts and shows are held throughout the main holiday season.

For cheap holidays to Protaras, simply hop on one of the regular direct flights to Larnaca airport, which is less than an hour’s drive to the resort. If you want to explore further, many of the beaches in Protaras offer boat trips that make their way along the coast, offering everything from lunch and snorkelling trips to romantic sunset cruises.

If you want to spend long days in the sun, July and August are the hottest and driest months, with very little rainfall and temperatures in the mid-30Cs. While it’s the busiest – and most expensive – time of the year, it’s also the time to catch the Protaras Summer Film Festival, the largest in Cyprus. Throughout July and August, free Hollywood blockbuster films are screened in Lefkola Square.

Some of the loveliest beaches in Cyprus are along the coast at Protaras. While Fig Tree Beach is the most popular, just north of it are the equally family-friendly Sunrise and Vrissiana beaches. Follow the paved promenade that takes you even further north to the sheltered beaches that dot the coastline around Pernera.

If you head southwards, you’ll come to Konnos Beach, which is surrounded by low herb-scented hills and, like its neighbours, offers watersports, sunloungers and cafés.

Cape Greco

Dangling off the south-easternmost edge of Cyprus is Cape Greco, an enchanting peninsula of rocky coves, jagged limestone arches, cycling and hiking trails, and some of the most magical places to snorkel.

One of the best ways to visit is on a boat, giving you the chance to drop anchor and just dive into impossibly clear waters surrounded by cliffs in every shade of terracotta. If you’re into kayaking, it’s definitely the place to head to.

Blue Lagoon

Before you reach Cape Greco, stop for a swim and snorkel in the aptly named Blue Lagoon. Rocky limestone cliffs and a series of caves carved into the rock add a dramatic note as you luxuriate in sparkling turquoise waters.

To make the rocky terrain easier on your feet, bring a pair of swimming shoes. And if you’re lucky and you’ve brought your snorkelling year, you might even spot sea turtles.

Protaras’s churches

The churches around Protaras are quite simple affairs, but their locations make them stand out. The tiny blue and white church of Ayioi Anargiroi sits on a promontory halfway between Konnos Beach and Cape Greco, and offers wonderful sea views as well steps leading to a rocky cove.

Perched on a hilltop on the western side of Protaras is Profitis Elias church, a charming toy-town version of a Greek Orthodox church. Take in the views of the surrounding villages as well as the coastline.

Ocean Aquarium

Take the kids to Ocean Aquarium and introduce them to the thousand or so creatures that live there. Check out the marine life that includes angelfish, turtles and piranhas, as well as crocodiles, penguins and tortoises.

You’ll find furry and feathery friends too, including monkeys, several species of exotic birds and even a North American raccoon all spread out around landscaped gardens. At certain times of the day, you can watch the animals being fed.