Protaras emphasis on which. Open the left menu protaras. Shopping and shops

Protaras resort in Cyprus. General information, beaches, attractions, what to see in Protaras and when to go on vacation.

Protaras it would have remained a little-known village in the southeast of Cyprus in the shadow of the luxurious beaches of Famagusta. But the Turks captured Cyprus and a significant part of the Greek Cypriots moved to Protaras, settled down and turned the fishing village into the number one resort for family holidays.

Protaras stretched along the coast and now actually represents a long promenade by the sea along which hotels and apartments of various sizes have been built.

Beaches in Protaras sandy, sand from light yellow to dark brown, turquoise sea with a smooth entrance to the water and an unusual color of the water.

Best beach– Protaras city beach, also known as Sunrise Beach, is a long and wide beach with yellow sand, very busy in the summer season.

The iconic beach of Protaras – Fig Tree Beach or Fig Tree Beach. Named after the fig tree that grows on it (fig = fig). An oval beach with light yellow fine sand is the main attraction of Protaras. Fig Three Beach is adjacent to the city's Sunrise Beach.

In addition to these two beaches, Protaras has at least a dozen smaller beaches, but just as cozy and sandy. There is a walking trail along all the beaches.

On the one hand, Protaras supports, and on the other, the village practically abuts the territory. Neighboring Ayia Napa is 10 km away. or 20 minutes by car.

Between Protaras And Ayia Napoi there is a bus service, so by choosing these resorts, the tourist’s opportunities are actually doubled.

Of course, there is club life in Protaras, but everything is much smaller and quieter than in youth Ayia Napa.

Sights of Protaras resort not rich. In addition to the beaches, you can note the Church of Elijah the Prophet on the hill and the beautiful Church of St. Barbara on the outskirts of Protaras if you go towards Paralimni by bus No. 102. Another church of St. Nicholas is located on the Mediterranean coast near Kalamis beach and the yacht marina.

Since May, there has been a show of dancing fountains in the center of the village; children are interested in the sea aquarium, which is open all year round.

But the most important attraction for active travelers can be considered a walking trail that starts at the Church of Elijah the Prophet and ends near Konnos Beach and the Grecian Park Hotel in the Cape Greco Natural Park.

Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, Protaras

Protaras gives the impression of a very well-maintained, calm resort for families or children. Partygoers will find it a bit boring here, but Ayia Napa near.

Season in Protaras starts the same as everywhere else in Cyprus from April 1 and lasts until the end of October. In winter, almost all hotels close.

Accommodation in Protaras– these are both luxury hotels and tourist “C” hotels, there are a lot of apartments – this is the most budget option.

How to get to Protaras

All roads to Protaras lead through the international Larnaca airport. From there we get to Protaras by taxi, bus or rented car. From Larnaca airport to Protaras is 70 km, which is about 1 hour drive.

From Larnaca airport You can take a taxi, which can be ordered in advance at. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name written on it.

How to book a cheap hotel in Cyprus

During the low season in winter and early spring, you can book a hotel at least two days before your trip. It's better to do this through Booking.com. Why? If you want to look for a hotel upon arrival, the owner may simply not be there or the apartment will be closed, the prices at the booking office do not differ from the prices at the hotel desk, well, you know that yourself.

How to rent a car in Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus is on the left e - thanks to the British, whose colony was the island, but this is a very minor problem. You get used to the steering wheel on the right in about 5-15 minutes. Rented cars have red license plates - local drivers use them to identify tourists and treat them with understanding, giving way. Traffic on the island is correct, the roads are excellent and mostly separated, that is, there is practically no chance of driving into oncoming traffic.

We rent a car on the Myrentacar website, which brings together most local car rental companies. The prices are good, 24/7 Russian-speaking support, I have used them 6 times in three years. There are no complaints, the conditions are stated transparently, so you can always find an acceptable option.

How to buy a cheap air ticket to Cyprus

We use the aviasales.ru service and always buy cheap air tickets, the main thing is to do this at least a couple of months before the trip. Use the low price calendar - it’s very convenient.

I decided unequivocally: I’m going, because I haven’t been there yet. Then the question arose about the city of residence. I wanted to get the sea and sea air, the sun, an atmosphere of silence and serenity... But at the same time, I didn’t want to end up on a desert island, where there was only water and a hotel around. Modern infrastructure was also on my wish list. My choice fell on the wonderful small cozy city of Protaras. When I arrived there, it was night. Even then, this city impressed me with some kind of “nurtured” calm, harmony and a slightly rural atmosphere - a slight isolation from the outside turbulent world. Already in the morning, going out onto the streets of Protaras, I realized that my choice was excellent. Small buildings, cozy shops and cafes, everything is very clean and beautiful. It is impossible not to pay attention to the general atmosphere of the city, which is created by the local population. On the one hand, they are indifferent to you, mind their own business, calm and quiet, and on the other hand, they are very friendly and responsive people with a subtle sense of humor. They will always help and advise. It seems that you are a welcome guest in this city. This is very pleasant: it feels like home.
In Protaras, most of the streets are decorated with wild trees with tangerines, various amazing-smelling shrubs with small, exquisitely beautiful flowers. With the onset of darkness, local bars and cafes are filled with tourists and locals, everyone is having fun, communicating, dancing, relaxing, laughing, and at this time a whole line of taxi cars stands near the bars and cafes and waits in line. I was amazed by the fact that among taxi drivers there was a clearly defined queue for customers to board, but I was even more impressed by the pattern of waiting. Taxi drivers stand around the hood of the car, take out a chessboard and play checkers or chess. It's so cool. When you leave a cafe, sometimes you want not to get into a taxi and go home to bed, but to play at least one game with them. I will tell you about the beaches in more detail below. In short, all we can say is that they are amazing. You will definitely have a desire to come back here again.
Protaras will offer you a wide variety of unusual and unique souvenirs that are unique to Cyprus. For those who are afraid to move around on their own due to the language barrier, I’ll say right away that you shouldn’t worry about it. On the island, not to mention Protaras itself, people are accustomed to hearing and listening to Russian speech. There are many signs and tablets in Russian. However, it should be noted that there is no complete penetration of the Russian language into the territory of Cyprus. In Protaras, you should definitely visit such vibrant places as the Protaras Aquarium, the Church of Agios Elias, the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Valley of the Windmills. Almost in the very center of the city there is the famous show of “Dancing” fountains. Read more about all the most interesting attractions below.

It’s worth going here if you want a cozy, quiet, carefree beach holiday, if you like to dive with a mask and spend hours watching the sea inhabitants, if you are fond of fishing and you like a little rustic lifestyle, if you don’t mind partying at the local disco, but this is not a fundamental factor for you when choosing a vacation spot. In Protaras, the main number of tourists are families with children and pensioners. It will be a bit boring here for young people who have come to party, have wild fun and have a blast, as you can only do when you are in your 20s.
You will definitely fall in love with the pristine beaches and incredibly beautiful water. In the evening on the beach in certain places you can easily meet a sea turtle, so be careful. And having once visited Cape Cavo Greco, you can safely tell your friends and family that you have visited the ends of the Earth. There, sitting on one of the few benches, you will think about life, about the beauty of nature and how great it is to travel and see the beauty of our Planet.

How to get there

Protaras is a city on an island, and accordingly, the most preferred way to get to it is by plane. Of course, you can plan your trip and choose a complex and long route, travel by train to one of the countries where there is a railway connection. According to Russian Railways: “in the train schedule for 2015/2016, Federal Passenger Company JSC carries passengers on direct and transit routes to 16 countries in Europe and Asia - Germany, France, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Italy, Finland, Mongolia, North Korea." After enjoying the views from the train window, transfer to one of the available water modes of transport, where you can happily breathe in the sea air and admire the endless seascapes, and sail to the island.

By plane

There is no airport directly in Protaras. Cyprus has two airports in the cities of and. Airlines operate regular and charter flights.

From Moscow

You can get from Moscow to Larnaca by direct regular flights with such airlines as Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Rossiya from Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo airports. Airfare from 210 EUR (price varies depending on the season, departure time and flight date). Flight time is approximately 4 hours. There are fewer flights operating in the city. Ticket prices vary from 175 EUR (direct regular flight in January. Starting price with the same parameters, but the month of air travel in August - from 300 EUR. Prices can be found).

From Saint-Petersburg

You can purchase a ticket for charter flights both from Moscow and St. Petersburg. During high season, flights operate daily. From Pulkovo airport direct regular flights to the airport are operated by Aeroflot (cost from 240 EUR). There are no direct flights to the city. You can fly to Cyprus any day of the week, but you need to fly with a transfer, spending more time and material investments.

How to get from Larnaca and Paphos airports to the city center

Distance to Protaras from:

1. Airport in Larnaca = 57 km;
2. Airport in Paphos = 188 km.

There are several ways to overcome this distance:

Beaches. Which ones are better

Beaches of Protaras. They are beautiful. All. They are different, but all wonderful. It’s not for nothing that Fig Tree Bay Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. The exceptional whiteness of the coastal sand, the purity of the water, and the transparency to the very bottom make you fall in love with it.
Due to the topography of the coastline, there are many cozy coves and very low wave heights. This is an attractive setting for families with children. Children can dive and splash here for hours.
Entrance to all beaches is absolutely free, since all the beaches of Protaras and Cyprus are municipal. The beaches are clean, there is no garbage from visitors, it is safe to run barefoot. Each beach has waste disposal areas and showers with cool water. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for a fee of 2-3 EUR.

There are also small stalls where you can buy snacks and drinks. Not far from all the beaches of Protaras you can easily find cafes, bars and restaurants.

The following types of entertainment are widely represented:

• water skiing: 15 EUR / 15 min;
• parachuting (parachute riding): 40 EUR/ for 2 people;
• jet skis and catamarans from 20 EUR/ 15 min;
• diving from 50 EUR/ 1 hour.

Many tourists walk along the coastline of Protaras and stop to sunbathe and swim in a new place every day, often on wild beaches. The advantage of such beaches is the absence of people, but here you will not find the amenities of civilization. There are no sunbeds, umbrellas or other equipment here, but here you can fully enjoy nature and even meet a lizard or sea turtle.
You can see the main (largest) beaches on the map:

What to see in 1 day

If you are in Protaras for just one day, then I advise you the following route:

• Rise at 6 am. Rent a car or taxi and go to Cape Cavo Greco (examination and walks around the cape; approximate sufficient time is about 2 hours). Here I recommend taking more photographs and if you are a brave tourist, be sure to record a video of how you jump from the Cape into the sea (there are a number of places from which you can make a jump. You will immediately notice in such areas that there are five tourists or local residents jumping down from the Cape). So bring a towel, a change of clothes, or just walk for an hour and let the sun dry your swimwear. I also advise you to take drinking water and sandwiches (food for a snack) with you, because there are only a few stalls with food directly on the Cape; they do not have a clear opening schedule.
• After the Cape, I advise you to go to all the main and famous beaches of Protaras. I wrote about them above. Swim everywhere.
• Next, have lunch at one of the many restaurants.
• Then go on a day boat excursion. For about 2-2.5 hours.
• Then visit the church of Ayios Elias.
• And end the evening with dinner at the famous "Magic Dancing Waters" show. Before the show starts, you'll have time to check out the local souvenir shops.

Food. What to try

Here are some examples of prices for a number of products:

• bread – 3 EUR;
• potatoes – 1.5 EUR/kg;
• cucumbers – 2 EUR/kg.

I can’t recommend you any specific restaurants and cafes, simply because you will definitely be given delicious food everywhere. The service is generally good, prices are also about the same. Of course, there are differences in the menu, in the way the food is served and in the general atmosphere, but again, it is impossible to single out a number of better or worse establishments here.

Budget

As budget places where you can eat, you can only highlight retail shops with food based on the "fast food" principle, and of course, McDonald's.

Holidays

More than half of all national holidays in Cyprus are religious holidays, since the majority of the population of Cyprus professes Orthodox Christianity. The most important holidays are:

• Easter;
• Christmas;
• Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

Cypriots go out on a grand scale: for example, during the Easter period, many offices are closed for a week.

• In Cyprus there is one unique, fantastic, summer-like serene, bright, cheerful holiday - Kataklysmos (the holiday of “water celebration”). Holiday in honor of the Flood. Cypriots celebrate it on a grand scale, with folk festivities, pouring water on each other, laughter, dancing and fun.

Also in Cyprus and in Protaras, various flower festivals and wine festivals are held every year.

Safety. What to watch out for

The situation in the country is calm and safe, and the city of Protaras is no exception. Protaras is a very cozy and safe city. Cypriots are friendly people. A young girl, woman with a child, unaccompanied by a man, can travel to Protaras without fear. Traveling around the city is safe both day and night. You can safely walk around at night, visit night bars and clubs, or simply enjoy a walk along the sea coast and admire the lunar landscapes. By the way, walks along the seashore are very popular among tourists and, while walking, you will definitely meet a couple in love who is just starting their love relationship, and unions of mature people that have already been tested by time and life, who just as tenderly hold each other’s hands, just like 30-year-olds. 40 years ago. On the streets and public institutions no one approaches or flirts.

You shouldn’t worry too much about your material assets: I haven’t encountered any cases of theft on beaches, in cafes, restaurants, bars, or shops. Of course, this does not mean there are 100% absence of scammers; attentiveness and vigilance should never be lost, but I would rate the comfort in terms of safety on the streets, in hotels, cafes, etc. at 80%. I still recommend keeping your passport, documents and other valuables not in your pocket or purse, but in a hotel safe: on any trip it’s better to be on the safe side. At the reception of any hotel they will make a copy of your documents.

Things to do

Shopping and shops

Protaras stores operate on the same principle as the generally accepted operating rules for all stores in Cyprus. Opening times vary depending on location and their type of trade. All shops located in the tourist area are open 7 days a week, without lunch and until late in the evening. Basically, closing time is 22:00-23:00. There are many 24-hour minimarkets in the tourist area. Shops outside the tourist area operate according to the following schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 8:00-20:00, break - 13:00-15:00, Wednesday and Saturday - 8:00-14:00.

Payment

You can pay for purchased goods in almost every store and mini-kiosk using credit cards. Cash payments are accepted everywhere. Currency – euro. The price of goods includes VAT. As a foreign tourist, you have the right to return part of the VAT amount provided that the goods are exported from the country of purchase, that is, from Cyprus. The minimum amount at which you can exercise your right is 50 EUR. To get a refund, you need to issue a Tax Free voucher when purchasing goods in retail stores marked with a special "Tax Free Shopping" logo. If there are no similar logos on the store window, be sure to check with the sellers for information. By the way, this will not be difficult to do even for a tourist who speaks only his native Russian language, since through one of the sellers they at least partially understand the Russian language. At the airport, before going through passport control, you need to go to the customs clearance point. There you will be asked to present your passport, receipt, and purchased items. If everything is done correctly, the customs officer will stamp the Tax Free voucher, confirming your right to a refund. After registration and customs inspection, find the cash refund point - “Tax Free Cash Refund”. Here you will be paid in cash up to 500 EUR. If you need to transfer money by non-cash method, this is also possible. To do this, you need to fill out a “Tax Free” voucher, where you need to indicate your account details. Checks are valid for three months from the date of issue. By non-cash payment, money is credited within 2-8 weeks.

What to buy

So, what is the best thing to buy in Protaras. The range of goods presented here is completely similar to the rest of Cyprus.

Bars. Where to go

Protaras nightlife is very active for a small resort town. It is impossible to recommend anything specific, because like cafes (restaurants), bars are also for the “amateur”. There are bars where it is customary to simply drink beer and watch live broadcasts of sports games. Another category of bars: everyone drinks alcoholic drinks and dances. Alcoholic drinks are very, very similar in all bars. Bars post prices for the 5 most popular drinks directly in front of the bar entrance, this is very convenient because you walk down the street, stop in front of the bar and read the “hot” offers of the evening (night). And you make your choice. Almost all bars are open until 2-3 am. The audience is very different in age, but everyone is cheerful and kind. Let me give you an example of prices: 50 ml of tequila – 5 EUR (there are often “sales” and you can drink tequila for 2.5-3 EUR). The average cocktail is also 5 EUR. After midnight, ordering food and eating well is difficult: most bars stop serving food, or they are only willing to serve a limited number of dishes.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

So, what souvenir should you bring from Protaras? I will highlight the most significant and noteworthy items.

• The first is olives and olive oil. The best and most useful souvenir for yourself and your friends is a bottle of premium olive oil. You will find a variety of bottle sizes from super mini to liter large bottles. Their cost varies from 2 to 20 EUR.
• The second delicious souvenir is honey and jam. Particular attention should be paid to honey and jam, which are produced directly in the monastery. A 350 ml jar of jam will cost you 5-6 EUR. Almost every monastery offers to purchase this product.
• The third edible souvenir is a unique Cypriot goat cheese that does not melt when fried. Sold in vacuum packaging and ready for transportation.

And now five inedible souvenirs for your family and friends.

1. Ceramics. Pottery - making various objects from clay - is an ancient type of Cypriot folk craft. Decorative plates and vases, jugs, various stands and much more can be found in every store and souvenir shops.
2. Rose water and rose oil will be the most fragrant souvenirs. On the island of Cyprus, Damask rose is specially bred, from which the most fragrant and most valuable oil is obtained.
3. Natural cosmetics based on organic olive oil. Cosmetics are very effective for hair and skin care.
4. Products made of silver and gold. Jewelry produced by Cypriot craftsmen is famous for its highest quality and at the same time reasonable prices. Various silver products are especially popular: elements for the interior, decorative elements, jewelry, tableware. These items are produced mainly in two small villages: Lefkara and Omodos.
5. Well, and finally, about the most significant souvenir - a fur coat. Fur coats and fur products, leather goods are also widely represented in Protaras shops and are famous for their high quality and elegant tailoring. All you have to do is choose your fur coat.

Taxi. What features exist

There are two types of taxi: regular and Travel Express.

1. Regular taxi. Such a taxi will take you to any place at your expense, including giving you a tour of all the sights, you just have to want and pay. You can call a taxi from the hotel reception, cafe, bar, or just catch it on the street. The cost of 1 km is on average 0.60 EUR one way. When traveling round-trip, the cost is reduced and is approximately 0.40 EUR. Waiting (downtime) will cost you 12-15 EUR / 1 hour. It is important to take into account that there is a concept of “minimum travel cost”, which is 3 EUR. There are also day and night rates. The night rate is 15% higher than the day rate. The daily rate is valid from 6:00 A.M. to 8:30 P.M., night from 8:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. I advise you to agree on the cost of the trip in advance, since sometimes there are cases of deception on the part of taxi drivers, since they do not really like to turn on the meters, although they are obliged to, and they tell the price that is favorable to them.
2. Travel Express. These are taxis, so to speak, mini-buses that carry from 4 to 7 passengers and thanks to this, the fare is reduced. The price is discussed on the spot with the driver. It is important to note that this taxi does not call at airports and runs only during the day, and the main purpose of this taxi is to transport passengers between major cities of Cyprus. There are no internal transportation in Protaras.

Buses

In Protaras, as throughout Cyprus, the transport network is not widely developed; there are no trains, trams or metro. In this regard, the most popular form of public transport is buses. They move strictly in accordance with the schedule presented at bus stops. Upon request, the reception desk of any hotel will provide you with this information. The buses are clean and the ride is very comfortable. The fare is from 1.5 EUR per adult one way. The price varies depending on the travel distance. I advise those who do not have a driver’s license to use this type of transport.

Transport rental

Renting a car in Protaras will not be difficult; the basic and standard rules for renting a car in European countries apply here. You can rent a car directly through this hotel service, through your tour operator, via the Internet or simply on the street. You can easily find many shops offering rental cars, motorcycles and other types of transport. Don't be afraid to use these smaller companies. It is not in their interest to deceive you.
The most important point when driving: I advise you to drive around the local streets a little before merging onto the motorway, since in Cyprus the traffic is on the left and you need to adapt to this. All rental cars have a different license plate color - red. Therefore, local residents immediately determine who is driving. And they are more lenient with your driving, since from time to time you will still want to enter a roundabout on the right, rather than on the left. Be careful and careful. Take your time and don't be nervous.

So, the main points when renting a car:

1. To rent you need to have 3 years of driving experience and a driver's license. To drive a car, a standard driver's license issued on the territory of the Russian Federation is sufficient. The driver's license must be valid for the class of vehicle you wish to drive.
2. Petrol. In Cyprus, unleaded gasoline AI 95 and 98 is used (there are also other, more expensive types of fuel, but you are unlikely to need them). The rented car, as a rule, is handed over to the client when renting with a full tank, at the client's expense. If the car is returned with a full tank, the client receives a refund (unless otherwise specified in the contract). A very important point: pay attention when concluding a contract. Also pay attention to your route. Since there are many gas stations in all cities and tourist resorts, but only a few are located in mountainous areas and villages. So if you are planning such a trip, make sure you have enough fuel to get you there and back.
3. Insurance. A very important point: when renting a car, insurance is only valid within the area under the control of the Republic of Cyprus. If you want to move to Turkey, you simply pay for additional insurance (the price depends on the category of the car, from 30 EUR per 1 day. Please check the details when renting). For drivers under 25 years of age with up to 3 years of driving experience, special insurance rates apply. Supplements for the amount insured are calculated.

• You must have a foreign passport with you. Gasoline, insurance, fines are paid by the tenant. The minimum rental period is 1 day. The cost of renting a car is from 30 EUR/day. Prices can be viewed.

There is nothing scary or difficult about renting a car. There are some pitfalls and attempts at deception too.

I highly recommend renting a car and, if possible, visiting all the main attractions not only of Protaras, but of Cyprus as a whole.

Yacht rental is also popular. Renting a yacht or an individual sea voyage will allow you to experience the island from a different perspective, very interesting and exciting. You will appreciate the beauty of Cyprus, the coastline of Protaras, caves, swim in the open sea, in this infinitely transparent, magically blue sea water.

I will highlight several important points when renting yachts:

1. Rental cost from 1000 EUR/2 hours (large yacht with a capacity of up to 100 people). For a yacht with a capacity of up to 7-8 people, rent will cost you from 500 EUR/4 hours.
2. Food and drinks are most often not included in the rental price and are paid additionally.
3. Transfer to the yacht also needs to be paid additionally (if such a service is needed).

For motorcycle (moped) lovers, this is also a paradise. The rules for renting motorcycles are as follows:

1. The driver and passenger must wear a helmet. Rental agencies must provide helmet(s) for the duration of the rental upon request. Payment is usually included in the total rental price.
2. A passenger may ride on eligible motorcycles/mopeds provided he/she is over 12 years of age and sits astride the seat.
3. The insurance amount and gasoline are paid separately.
4. The International Driving License is valid throughout Cyprus. Renters can also use a national motorcycle driving license, provided it is valid in their own country for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.
5. Persons under 17 years of age are prohibited from driving any vehicles other than motorbikes.

Protaras - holidays with children

Is it worth going on holiday to Protaras with children? Definitely yes. Protaras is intended specifically for families with children. There is no constant noise from a huge number of cafes, bars and other entertainment venues. Protaras is not a party, noisy, 24-hour energetic holiday destination like Ayia Napa. In the evenings on the streets of Protaras you will definitely notice the main contingent of tourists, namely families with children and people of retirement age. Nothing will disturb even children's daytime sleep. Any hotel will provide you with various kinds of children's equipment (tables, children's chairs). Most hotels have children's animators. Protaras resembles a modern, comfortable urban village; when you arrive there, you step away from the noise and atmosphere of a big city, but at the same time you are surrounded by all the necessary achievements of mankind. I advise you to go on an excursion with your children to the zoo, water park and oceanarium.

Anything to add?

Cyprus is the longed-for dream of millions of tourists, travelers and ordinary people prone to exciting adventures. How can you not fall in love with this island if it is all created for a relaxing holiday, romantic dates under the moon and unforgettable relaxation on the beach under tall palm trees? How can you not love this original cuisine, rocky bays with crystal clear, warm water and picturesque houses of the local population? Cyprus is truly a paradise for those who dream of leaving the stuffy city with its exhausting bustle and being alone with nature, the sea surf and the hot sun.

Sights of Protaras

What to see in Cyprus (Protaras) - be sure to visit this wonderful resort city, which only wins the hearts and souls of tourists from all over the world. It is most suitable for families and parents with children of all ages, although you can often meet newlyweds and cheerful groups of friends here. Protaras is also an ideal place for those who prefer to live in a quiet, uncrowded place, but at the same time close to Ayia Napa, famous for its variety of entertainment places.

Magic fountains

What to see in Protaras for those who find themselves in this small but friendly town for the first time? Perhaps one of the favorite places among tourists is the central square of the city, namely the fascinating one, which begins here every day at 21:00 local time. You can admire this mesmerizing spectacle from May 1 to September 30.

Huge streams of water, illuminated by multi-colored laser beams, rise up to beautiful music, and then fall down, simulating the boiling lava of an erupting volcano. You can watch this sparkling show while sitting at a cafe table and savoring a local cocktail. As a rule, young people with their significant other come to see the magic fountains, because the spectacle is truly romantic and discouraging.

Fig Tree Bay

Sights and excursions in Cyprus in Protaras are not all that travelers who are hungry for new experiences like. Fig Tree Bay is one of the best places for scuba diving enthusiasts. The water here is incredibly clear, the coast is covered with golden sand, but the main highlight of the beach is the old fig tree, which served as the name of this fabulous place. According to legend, the tree has been growing on the island since the 17th century. Near Fig Tree Bay there is another small beach, which is famous for its gorgeous coral thickets.

Ocean Aquarium

Have you ever seen live sharks, moray eels and huge, toothy crocodiles? Or maybe you like to watch birds and unusual fish? Then the Protaras Ocean Aquarium will not disappoint you, because here you can see with your own eyes many of the inhabitants of distant islands:

• penguins;
• moray;
• alligators;
• piranha;
• acne;
• “clown” fish;
• many types of sharks;
• anemones, etc.

The Oceanarium, which is one of the main attractions of Protaras in Cyprus, is open every day. Here you can have a delicious lunch in a cozy cafe, and also celebrate a child’s birthday.

Windmills

The valley with windmill pumps should be visited by everyone who has visited Protaras. Several hundred wind generators doing their intended job, namely irrigating crops, make a lasting impression on vacationers. It would seem, what interest could a metal column with rotating blades be of? But no, tourists are drawn here like a magnet, and besides, getting to the valley is not difficult.

Bridge of Sinners

A favorite attraction in Protaras, Cyprus is the Sinners' Bridge. Sometimes you are amazed when you see another natural monument or an unusual plant that is not found anywhere else on the planet. So the Bridge of Sinners was created by nature itself, and now it is a favorite place for vacationers. The only pity is that since 2012 it has not been possible to get close to the bridge - this natural sculpture poses a great danger to people, since it is easy to fall down from here.

Church of Barbara

When making excursions in Protaras, be sure to stop by the Church of St. Barbara. This is one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in the city - a real cult of a strange island. The church is located near the Protaras beach, at the very entrance to the village. Exactly when the temple was erected is still unknown, but according to some scientists, the building has been decorating the island since the 19th century.

The exterior decoration of the church is made in pastel, warm colors, which instantly attracts the attention of tourists. The inside of the temple is no less attractive - the decoration of the walls and ceiling is incredibly beautiful. And from the territory of this unique building there is a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. The Church of St. Barbara is a favorite place for newlyweds who decide to legitimize their relationship.

Protaras Tours

Excursions from Protaras in Cyprus are an unforgettable mini-trip for you if you love active recreation and do not want to spend your entire vacation on the beach under the scorching sun. There is something to see here:

• you can go to the fishing village of Liopetri, where at the end of the 19th century. lived the famous French artist A. Rimbaud;
• here you can admire ancient churches;
• learn how to cook local seafood dishes;
• watch how local women skillfully weave baskets;
• how skillfully men fish, etc.

No less popular in Protaras are jeep excursions or sea safari, where you will take a boat ride along the coast.

Map with attractions

A map of Protaras with attractions in Russian is an excellent helper for those who want to quickly navigate the area, consider the location of hotels and noteworthy objects. The map helps to make your vacation more comfortable, plan excursions and trips to interesting places in advance, and find a suitable shelter for the night. Knowing the location of restaurants, you can quickly build a route to your favorite establishment.

Also on the Protaras map of Cyprus you can see museums, churches and other attractions that are visited annually by hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. By clicking, for example, on the hotel of interest on the interactive map of Protaras, you can find out all the necessary information about the establishment. As a rule, satellite maps presented in Russian display all important objects for vacationers, including beaches, dive sites, attractions and other important objects.

Protaras is often called a continuation of Ayia Napa. Let it be so: this continuation is very worthy. The beaches of the Protaras resort are the best in all of Cyprus, the climate is surprisingly mild, and the hotels are family-oriented.

Doesn't it sound tempting? But this is not all the benefits of a small resort. You will find complete information about holidays with children in Protaras in our review.

Protaras on the map of Cyprus

The city of Protaras is a small resort in the southeastern part of Cyprus, on the Mediterranean coast. It is part of the Paralimni community of Famagusta district. The temporary administrative center of the region is the city of Paralimni. The distance from Protaras to Nicosia is 96 km, to Ayia Napa - 12 km, to Larnaca - 58 km, to Limassol - 123 km, to Paphos - 188 km.

In the 4th century BC. e. on the coast where Protaras is located, stood the Greek city of Lefkola. There is a version that the famous statue of the Nike of Samothrace was dedicated to the victory of the Macedonian ruler Demetrius I over the Egyptian satrap Ptolemy in a battle that took place near Protaras.

Vacation with children

Is it worth choosing a small and quiet resort for a family holiday, located far from the airport? Are these advantages or disadvantages?

If we are talking about holidays in Protaras, then these are undoubtedly advantages. Let fans of noisy entertainment settle in large resorts - the calmer it will be for you to relax on the beach, listening to the whisper of the waves.

We recommend coming to Protaras with children if the ideal seaside holiday seems like this to you: a good hotel on the shore, a sandy beach, few people and silence. For this reason, it’s even worth neglecting the inconvenient road from the airport, especially since you can simplify the trip by renting a car, ordering a taxi or arranging a transfer.

In terms of good hotels, Protaras is not inferior to other resorts in Cyprus. All conditions are created here to relax with your child. The presence of playgrounds and children's animation in hotels compensates for the fact that there is almost no other entertainment for young tourists in the town.

Sandy beaches are a real gift of Protaras for children. Almost everywhere the coastal strip is suitable for relaxing with a baby, although it is better to be located on equipped beaches awarded the “blue flag” for cleanliness and safety.

As for the silence at the resort, parents with infants will especially appreciate it. Nothing will interfere with the baby's daytime and night sleep - it's time to adapt to this unhurried rhythm and indulge in a relaxed holiday on the seashore.

When is the best time to go?

When it’s gray and rainy outside, you especially want to be on the warm seashore. Cyprus is perfect for this: at its resorts you can sunbathe in April and October.

The opening of the season in Protaras is at the beginning of May, and the swimming season starts at the beginning of June. At this time it is already very warm, but the sun does not burn.

July and August are best left to those who like intense heat, but September and early October will again delight you with even warmth.

If you don’t rush to the beginning of the season in Protaras, but arrive at the end of May, you can go to the children’s festival in Paralimni. At the same time, a strawberry festival takes place near the resort, in the village of Derinya.

By the way, a love of fresh fruit can tell you the answer to the question of when is the best time to go to Protaras. At the end of spring and beginning of summer, strawberries, cherries, apricots, and figs abound in the markets.

In autumn comes the time of apples, plums, grapes, persimmons. Most fruits, including exotic ones - papaya, guava, mango - are grown on the fertile lands of southeastern Cyprus.

Weather and climate

The Mediterranean climate of Protaras is ideal for a beach holiday with a child. Several factors are successfully combined here:

• a large number of sunny days;
• warm summers without extremely high temperatures;
• lack of rain from mid-May to mid-October;
• low air humidity.

Although the beach season in the resorts of Cyprus begins in April, it is better to come to the sea with a child no earlier than mid-May.

The best holidays in Protaras with children are in May-June and September - early October. The advantages of this period are stable warmth, lack of heat and well-warmed sea water.

May in the southeast of Cyprus is considered a summer month. The average air temperature is +20°C, but during the day thermometers show up to +25°C. This is a great time to travel with your baby to Protaras: the baby will not be bothered by the heat.

In June-August you can see +25-30°C on thermometers, and only occasionally the readings increase to +33°C.

Even, beneficial warmth continues into September: the daytime air temperature this month stays at +25°C, in the sun it sometimes reaches +30°C.

In October the air cools down to +21°C, and rains begin in the second half of the month. By November, the temperature drops to +17°C, clear days give way to gloomy ones - the resort falls into the grip of winter.

Although there are no frosts in Protaras, from December to March there is damp, changeable weather, and the air temperature drops to +11-13°C. But already in April the thermometer reaches +16-20°C: it’s too early to sunbathe, but it’s time to plan a vacation in Protaras.

Sea water temperature

Cypriots believe that the swimming season should open in June. On the holiday “Kataklysmos” (in Greek this word means “flood”), which is celebrated on the first Monday after Trinity, mass bathing is held.

In Protaras, you won’t be able to swim before June: only by the beginning of summer will the water off the coast of the resort warm up enough for a child to splash in it.

Back in May, the sea temperature is about +20-21°C, but in June the sea warms up to +23-24°C. The highest water temperature in Protaras is set in July-August - up to +27-28°C.

Throughout September, sea water will be as warm as in summer. Even in October, the water temperature will not be lower than +24°C. In November, the sea will gradually cool down, and by the end of the month the indicators will drop to +20°C.

Transport

Public transport in Protaras consists of several bus routes connecting the resort with neighboring towns. You can get around the town on foot, and buses will take you to beaches, attractions and entertainment.

The most useful routes for vacationers are No. 102 and 711. The first goes to Ayia Napa and its famous water park, on the second you will get to the best beaches, and you can also go to Larnaca.

Transport in Protaras runs infrequently, but follows a schedule. The cost of a single trip on the bus is 1.5 euros; tickets for children over 6 years old will cost the same amount. For 5 euros you can buy a ticket for an unlimited number of trips during the day.

It is convenient to use a bicycle to get around Protaras: there is a bicycle path along the sea, separated from the highway by a hedge. Rental shops and hotels have bicycles with child seats.

A long coastline, clean sandy beaches, azure sea and tranquil nature - Cyprus, Protaras is a place for a relaxing holiday with a family or couple. This is a town where there are many hotels, cozy cafes and restaurants on the coast with delicious national cuisine.

A little history

After the war in 1974, the island was divided into Greek and Turkish parts. In the south, a tourism infrastructure was created from scratch. The regions of Kyrenia and Famagusta remained on the sidelines in the north of the country.

The fishermen's village of Ayia Napa has become the second Ibiza - a youth resort with many clubs and discos. 8 km from the town is Protaras, a favorite holiday destination for English and German tourists.

As the quiet resort developed, Russian travelers began to join the British and Germans. They are attracted by a relaxing family holiday or a romantic trip for two, which Cyprus and Protaras offer. Prices are affordable and lower than in neighboring Ayia Napa.

The surroundings of Protaras are decorated with houses of Cypriot residents. For them, the city is a kind of countryside place where they can relax for the weekend.

How to get there

Where is Protaras on the map of Cyprus? You can see that the town is located near Ayia Napa in the Famagusta region (Fig Tree Bay).

You can get to the resort from Larnaca Airport. There is no direct route. A transplant is required. Drive from the airport to Larnaca, stop Finikoudes Promenade. Bus number 711 leaves every 2 hours to Protaras.

You can change trains in Ayia Napa and use taxis, minibuses or buses. Travel time is 15 minutes. From the airport - 1.5 hours.

Climate of Protaras

Lack of wind, subtropical climate, favorable for human health - unique weather. Cyprus, Protaras - vacation almost throughout the year.

Here, even in winter, the average temperature does not drop below 18° C, the water - 15° C. During the winter months, the tourist season is suspended, but this does not prevent travelers from relaxing at this time of year.

In spring, the swimming season begins at the end of March. You should definitely come in April: spring flowering begins. The city, surrounded by all kinds of flowers and fig trees, will give you an unforgettable holiday in Cyprus. Protaras in the spring months has a special charm, air with the aromas of flowers, warm water and sun.

Summer is dry and hot, the average temperature is up to 33° C, the water warms up to 24° C. In the summer there is a large influx of tourists. The climate is conducive to a beach holiday. Sunbathing should be done with caution, as the air temperature rises during the day.

If summer does not seem to be the best option for relaxation, then you can consider autumn - the ideal mild weather. Cyprus, Protaras in the autumn months is a quiet off-season with a climate that strengthens the body. The average temperature is 22° C. It is not hot at the resort, but at the same time you can still sunbathe.

The advantage of the weather in Protaras is holiday all year round.

Sights of Protaras

It cannot be said that the town is home to numerous cultural monuments and other attractions. On the contrary, there are few of them here, but they all deserve attention: the Church of Elijah the Prophet, the Bridge of Sinners, the show of dancing fountains and beautiful bays - this is Cyprus, Protaras.

Ghost town of Varosha

Since the city is located close to the UN peacekeeping zone, which divides the country into two parts, it is suggested to get to the observation deck by scooter. A unique excursion program includes viewing Varosha, a ghost town, through binoculars.

In the 70s, Varosha was a lively resort with fashionable hotels. Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot vacationed here.

Due to a coup d'etat in 1974, the city and region of Famagusta were occupied by the Turkish army. The indigenous people left their homes.

Now the inhabitants of Varosha are seagulls, stray cats, UN peacekeepers and Turkish soldiers. The city is gradually being destroyed, kilometers of beaches remain unclaimed. However, one beach is open to visitors near the Palm Beach Hotel. There are sun loungers, umbrellas and a small cafe here, and all this is next to the fence, behind which there are empty hotels. A real dream for a stalker.

Fig Tree Bay

It can be seen that Protaras on the map of Cyprus is located on the shores of Fig Tree Bay - a local landmark. The bay is one of the best beaches on the entire island.

It got its unusual name because of the huge fig tree growing on the beach. The arrangement of this place began around her. In the center of the bay there is a small island - a breakwater. Thanks to it, there are no big waves.

Tourists love this place for its clear azure sea, fine golden sand and equipped beach, where not only travelers, but also local residents relax. This is significant.

There is a lot of entertainment in the bay: sailing, jet skis, skiing, volleyball or tennis courts. The beach is convenient for families with children.

Church of Elijah the Prophet

The town is famous for other beauties. The Church of Elijah the Prophet is located on the island of Cyprus, Protaras. The resort's attractions include a temple and a panorama of breathtaking views from the hill.

Having overcome the difficult path along 180 steps, you find yourself on the hill where the Church of the Prophet Elijah stands. The location of the sanctuary was not chosen by chance: according to custom, churches in honor of St. Elijah are built on a hill. After the adoption of Christianity, people compared the image of the god Perun with the prophet. This necessitates construction on hills.

The church was destroyed, but was restored in 1984. The decoration of the temple is partially decorated with frescoes. In the evening, the cathedral is illuminated by floodlights and is visible from any part of the city. The hill offers a panoramic view of the resort onto the beach and numerous hotels.

There is a tree next to the church: if you hang a ribbon on the trunk or branches and make a wish, it will come true. The locals believe this.

Bridge of Sinners

The Bridge of Sinners is a natural phenomenon without human intervention on the island of Cyprus, Protaras. The attractions of this place are a bridge and a bizarre pile of stones.

According to legend, the bridge will collapse when the most sinful person in the whole world steps on it. But now it is impossible to verify the “sinfulness”: the structure is closed with fences due to a crack in the middle of the bridge. You can admire this place from afar.

Dancing fountain show

In the evening in the town you can see a show of dancing fountains - an incredibly spectacular performance. The special feature is a water and light extravaganza accompanied by various music.

The performance includes:

• laser show - light effects;
• fire and smoke;
• volcanic eruption - imitation of burning lava.

The entrance to the park itself is also interesting - an arched structure with beautiful waterfalls. The auditorium is a terrace with awnings and tables. There is a restaurant and cafe on the square. Of all the performances of this kind on the island of Cyprus (Protaras), reviews of the show are flattering and enthusiastic.

Liopetri

It is worth visiting the outskirts of Protaras when you realize that all the attractions of the resort have been seen.

The fishing village of Liopetri is ideal for a day visit. Residents will be offered to purchase wicker baskets and a variety of fish. Two temples have been preserved in the village: the Church of the Prophet Andronikos from the 15th century and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary from the 16th century.

In 1958, battles took place in Liopetri (War of Independence). Some soldiers took refuge in the town building, and the British military threw grenades at the building. From that moment on, residents consider the dead to be heroes. A monument was erected in their honor.

In addition to its cultural heritage, the village offers entertainment: restaurants on the beach with classic Cypriot cuisine.

Beaches of Cyprus

And yet, the main thing at the resort is not the cultural monuments, but the magnificent coastlines on the island of Cyprus, Protaras. The beaches of the town are the calling cards of this place.

Fig Tree Bay isn't the only waterfront in the city. Flamingo or Sunrise beach (near the hotel of the same name) is ideal for families with children: shallow sea, sandy bottom and smooth entrance to the water. The coastline is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and showers.

Entertainment offered:

• massage room overlooking the water surface;
• restaurants and cafes;
• parasailing, water skiing and other attractions.

You can take a trip on steamboats: one pirate ship, seemingly fragile and ready to fall apart at the first storm. The second vessel is a steamboat with a glass bottom for observing marine life.

By the way, Russian tourists board a pirate ship, while sedate Englishmen choose a more comfortable ship and are not looking for adventure.

The beach near the Cavo Maris hotel is chosen by divers. If you are careful when diving, you can see a lurking octopus or find yourself in a school of fish.

The divers were not lazy and brought copies of the statues of Apollo and Aphrodite and sank them to the bottom of the bay. For beauty. To prevent the sculptures from being carried away by the current, they were placed with their feet in a container of concrete and placed on the bottom.

Kronos Beach is located away from the town. You can get to it by minibus or taxi. The place is small but beautiful: a narrow coastline and pine trees. There is a cafe in the shade of the trees. The small beach is equipped with everything you need: sun loungers and umbrellas, attractions, showers and a lifeguard room.

Cyprus Hotels

The island of Cyprus, Protaras offers you to enjoy picturesque nature, views of beautiful bays and clear sea from the resort hotels. Hotels of various classes welcome guests as if they were family.

5 star hotels in Protaras (Cyprus) mean a comfortable stay with an exclusive prefix. There are not many of them in the town, but they all offer top-level service. Five-star hotels have spa and fitness centers, tennis and billiards courts, various swimming pools, cafes and restaurants.

All rooms are equipped for a comfortable stay. Children are provided with separate cots, special menus in restaurants and mini-clubs for games.

When staying in 4-star hotels, the difference in service is not felt compared to hotels of the highest category. Almost all of the “fours” are located on the coast, and the view from the rooms is of the sea, palm trees and coastline.

3 star hotels in Protaras (Cyprus) - a classic combination of price and quality. The resort's treshki boast good service and infrastructure: children's clubs, cafes, swimming pools and gyms.

Three-star hotels are located close to the city's transport hubs: close to all stops and taxi stands. This can be considered a minus, but there will be no problems when moving around the city.

What to bring from your trip

What do tourists recommend to bring from a trip to the island of Cyprus? Protaras - reviews confirm this - is a paradise for gourmets: olives and oil, cheese and national drinks, sweets and carob syrup.

For lovers of handmade work, local artisans offer napkins, tablecloths and sundresses decorated with patterns and embroidery.

Ladies can visit cosmetic shops in pharmacies: a large selection of natural cosmetics - from moisturizing creams to high-quality scrubs and gels.

Tourists who prefer a relaxing holiday, and those who cannot let go of the frantic rhythm of the city for a minute, should relax on the island of Cyprus, Protaras. Here no one is in a hurry and enjoys the moment.