Although only a ten minute drive away from Ayia Napa, Protaras is a much more relaxed and calm resort. It is situated between Cape Greco and the village of Paralimni. Protaras has twinkling turquoise seas and white sandy beaches, perfect for everyone! Protaras is the tourist resort of Paralimni, in the South East of Cyprus within the Famugusta area. Once it was scrubland, sand and a golden beach.

Now it has the Wild West appearance of a town that has developed far too fast for its own good - a greater affinity with Las Vegas than a typical Greek village or small town. Some scrub is still there and luckily so too is the golden beach - reputed to be one of the finest beaches on the island. The golden beach, gently shelving into the clear blue unpolluted sea of the Mediterranean. The night clubs, disco bars and restaurants are some of the best on the island.

The many hotels may not look much from the outside, inside sheer luxury with food and service second to none. On the beach are a variety of water sports, from peddle boats to jet skis and paragliding. No-one seems to mind the lack of genuine Cypriot atmosphere, however, because Protaras does what it was intended to do, and that is give everyone a great holiday. Then, too, it has the magnificent golden Blue Flag beach, which stretches for 10 miles (16km) or so shelving gently into the crystal clear Mediterranean, and further up and down the coast a choice of secluded coves and inlets for those wanting more privacy.

Who Goes There?
Protaras is currently a firm favorite with British families, but is suitable for all tourists as Protaras has something to offer everyone, from sunbathing to the nightlife!

Shopping
Protaras is not well known for its shopping facilities but does have small selection of shops. However, if shops are what you want then Paralimni and Ayia Napa,which are quite close by, have fantastic facilities.

Nightlife
Although the resort is well known for being family orientated it has good choice of taverns, nightclubs and bars. Those with children may wish to check the location of their hotel prior to booking to ensure they are not too near the nightclubs, etc.

Restaurants/ cuisine
There are a wide variety of restaurants in Protaras all offering different cuisines, including Thai, Italian and Indian.

Activities
A number of water sporting activities offered on the beach, including; parasailing and windsurfing.

Attractions
There are a number of different attractions in Protaras, including, museums, churches and monesteries. There is also Prophet Elias, which is on a 100 foot hill, which has a fantastic view of the whole town from the top. Protaras has the fabulous Fig Tree Bay which stretches over 10 miles of sandy beach.

Weather
Protaras usually has quite good weather for the most of the year, with a dry, sunny climate. Protaras usually has hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Transport
The easiest way to get around in Protaras is by hiring a car, catching a bus or flagging down a taxi.

Transfer Time
Transfer time from Larnaca or Paphos Airport is approximately 1 hour.