Things to do in Protaras

Protaras may be well-known by tourists but it still has power to surprise. People flock here for sun, sand, and cooling waves, but there’s so much more beyond the beach. From gazing at the wonders of nature in a cactus reserve to strolling around a sculpture park, from a trip to a traditional village to fish served in an old-world taverna – a Protaras adventure is always exciting, vibrant, and touching. It is hard to resist the charms of the place and its people.

Spend time in the sun on the beaches of Protaras

The beaches of Protaras attract thousands of visitors from around the world. Their coastal seascapes are spectacular yet understated, at best experienced at a slow pace, either from the beach or by boat. Most of them, like the Fig Tree Bay, rank among the most beautiful in all Europe. They are destinations for sunbathing and swimming, but also for water sports like diving and snorkeling, water-skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing. Most of the beaches of Protaras are Green Beaches as designated by the “Greening Cyprus Beaches” sustainable tourism initiative.

Pay homage to the past in churches and ancient sites

The Ayia Napa Monastery in Protaras is legendary – a place of celestial wonders and pious reverie. It is one of the most precious architectural, religious, and cultural landmarks of the region, but not the only one. As you walk around the countryside, you will see many other churches, as well as ancient sites like the lovely Agioi Saranta Cave Church in a rugged landscape that will impress and inspire you.

Hike around the countryside

Daily trips and excursions count among the fascinating pastimes recommended in Protaras. Visit Deryneia to enjoy the tastiest strawberries in the world, go spelunking in the Cyclops Cave by the sea, and while you are in the area, spend some time walking around the Ayia Napa Park of Mediterranean Plants, Cactus and Succulents, which is adjacent to a beautiful sculpture park.

Savour the local flavours

Cypriot cuisine is one of the most appreciated of the Mediterranean area. It’s influenced by Greek and Turkish traditions. Eat in local tavernas and try out the famous afelia, stifado, sheftalia, koupepia, gemista, and halloumi cheese. By the sea, enjoy fresh fish and seafood cooked to perfection. There are also many restaurants serving international fare in Protaras – you’ll have plenty of dining choices.

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Ancient Sites

Profitis Ilias Church

Profitis Ilias is a treasured Greek Orthodox church on a rocky outcrop some fifteen minutes from the centre of Protaras. Its magnetic setting and stunning architectural features lure tourists to climb over 150 stone steps to reach its doors. It’s a tiresome walk, but well worth it, as the rewards are not only of religious nature. The views of Protaras from Profitis Ilias can only be described in superlative terms.

Agioi Saranta Cave Church

The name Agioi Saranta translates into English as the Holy Forty – probably referring to the Forty Martyrs of Sabaste – a group of Roman soldiers of the Legio XII Fulminata killed by Roman emperor Licinius I in 320 AD when they refused to renounce their Christian fate. The feast day of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste is March 9, when many Christian devotes come to pay their respects at the Agioi Saranta Cave Church.

Ayia Napa Monastery

A short drive from Protaras, Ayia Napa Medieval Monastery is a religious, architectural, and historical landmark, attracting hundreds of tourists as it counts among the most important monuments of its kind in Cyprus. Ayia Napa Medieval Monastery no longer operates as a nunnery but hosts now a museum with a large collection of archaeological finds from the area, as well as icons and other religious artefacts, most of them from the private collection of Archbishop Makarios.

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Beaches

Ayia Thekla Beach

Ayia Thekla Beach is a splendid seaside destination, part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. It has soft, golden sand stretching about 300 meters along the coast. Clean and well-organized, it has the Blue Flag seal of approval from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Close to the shore, a small islet serves as a natural breakwater, protecting the beach from the waves.

Fig Tree Bay

The Fig Tree Bay is an enticing destination, famous as the site of a centuries-old fig tree (according to tradition, from the 17th century) – hence the name of the place. It has a beautiful 500 metres Blue Flag beach and is constantly maintained by volunteers of the Greening Cyprus Beaches sustainable tourism initiative. The sand is fine, and the waters clear enough to see the seabed and all kinds of little marine creatures.

Green Bay

The Green Bay Beach is a secluded spot between Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Beach. It is favoured for its scenic seascape and clean waters, which are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. There are several companies close to the Green Bay Beach providing scuba gear and classes for all skill levels.

Konnos Bay

Konnos Bay is a scenic beach in the north of Cape Greco National Forest Park, known for its calm waters, which provide safe swimming conditions for beginners and children. The water is so clean that you can see the seabed and starfish in the sand at the bottom.

Makronissos Beach

Less than thirty minutes drive from Protaras, Makronissos Beach is a stunning coastal attraction, with plenty to offer. It has sun loungers and parasols for rent, plus all the facilities you need for a relaxed, worry-free day of swimming and sunbathing.

Nissi Beach

A short, twenty minutes drive from Leonardo Crystal Cove Hotel & Spa by the Sea in Protaras, Nissi Beach is a 500 metres stretch of sand. Nissi Beach got its name from an islet not far from the coast of Ayia Napa. It is a very busy beach, well organized, with sun loungers and parasols, some thatched, looking rather exotic compared to other beaches in the region.

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Food & Restaurants

Blue Horizon Restaurant

A leisurely set-up with a generous dining room bathed in natural light, the Blue Horizon Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll be spoilt for choice: there’s a sizeable all-you-can-eat buffet featuring cheeses and charcuterie products, fresh bread and pies – including gluten-free options, and a wide assortment of salads.

Little Italy A la carte Restaurant

A popular choice for hearty Italian fare, the Little Italy A la carte Restaurant lures its guests from the first storey of the resort with delightful dishes like risotto and fresh pastas, which pair perfectly with the authentic Italian desserts and ice creams that culminate this epicurean adventure.

Kafkaros Restaurant

Kafkaros is one of the best tavernas to get authentic Cypriot, Greek, and Mediterranean dishes. It has an extensive menu, with plenty of meats, grilled and fried fish, omelettes, pasta, and specials, but also gluten-free dishes, and vegan and vegetarian options – all in generous portions and reasonably priced.

Kalamies Restaurant

Kalamies Restaurant opened in 1976 and became quickly a must-visit destination in Protaras for quality fish and seafood. It’s just on the Kalamies Beach, offering marvellous views of the sea and a casual ambience for relaxed dining.

Kamakura Japanese Restaurant

Kamakura Japanese Restaurant serves all the usual suspect dishes found on a Japanese menu. It’s the genuine taste of Tokyo in Protaras – as the restaurant likes to introduce its atmosphere, service, and cuisine. The choice of sushi, sashimi, and nigiri is extensive, but they also have hot soups, and teppanyaki cooked in front of you.

Nikita’s Steak House

Enjoying a central location just off the main square of Ayia Napa, Nikita’s Steak House is famous for its plank steaks and sirloin steaks. If you are not a meat eater, you will still find vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. Some gluten-free dishes are available too.

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Bars & Nightlife

Java Lounge

Java Lounge is a relaxed cocktail bar and lounge just outside Protaras in Paralimni. It has an extensive menu of artisan drinks, spirits, and beer. Don’t worry if you are hungry: they serve fantastic bar bites, and their black Angus burgers are out of this world.

Nava Seaside Lounge and Restaurant

Just as its name implies, NAVA Seaside Lounge and Restaurant is a beachfront destination where you can enjoy smooth libations and quality pub grub. They have burgers, Iberico chops, steaks, pastas, risotto, sushi, and mouth-watering sharing plates.

Bliss Bar

A seasonal watering hole, Bliss Bar is one of the best party venues to consider when you stay in Protaras. They have an inspired selection of wines, spirits, and fine cocktails. They are famous for their DJ-led parties, which attract the crowds every weekend in the summer to this beach of Famagusta.

Bell’s Cocktail Bar

Bell’s Cocktail Bar is famous for atmosphere, longevity, staff, and sure – its extensive list of libations. The bar opened in 1988, and it is still going strong. They serve inspired artisan cocktails and host fantastic parties.

Eden Square

Eden Square is primarily a central Protaras restaurant, but it gained fame for more than food and libations. It stages all kinds of energetic DJ parties and live performances to entertain its guests.

Kaliva On The Beach

Just as its name implies, this club cum bar and restaurant in Ayia Napa offers an unforgettable clubbing experience with front seats to the Mediterranean. Kaliva on the Beach is just 15 minutes drive from Leonardo Crystal Cove Hotel & Spa by the Sea in Protaras, and it’s well worth the journey.

Hard Rock Cafe

The Hard Rock Café in Ayia Napa is a franchise of the famous international classic chain and offers the same faultless experience you’d expect in all the other venues bearing the name. It offers all the signature specials on the Hard Rock menu, including Legendary® burgers, and counts as one of the best destinations outside Protaras for nightlife, clubbing, and parties.

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Shopping

Brandshop

Brandshop has been in business for over 15 years, and it’s a well-known destination for fashion shopping. It offers clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories from acclaimed brands.

Timinis

Timinis sells international brands like Michael Kors, Les Hommes, Lauren, Kenzo, Moncler, Hogan, and Love Moschino among others. The store has apparel for him and her, shoes, swimwear, knitwear, and accessories.

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Trips & Excursions

Cactus Park

Officially the Ayia Napa Park of Mediterranean Plants, Cactus and Succulents, the Ayia Napa Cactus Park is worth a day trip from Protaras. It is next to the Ayia Napa International Sculpture Park and Open Sculpture Museum – so you can see both in one trip.

Cyclops Cave

Not far from Protaras, the Cyclops Cave is the legendary den of the mythical man-eating one-eyed Cyclops Polyphemus who trapped Odysseus and some of his men on their way back home from the Trojan War. Odysseus eventually blinded the cyclops with a wooden stake and escaped unharmed, but he did lose some of his men.

Dherynia

Dherynia is a charming village in the Famagusta district of Cyprus. It is well worth a day trip, considering that it boasts many attractions, including an outdoor folk-art museum at the heart of the settlement – at Demetri Liberti 2. The Deryneia Folkloric Museum, in a house opposite the Open Air Traditional Folk Art Museum, documents aspects of lifestyle in an old traditional residence.

Sculpture Park

One of the most fascinating things to see when you vacation in Protaras, and a short drive from Leonardo Crystal Cove Hotel & Spa by the Sea, the Sculpture Park in Ayia Napa is a premiere in the Famagusta Free Province. It hosts works by artists participating in the Ayia Napa Municipality International Sculpture Symposium meetups between 2014-2017 – both Cypriot and international talent.

Medusa Boat Trips

Medusa Cruises offers a variety of boat trips and tours. They do, however, have a daily boat tour in the summer leaving at 10:45 a.m. from the Pernera Fishing Shelter in the Protaras Harbour. Besides the scheduled daily trips, they also offer sunset cruises, fishing trips, and private charters for events like hen or stag parties, weddings, birthdays, and other happy occasions.

Ocean Aquarium

The Ocean Aquarium is an exotic destination where adults and children alike can observe a variety of animals in a fascinating natural setting. There’s also a wonderfully landscaped tropical garden, which is a favourite venue for weddings, kids’ birthday parties, etc.

Thalassa Municipal Museum

Right in the centre of Ayia Napa, a short drive from Protaras, the Thalassa Municipal Museum opened its doors in 2005. It is a maritime museum that documents the role, importance, and impact of the sea on the island of Cyprus.

WaterWorld Themed Waterpark

WaterWorld Themed Waterpark Ayia Napa is a family-friendly destination themed to remind of Ancient Greece. It has all kinds of slides, creatively designed and named to commemorate the legends of Olympus. Attractions like Aphrodite’s Baths, Apollo’s Plunge, Minotaur’s Labyrinth, Drop to Atlantis, Poseidon’s Wave Pool, The Fall of Icarus, and the Trojan Adventure, fascinate as much as they entertain guests young and old.

DGR Scuba Diving

DGR Diving is a certified PADI centre that offers scuba diving classes for all skill levels. Children aged 8 or older can partake in a fun-filled underwater course called the Bubble Maker, where they dive in safe conditions to observe the marine life around Cyprus. Adults will enjoy more advanced courses like the four-day Open Water Course, which with participants receiving an Open Water Diver (OWD) certificate.

Parko Paliatso Luna Park

Not far from Protaras, in Ayia Napa, Parko Paliatso Luna Park is a fantastic amusement park, with all kinds of extreme rides, including “Sling Shot” – at 90 meters, the highest ejection seat ride in Europe. Booster takes you on a spin 45 meters above the ground, and the Looping Star is a thrilling roller coaster ride.

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