By telling us the age of the children who are traveling with you, we are able to provide you with a more accurate price.

Find accommodation

For the best price on bookings of 6 or more rooms, please contact us.

1: Holiday destination

Please select a country

or browse destinations

2: Travel dates

Arrival date

Duration of stay

nights, ending 9-Dec-2008

3: Accommodation

Children under two travel free – and do not need to be included your search.

Rooms

Room 1:

Adults Children

4: Your nationality

This helps us find the right hotels at the best prices for you.

5: Apply discount (Optional)

Booked with us before or got a voucher code? Enter your email address / code below.

Travel guide – protaras

Go back to travel guide home

Overview

The resort of Protaras on the south east coast of Cyprus has all the trappings of the larger, more frenetic Ayia Napa that is a few minutes drive away, but it is far more family friendly and boasts the best beach on the island, fabulous Fig Tree Bay. Protaras is actually a town built on a piece of flat, scrubby land expressly for the purpose of catering for British holiday-makers. Just adjacent to the village of Paralimni, Protaras consists mainly of a grid of restaurants, nightclubs and shops surrounded by numerous hotels and holiday apartment blocks. Landscaping is rather lacking and the buildings do not follow any theme: it is a hodge-podge of architecture and concrete that can get blistering hot in the summer sun. 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 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.

Shopping

The shops in Protaras centre may look a little tacky, but they provide everything required by holiday-makers, from beach paraphenalia to souvenirs. There are a couple of hundred retail establishments in the resort including supermarkets, clothing stores and jewellers. Serious bargain hunters are well-advised to take a bus or taxi to nearby Agia Napa where there is a plethora of stores selling tax free designer goods. Local jewellery and leather goods are also good buys.

Restaurants

Protaras has dozens of restaurants and fast food outlets, mainly catering for the usual tourist fare of pizza, curry, burgers and the like. Many local establishments are run by British ex-pats. Visitors who enjoy making the most of the local produce should opt for one of the many open air seafood restaurants. For Cypriot specialities try Bambos, which serves a mix of local and international fare, or the Nicolas Taverna renowned for delectable kleftico.

Nightlife

At night Protaras main street erupts into a noisy sound and light show as the many disco/bars, pubs and clubs turn up the volume to draw in the crowds. Many establishments offer live entertainment or karaoke and the discos feature English DJs and laser lights. There are only a few nightclubs, and serious all-night clubbers prefer to travel to Ayia Napa for the evening. Recommended for an entertaining evening of dancing is Sfinx, the bar at the Paralimni end of the main road.

Activities

The main beach at Protaras offers a vast range of water sports opportunities and equipment hire, from paddle boats to jet skis. The resort caters particularly well for children, most of the hotels and apartment complexes offering excellent Kid's Clubs. There are two exciting water parks nearby at Ayia Napa which provide thrills and spills for all ages. Most visitors enjoy a stroll along the clifftops of the coastline, particularly in spring when the landscape is covered in wild flowers. The more energetic can hike up the steep crag on the outskirts of the resort to the Ayios Ilias Church from where there is a spectacular view. Local operators offer several day trips, sea cruises and excursions to places of interest, like into the Troodos Mountains or to explore the city of Nicosia.

Climate

Larnaca enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine year round. Long dry summers and mild winters are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is a time of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breeze creates a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild, with some rain and snow on Troodos Mountains.

Health

No vaccinations are required. Samples taken from poultry in north Cyprus on 29 January 2006 have tested positive for avian influenza, but the risk to travellers is believed to be low. Visitors should avoid all situations that would bring them into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. Health services on Cyprus are of a good standard. UK citizens should bring with them a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which enables them to receive free emergency medical treatment. Medical fees are reasonable in Cyprus, but supplies are expensive. Medical insurance is advised.

top of page

Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.