Protaras Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Protaras is a lively town that stretches along the famous Fig Tree Bay in Cyprus. With consistent growth during the last three decades it has emerged as an alternative resort to the abandoned Famagusta city since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Protaras has become one of the main tourist attraction locations in the South East coast and in the whole of Cyprus.

Larnaca Airport (LCA ^IATA) has scheduled flights to all major European cities. A 49-minute shuttle bus operates on demand from Larnaca Airport. It costs 17 euros. If you hate shuttle buses, a taxi can cost anywhere from 75 to 95 euros.

If you are going to Protaras from southern Cyprus, here are directions for every province:

Take Agiou Andreou, Tombazi, Kallipoleos, and Leoforos Lemesou to A1 in Athalassa, then follow A1, A2, and A3 to Ayia Napa, and then take E327, E324, Agia Napa - Paralimni, and Leoforos Protara - Capo Greco to Protara in Protaras.

Take Kaniggos and Eleftheriou Benizelou to A6 and continue on A6, then drive from A1, A5, and A3 to Agia Napa, and then take E327, E324, Agia Napa - Paralimni, and Leoforos Protara - Capo Greco to Protara in Protaras.

Take A1 in Agios Athanasios from Agias Zonis and Archbishop Makariou III, then follow A1, A5, and A3 to Agia Napa, and then take E327, E324, Agia Napa - Paralimni, and Leoforos Protara - Capo Greco to Protara in Protaras.

Get on A3 in Aradip from Georgiou Griba Diyeni, Eleftherias, and Akropoleous, then follow A3 to Agia Napa, and then take E327, E324, Agia Napa - Paralimni, and Leoforos Protara - Capo Greco to Protara in Protaras.

There's no method of public transport to get around Protaras, so this is your only option unless you want to get a rental car or a Bolt. This is not a bad option because Protaras is a small town and is therefore very walkable.

In terms of things you can see, Protaras has a lot of beaches and not a lot more.

• Fig Tree Bay is one of the best beaches of the area where you can enjoy bathing in the calm clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, lay down in the fine sand or relax in the provided sunbeds and umbrellas. Refreshing fruit cocktails, homemade sandwiches and delicious Frappes are served in a coffee/bar just on top of Fig Tree Bay offering a really pleasant atmosphere to its clients.

• Cape Greco. Cape Greco, also known as Cavo Greco is a headland in the southeastern part of the island of Cyprus. It is at the southern end of Famagusta Bay. It lies between the towns of Ayia Napa and Protaras, both of which are popular tourist resorts. It is frequently visited by many tourists for its natural beauty. It is a protected nature park. From the high points on the cliff that rests at the cape one can view amazing sights out to sea.
  According to local legend it is also the home of the 'Ayia Napa sea monster'. 
• Church of Ayios Ilias. On the outskirts of Protaras is a small attractive stone church set atop a rocky crag - the Church of Ayios Ilias. It is well worth a walk to the church and the climb to the top. From the top there is a panoramic view of Protaras and the surrounding countryside. 
• Church of Profitis Elias. The religious landmark is located at the top of a mountain in Protaras. There are no excursions in the church. While in Protaras, it is worth visiting this place at least once: firstly, because it is free, and secondly, a stunningly beautiful view of the city opens up from the mountain, and in the afternoon and after sunset, the landscapes are different and each is mesmerizing in its own way.
• Green Bay Beach. Pristine-looking public beach with a decent amount of people during peak season. Has a small snack bar nearby. Be careful when diving in because there is a large amount of rocks on the side. (updated Apr 2025)
• Fig Tree Island. Just beside Fig Tree Bay, Fig Tree Island is a small island with basically nothing on it. It is home to a small amount of greenery and a lot of rocks. It takes some effort to swim to it, but it's possible and you will have visited an island in Cyprus which is not the island of Cyprus itself. (updated Apr 2025)
• Stamatia Gardens. A small garden in a town dominated by beaches, Stamatia Gardens can be a way to take a break from all of the beaches in Protaras if you have been to enough. There are a couple of different species and sizes of plants which are all next to a lot of dirt. It's worth a visit if you do not like beaches that much but still want something to see. (updated Apr 2025)

• Poseidon Dive Centre, Leoforos Protara-Kavo Gkreko 469-shop 7. 9AM to 5PM every day. Great but sometimes expensive place for some underwater swimming of varying length. If you have any severe health issues or have claustrophobia or agarophobia, don't go and if you do with these health issues, they will tell you to leave "at least 12 hours before flying after diving". 35-370 euros for "fun dives". (updated Apr 2025)

• Walk to Protaras. A short hiking area starting opposite Fig Tree Bay. Despite the hike being short, there are tons of things to look at. The hike ends in Pernera. (updated Apr 2025)

• George Zefkas, 2375+54X, Paralimni. Small restaurant operating next to Fig Tree Bay with a variety of Cypriot and Greek dishes on the menu and some international offerings. Right before you step into Fig Tree Bay, there's a really big signpost pointing to various locations thousands of kilometers away with the top sign saying "0 km Fig Tree Bay George Zefkas". Around 10-20 euros per person for a two-course meal. (updated Apr 2025)

• Island Affair Restaurant, Protaras Ave 42, ☏ +357 23 831200. 8:30AM-11PM every day. Restaurant offering various types of food from around the world. Pretty good atmosphere with great service. Book in advance if you are not staying in the hotel. 15-30 euros per person for an entire meal not including dessert.. (updated Apr 2025)
• Kartanas Meze Tavern, Perneras Ave 4, Paralimni, ☏ +357 23 832954. 12-11PM every day. Decently-sized food menu with a huge selection of drinks. You eat the food outside. Portions are big and tasty. The restaurant is actually in Pernera so you might want to get a Bolt instead of walking the whole trip. 15-25 euros for a nice two-course meal. (updated Apr 2025)
• Il Basilico, Protara 35, ☏ +357 23 832685. 12-11PM every day. Overpriced Italian restaurant with food that often comes out overcooked or cold. Has a concerning history of two threats to call the police by the restaurant's owner and overall bad service. 15-35 euros for an entire meal. (updated Apr 2025)
• Siko Seaside, ☏ +357 96 370610. Restaurant with a great view of the Fig Tree Beach. Famous for its cocktails. The food is good, but not great. 20-30 euros for a decent two-course meal with a non-alcoholic cocktail. (updated Apr 2025)

Protaras Beach