The Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Week in Protaras

The most comprehensive guide to Protaras, the famous tourist resort of Famagusta Region, to enjoy a week full of new experiences!

In Protaras, you will witness the first sunrise of Europe, see the most magical sunsets by the sea, and swim in the most picturesque coves you have ever imagined. But that’s not all! With dozens of attractions, a multi-kilometer coastal promenade, points of interest to discover, and a magical seabed to dive into, it will become your favorite summer destination. This is a complete guide to the most beautiful spots of Protaras and the stunning hinterland that surrounds it in a week.

Day 1: First time facing the unique beaches

Your first memory of Protaras will be when you face the sea. This seaside resort, with its characteristic windmills and endless blue, is truly fascinating. After resting, head to the nearest beach from your accommodation for some swimming and sunbathing. Protaras has 18 Blue Flag Beaches, so which ever you choose, will be a unique experience.

In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the main hotel road of Protaras. Enjoy your dinner at one of the various restaurants and taverns and after a stop at Lefkolla Square, where various events are held throughout the year, continue to the famous Fig Tree Bay where you will see the small islet and various instaspots where you can capture the magic of the moment.

Day 2: Start exploring the area

Make sure to enjoy a traditional Cypriot breakfast with eggs, halloumi, lountza, olives, fresh bread, tomato, and cucumber and start exploring the exotic beaches of Protaras, with their turquoise waters and blonde sand.

Apart from the famous Fig Tree Bay, be sure to visit the popular Vrisi Beach in the centre of Protaras, Konnos for its natural beauty, Green Bay for its turquoise waters, and the scenic beaches of Kapparis and Skoutarospilioi.

In the afternoon, visit the picturesque small harbor of Ayios Nikolaos with its white chapel. At sunset, when the sky of Protaras is painted with the most beautiful colours, climb up to the chapel of Prophet Elias, where you will enjoy the most panoramic view of the area.

Day 3: Europe’s first sunrise!

Today, we have an early wake-up call for you. Put on some comfortable clothes and shoes and head to Cape Greco National Forest Park to see Europe’s first sunrise from the Cape Greco Viewpoint. After enjoying this unique sight, it’s time to discover the Cape Greco National Forest Park.

Are you ready for a hike? Choose one of the nature trails and get started! If you like cycling, you will also find wonderful cycling routes,

Additionally, the area of Cape Greco is ideal for diving. Before you leave the area, check out the lighthouse and don’t miss the Environmental Information and Education Centre.

A swim at the magical beach of Konnos a little further down will cool you down and give you the necessary energy to continue your exploration. You can complete your day with a sunset cruise where you will see the sea caves from the sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and gaze at the occupied city of Famagusta.

Day 4: Underwater treasure vs Mainland…

The seabed of Protaras hides many secrets, and you will learn all about them by diving at the famous shipwrecks of the Liberty and Nemesis III.

The Liberty is located opposite the beach of Vrysoudia, 650 meters from the coast, while the Nemesis III is at a shallower depth nearby. Both wrecks were sunk to create an artificial reef. Access is quick and easy, just 10 minutes from Ayios Nikolaos or Ayia Triada. The seabed of Protaras will also impress those who love snorkeling. Among what you will see, if you are lucky, are Loggerhead Sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). The turtles are mostly found at the beaches of Skoutarospilioi, DaCosta, and Green Bay.

If you prefer staying on land, Protaras has an amazing coastal promenade that runs along almost its entire coastline. It is a lovely walk, and the ideal time to do it is early in the morning at sunrise or late in the afternoon at sunset when the temperatures are not too high.

In the afternoon, head to the centre of Paralimni, the urban centre of the area to which Protaras belongs. There, you will see the picturesque square with the three churches. Two are dedicated to Ayios Georgios and one to Ayia Anna, which also serves as a museum.

If you want to visit Paralimni before lunchtime the you will have the chance to learn about the history and folklore of the local people with a visit to the Traditional House. Before leaving, make a stop at Paralimni Lake, from which the town takes its name. It is a natural seasonal brackish lake that has been included in the European Natura 2000 network. If you visit in the winter months, you will see dozens of migratory birds, flamingoes and a magnificent landscape.

Day 5: Enjoy the local way of life

It’s time to get to know the picturesque hinterland of the area, where you will see a completely different scene from that of Protaras:

• Deryneia: Visit the picturesque square where you will find the Church of the Virgin Mary. Continue with the Folklore Museum and the Outdoor Folk Art Museum of Traditional Crafts. Deryneia also hosts a Water Theme Park that is amazing for the whole family to visit.

The village is famous for its strawberries, so a visit to one of the strawberry plantations is a must. If you are there on a Saturday, don’t miss the Municipal Farmers’ Market where you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional local products such as halloumi, fresh traditional bread, cheese pies from the producers themselves.

Frenaros: Visit the Hatzigiorkis FlourMill Museum to learn all about traditional bread making(call before you visit to see availability). Then take a walk to the centre of the village to see the Church of Archangel Michael.

Frenaros is famous for its delicious watermelons, and every year it organises the Cyprus Watermelon Festival. Also, enjoy archery lessons or become a beekeeper for a day and produce your own honey.

Vrysoules/Acheritou. Visit Ayios Georgios chapel and then sit in the square at a café to drink Cypriot coffee and explore the picturesque surrounding area, together with the locals.

Day 6: A visit to Ayia Napa

In only a ten minutes car or bus ride from Protaras, lays the tourist resort of Ayia Napa with its exotic beaches and historical monuments. Start from the square to admire the Medieval Monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Entrance is free.

Stop to see the exhibits at the Thalassa Municipal Museum where Kyrenia ship replica will take you on a journey through the history of Cyprus. You will see various mammals, fish, and sea plants. This museum also houses the Famagusta Art Gallery.

You can then head to the picturesque heart-shaped harbor of Ayia Napa for lunch, a dive in the crystal-clear waters of Pantachou beach and some rest.

At sunset, go to the International Sculpture Park, set on a hilltop. Before leaving the area, pay a visit to Love Bridge.

Day 7: Hidden Gems of the Municipality of Agia Napa

Start from the coastal front of Sotira, where you will see the chapel of Ayia Thekla and the Catacomb of Ayia Thekla. Then head towards the centre of Sotira to visit the Ecclesiastical Museum and the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

Continue to Liopetri, where in the centre of the village you will admire the historical Church of Panagia Eleousa. Next stop is the village of Avgorou, where you should visit the Ethnographic Museum and the CyHerbia Botanical Park & Labyrinth. Before you return to Protaras, make a stop at Achna to see the artificial dam of the area, the Antelia Bee Theme Park, and the refugee monuments at the center of the village.

In the evening head to Pernera area next to Protaras and enjoy a walk, delicious dinner and drinks at the restaurants and pubs of this touristic area.

After seven days in Protaras and the Famagusta Region, your mobile phone will be brimming with hundreds of photos, your mind with thousands of unforgettable moments, and your heart with countless emotions. Protaras will become a cherished part of your memories, drawing you back year after year to relive its unique energy!