What are the best things to do in Protaras?

Protaras offers a range of activities and attractions, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. You can also explore the nearby Cape Greco National Forest Park, visit the Fig Tree Bay, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach.

What is the best time to visit Protaras?

The best time to visit Protaras is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Avoid visiting during the peak summer months, as the resort can get crowded and prices can be steep.

Are there any good restaurants in Protaras?

Protaras has a wide range of restaurants, serving everything from traditional Cypriot cuisine to international dishes. Some popular options include The Fisherman's Tavern, The Beach Bar, and The Olive Tree.

Can I get around Protaras without a car?

Yes, Protaras has a good public transportation system, including buses and taxis. You can also walk or bike around the resort, as it's relatively small and easy to navigate.

Are there any good beaches in Protaras?

Protaras has some of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus, including Fig Tree Bay, Paradise Beach, and Cyprus Beach. Each beach has its own unique character and attractions, so be sure to explore them all.

Can I swim in the ocean in Protaras?

Yes, the ocean in Protaras is generally safe for swimming, with calm and clear waters. However, be sure to check the current conditions and any warning signs before entering the water.

Are there any good water sports in Protaras?

Protaras offers a range of water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can also take a boat tour or rent a jet ski to explore the surrounding waters.

Can I get a good value for money in Protaras?

Yes, Protaras offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. While prices can be steep, the value for money is well worth it, considering the quality of the resort and the range of activities and attractions available.

Protaras Cyprus Resort Review

Hello everyone who's dropped by!

I'll be honest, I've always been a bit skeptical about Cyprus – I just didn't get why everyone wanted to go there until I experienced it for myself. I chose my destinations based on the promise of new experiences and enjoying different landscapes, and of course, the open borders for unvaccinated travelers.

Once I'd settled on Cyprus, I ruled out Turkey due to the sheer number of tourists and the Black Sea coast resorts for being overpriced, lacking in service, and other issues that I could go on about all day, so let's move on.

The next decision was between resorts, and I'll be upfront – I didn't consider Larnaca, Limassol, or Paphos because of the pebble beaches. After doing my research online and weighing the pros and cons, I decided on Protaras, so we booked our flights and set off on our long-awaited holiday.

Before we left, we went through the ordeal of taking tests, getting the results, applying for the Cyprusflightpass (which is essential for entry into Cyprus), and completing all the necessary paperwork. We ended up at the airport...

So, the 4-hour flight from Nizhny Novgorod to Cyprus (Paphos Airport) was a great way to kick off the summer season. I was excited to see what the island had in store for me.

As we touched down, the flight attendants announced that we'd be taken to a COVID testing area by bus and our documents would be checked for vaccinated passengers. The whole process was a bit chaotic, to say the least. We were taken to the testing area in a big group, without even using the buses, and with no clear signage to guide us.

The first thing that came to mind when I saw the setup was a tent pitched under the open sky. You walk in, pay for the procedure, and then you're off to get a shot that reaches all the way to your brain. It's not exactly pleasant, but the worst part is watching them toss your stick into the trash can like it's nothing. On the way to the hotel, we played a game of Russian roulette, wondering if we'd be lucky or not. Luckily, we were, and the whole process felt like a formality without any real substance.

The drive from Paphos airport to Protaras took around 2 hours, so it's probably better to fly into Larnaca instead. However, if you do end up in Paphos, make sure to choose seats on the driver's side for the transfer bus – it'll give you a better view and make the long ride a bit more bearable.

And after 2 hours of driving, we finally arrived in Protaras, checked into our hotel, and...

Why do people even go on vacation? You guessed it – FOR THE BEACH!

So, my first stop was the beach, which was just a short walk from the hotel. The cove had crystal-clear water and an amazing underwater world that I spent most of my vacation exploring.

I also visited some of the famous beaches in the area, and my top picks were...

Hands down, my favorite spot was Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay Beach. The atmosphere was just incredible, swimming among those massive yellow rocks – it's a memory I'll never forget. And the photo ops? Endless! The other beaches just didn't do it for me.

And then there's the underwater world. Yep, you guessed it – marine life!

With its rich marine ecosystem, Cyprus is a snorkeler's paradise. Grab your flippers and mask, and get ready to explore the underwater world. I opted for a full-face mask and spent hours discovering the fascinating creatures that call the sea home – from colorful fish to sea turtles and sea urchins.

The number of jellyfish is just insane! P.S. One thing that really stood out to me on the island was the flooded structures. We had a few sculptures near our hotel that were pretty creepy at first, but after a while, I got used to them. But after seeing what I saw, I jumped out of the water like I'd been scalded.The world above water is just as amazing, with its vibrant and green vegetation. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how it's possible for plants to thrive in such intense sunlight and still look so beautiful.

Our hotel was a bit far from the city center, so in the first few days, we got familiar with the buses. The ride to the city center before 20:00 costs 1.50 euros, and after that, it's 2.50 euros.

We were a bit skeptical about driving around the island, given the left-hand traffic, so we opted for a bus tour instead. But if you're feeling adventurous, you can rent mopeds, buggies, or even bicycles for a pretty reasonable price – around 20 euros for mopeds, 40 euros for buggies, and 7 euros for bikes.

There's also a taxi service available, with a flat rate of 5 euros plus metered fare. We had planned to rent a moped, but the scorching heat got the better of us, and we ended up ditching our excursion plans and just soaking up the sun.

The town of Protaras is buzzing with life, with plenty of cafes, shops, and live music drifting from all corners. It's a far cry from the more laid-back vibe of Ayia Napa, but we were happy to trade it in for the lively atmosphere.

There are a few amusement parks on the island, which is a definite bonus for families with kids. And the seafront promenade is stunning, with a beautiful viewing platform that's perfect for taking in the views.

We went for an all-inclusive package, which made it easier to budget for our trip. However, we did end up splurging a bit on souvenirs and dinner at some of the local cafes.

One thing to note is that the prices can be a bit steep, especially when you factor in the exchange rate. For example, a meal without drinks can set you back around 30 euros for two people, and a bottle of wine from the supermarket costs around 5 euros – but you're unlikely to want to drink that on the beach, so the prices can add up.

But all in all, we had a fantastic time, and the locals were super friendly – Kipriot, our hotel rep, even offered us a free risotto and a side of fries as a welcome gift!

I've gotta say, this is probably the most common side dish on the island - fries are served with every meal. As a rare consumer of this type of product, I couldn't fully appreciate the daily delight.

Mezze is a local staple on your plate. It's worth trying, but we weren't exactly blown away. I loved the first serving of fresh seafood, and the second one, where everything was battered (dorade, barbue, mackerel, and all in batter), served with 6-7 sauces, a countryside salad, and guess what it was paired with?! Answer: potatoes!

The homemade wine was a treat - it's what you'd expect! Pleasant taste and no hangover or headache. Pure enjoyment.

Watermelons and cantaloupes - we were pleasantly surprised here. All the cultures aren't sugary, not as juicy as ours, but have that authentic taste, not just sweetness. Cantaloupes with a honey-like flavor - what's better than that?

Among the extras we tried were seafood, pasta, pizza, and moussaka.

I've got to say, I'm not blown away by the Cypriot cuisine - I'm a fan of keeping things light and easy on my plate, and this place is the opposite.

But the food is actually better than what I've had in Vietnam - so far, that is! I'm looking forward to the borders reopening so I can go back!

Honestly, if you're looking for cafe recommendations, I can do that in the comments, but the truth is, you can eat anywhere and it's all pretty similar - and delicious!

Overall, I was really happy with my stay in Protaras because the beach is just incredible, the views are stunning, and the underwater world blew me away. I saw sea turtles, groupers, a fish flute, hermit crabs, huge sea urchins on the seafloor, and so many other amazing things.

Given everything I've said, I'm ready to tell you why Protaras was better for me than Ayia Napa. I'll stick to the facts because I felt like there was a lack of information online (like 'Ayia Napa for party lovers' and so on).

1. Protaras is more charming and colorful.

Ayia Napa is a resort town that's basically packed with hotels, and to be honest, there's not a lot of greenery to speak of. During the day, I wasn't a fan of this town - the abundance of shops and cafes didn't impress me, especially in the blistering heat of +35 degrees Celsius, where the asphalt literally melts in front of your eyes. However, in the evenings, it's not as overwhelming, but it's still not exactly a lush oasis.

2. Beaches.

After three days of vacation, my partner had turned into a hermit, and I was left to enjoy the resort's activities on my own. So, at that point, I hadn't yet experienced the joy of having a beach just a 100 meters away, with a gentle slope and crystal-clear waters. My heart was set on Nissi Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Cyprus. We finally visited it on our penultimate day, and let's just say we were thoroughly underwhelmed - it was a weekday, and the beach was packed with people, covered in sunbeds, and you couldn't even wade into the water. After a refreshing dip in the cove, we headed back to Protaras, and I was smiling.

The best sandy beach I've ever had the pleasure of visiting!

3. Nightlife.

In the center of Protaras, the nightlife scene seemed more laid-back and atmospheric. Ayia Napa was lively and fun, but... it's not exactly a place you'd want to call home, in my opinion. Yes, going out to the bars on the main street is a great experience, but living there? No way. For me, the winner is a more relaxed atmosphere, so I was happy with my choice.

Our neighbors, on the other hand, would often head to Ayia Napa in the evenings, get drunk, and sleep on the beach.

I don't really have the same idea of a perfect vacation, so I didn't appreciate this kind of experience.

4. The presence of fellow countrymen.

I'm not sure why, but we encountered a fraction of the crowds in Protaras compared to what we experienced in Ayia Napa. Maybe we just got lucky, or maybe that's just the way it is.

The beaches in Ayia Napa left me with memories of flip-flops, kids with pool noodles, a sea of mats, and a cacophony of people shouting about where to swim and where to avoid. The beaches in Protaras, on the other hand, left me with memories of massive Italian families who arrive in groups of 10-15 people, set up shop under their umbrellas with portable fridges, and spend their days lounging and socializing. We saw a lot of this on weekends, but it was less common during the week.

As a result, my experience of Cyprus has left me thoroughly impressed and completely satisfied! I'm so glad I got to know Protaras, which gave me so many unforgettable memories!

I'd definitely recommend visiting!

Wishing you happiness, health, and many more travels!