We discovered Protaras when we moved to Cyprus. Before that, we had only visited Ayia Napa, but once we found Protaras, it quickly became our go-to spot for many of our vacations. The combination of tranquillity, all-inclusive hotels, nice attractions, and its proximity to Ayia Napa when you want a bit more action make Protaras a great destination for families and couples alike.
If you’re visiting Protaras with kids, check out my post on Protaras with kids – attractions worth knowing.
How to Get to Protaras?
There is no airport in Protaras. The best option is to fly into Larnaca Airport and then take a taxi or rent a car. I recommend renting a car. Even if you want to go there for a relaxing beach holiday, there are plenty of things to do in the area, and having a car is the most convenient and affordable way to get around.
There is no direct bus from Larnaca Airport to Protaras, and if you decide to travel by bus, you’ll need to change buses in Larnaca and then take another one, which will take about 3 hours. However, this is the cheapest option.
In my opinion, it’s better to search for a rental car on the search engine Paapm Paapm. I enjoy using their site because it saves me time (instead of visiting several websites) and allows me to filter out unreliable rental companies.
Special Offer for Blog Followers: I recommend checking options through Paf Paf and with the local Kosmos rental company. The owner provided me with a 10% discount coupon for online bookings. To book a rental car directly with Cosmos, use the coupon code trvbox. I also recommend reading my post with tips about driving and car rentals in Cyprus.
Where to Stay in Protaras?
We’ve stayed in Protaras four times. Three times at the Louis Althea Hotel and once at the Louis St Elias Hotel. Both are 4-star, all-inclusive hotels. We loved both of them. The advantage of Louis Althea is its location near the beach. The advantage of Louis St Elias is that it has water slides for children in the pool. Both hotels offer excellent food, and the entertainment teams are wonderful, providing activities throughout the day and a mini disco for kids in the evening. Both hotels have large rooms with a bedroom and living room, as well as two-bedroom suites, making them great options for families.
Detailed Post on Recommended Hotels in Protaras
Saint Nicholas Church
A famous church in Protaras, and once you see the photo of it, you’ll understand why. The small Church of Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) is located on Luma Beach, right next to the picturesque fishing harbor of Protaras. It maintains the traditional Greek colors, white and blue, with the sea in the background.
The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, and is therefore especially beloved by fishermen and locals. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth a visit – whether to take some amazing photos, breathe in the fresh sea air, or simply take a moment to relax from the routine. Directions.
Protaras Promenade
The Protaras promenade is the perfect place for a leisurely walk by the sea. It stretches along the coast, with paved paths, benches, and scenic viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll find restaurants and bars, and if you arrive at sunset, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike the main street of Protaras, which is crowded with tourists, the promenade is much more tranquil. You can simply stroll, sit by the sea, or stop for a drink at one of the bars. It’s suitable for couples, families, and anyone looking for a pleasant place to run or walk.
Outside Louis Althea Hotel, there is a massage station right on the promenade. I once had a 30-minute shoulder and back massage there, and it was excellent, so I highly recommend it.
The Main Street of Protaras
The main street of Protaras surprised me. It’s full of life, vibrant, and bustling, and could easily compete with the nightlife areas of Ayia Napa. Along the street, you’ll find a variety of bars, restaurants, and cafes catering to all styles – from places with a relaxed atmosphere to bars with live music and high energy.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a cocktail with a sea view, Bell’s Cocktail Bar is a great choice, with a creative drinks menu and a pleasant atmosphere. For those who love live performances, Rockafellas Bar offers live music sets in the evenings and attracts an international crowd.
Seafood lovers will enjoy Kalamies, a restaurant located a bit off the beaten path but considered one of the best in the area. If you’re looking for a more classic atmosphere, Lemongrass Pan-Asian offers an excellent Asian menu with sushi, pad Thai, and curry dishes.
If you’re planning to go out in Protaras, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed by the main street there. If you’re driving, you’ll find parking right next to the fountain (directions).
Fig Tree Beach – A Small Paradise in Protaras
If there’s one beach you should not miss in Protaras, it’s Fig Tree Beach. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft golden sand, and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. No wonder it’s been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
For families with children, this is the perfect beach – the water is shallow and pleasant, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for maximum comfort. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, take a refreshing dip, or just enjoy the view in a peaceful setting, this is the place to be.
The Agioi Saranta Cave Church in Protaras
The Agioi Saranta Church is one of the unique spots in Protaras. It’s a small church hidden inside a cave, located about a ten-minute drive from the center.
The path to the church includes a short climb up some stairs, and inside the cave, you’ll find an interesting and peaceful space with a special atmosphere. Outside the church, there’s a bench with a lovely view, making it a perfect place to stop for a brief rest and refreshment. After visiting, you can take a short walk in the area and enjoy the quiet and natural surroundings. It’s a special experience that’s ideal for anyone who loves discovering unusual places or simply looking for a moment of serenity during their vacation.
Cruises in Protaras
Protaras: Yacht trip for adults only (16+) with a Cypriot lunch
Protaras: Luxury yacht trip to the Turtle Bay with lunch included
Frequently Asked Questions about Protaras
I’ve gathered some questions I received about Protaras.
What’s the easiest way to get to Protaras?
The most convenient way is to fly into Larnaca Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive from Protaras. From there, you can rent a car, take a private taxi, or use public transport, although the latter is less convenient and requires transfers. For those traveling with children, a rental car makes getting around much easier.
Is Protaras suitable for couples?
Definitely. Protaras is a great destination for couples looking for a relaxing holiday with beautiful beaches, good restaurants, and a quieter atmosphere compared to Ayia Napa. There are also boutique hotels and options for sunset tours or romantic boat trips.
Is Protaras suitable for a family vacation?
Yes, Protaras is a fantastic choice for families. There are shallow and pleasant beaches, attractions like mermaid boat rides and a theme park, easy walking trails, and playgrounds. Additionally, many hotels offer family-friendly activities. You can find recommendations for attractions with kids in my post on Protaras with kids.
Is there a casino in Protaras?
No, there’s only a poker casino in Ayia Napa (Casino Ayia Napa Poker Club-CYPRUS POKER FEDERATION).
Where is the best area to stay in Protaras?
Most hotels are along the main beach of Protaras, near Fig Tree Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. For those who prefer a quieter area, they can choose accommodation near the nearby Pernera Beach, which is still close to the center but less crowded.
Are there adult-only hotels in Protaras?
Yes. I’ve written about them in my post on recommended hotels in Protaras.
What type of electrical outlets are in Protaras?
Cyprus uses type G electrical outlets, the same as in the UK. You’ll need an adapter for the British-style plug.
Is there public transportation in Protaras?
There are public buses that connect Protaras to Ayia Napa and Larnaca, but their frequency isn’t always high, and relying on them might not be very convenient. For those planning to travel a lot in the area, renting a car is a better option.
How long is it recommended to stay in Protaras?
Three to five days is ideal to enjoy the beaches, explore the area, and take short trips to Ayia Napa and nearby areas. If you want a completely relaxed vacation, you can stay for a full week and mix days of relaxation with some sightseeing.
In conclusion, Protaras is a great destination for those seeking a relaxed holiday with access to numerous attractions. The beautiful beaches, variety of activities, and excellent hotels make it perfect for all types of travelers. Looking for a family vacation? Protaras is perfect. Prefer a couple’s or quieter vacation? You’ll find plenty of peace and romantic atmosphere here.
If you’re planning to stay for a few days, don’t forget to explore the area, visit the beautiful churches, enjoy the beaches, and try activities like sailing or a bike tour.
I hope my post helped! If it did, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comments or reach out to me on my blog’s social media pages: Facebook and Instagram.
Looking for more information about Protaras? I have other posts about Protaras and Cyprus on my blog.
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