Protaras is no secret. Nestled on the east coast of Cyprus, this resort town is renowned for its beaches and natural beauty, as well as some fascinating history, culture, and vibrant nightlife – all wrapped up in a family-friendly package. Sounds just about perfect for a holiday in the sun, doesn’t it? If you’re looking to visit Protaras and build your itinerary for the area, look no further. Our experts at Plum Guide have everything you need to know about the resort town. Read on for our top ten things to do in Protaras.

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We’ll cut straight to the chase here: the main reason you’re visiting Protaras is for the beaches, and with very good reason. The town is well known for its dazzling coastline with warm, calm waters and golden sands. Fig Tree Bay is the most famous one, regularly acknowledged as one of the best in Europe. You’ll find the famous lone fig tree amongst pristine sand and clear, calm waters perfect for swimming. Note that it does get rather busy here, so our advice is to get there early to nab the best spots.

Another firm favourite in Protaras is Konnos Bay, with great swimming and all the amenities you need for a beach day. If you need to stretch your legs, there’s also a cliff walk running around the bay up top. Looking for something a little more boutique? Green Bay is a pristine beach with golden sand and clean waters. A little quieter than the big hitters such as Fig Tree and Konnos, you can expect to find excellent snorkelling conditions here – keep an eye out for the sea turtles.

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Speaking of snorkelling, the coastline around Protaras is a haven for any keen diver. Whether floating on the surface with a mask and snorkel or taking the plunge below, there are a number of great sites to visit, including Green Bay, Konnos Bay (both mentioned above) and Cape Greco, where divers can plunge into underwater caves, tunnels and reefs. Plenty of tour operators run daily excursions out of Protaras, providing all your equipment rental, transportation and a knowledgeable guide. We recommend you book in advance to get the time and day you want with your preferable tour operator.

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Diving isn’t for everyone, so another great option for exploring the coastline is to take a private boat tour out of Protaras. You’ll sail past all the highlights, such as Cape Greco and Konnos Bay, with their dramatic coastal cliffs, sea caves and crystal-clear waters. There’s also the opportunity to swim with turtles and discover the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered cove near the town of Ayia Napa known for its namesake blue waters and sandy beach. Depending on the time and length of the tour, you may also be able to visit the bustling town for a spot of lunch and retail therapy before catching a magnificent Mediterranean sunset on the way back home.

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Yes, it’s another water-based activity but this is Protaras after all – one of the best destinations in the Mediterranean. If lazing around on the beach or deck of a boat isn’t quite cutting it for you, how about trying your hand at one of the many watersports available? Alongside snorkelling and scuba diving, you’ll find tour operators along the beaches and throughout town offering jet skiing, banana boat rides (hold on for dear life), parasailing, windsurfing, early morning paddle boarding and water skiing. Just make sure you’ve got some heavy-duty travel insurance to cover any potential mishaps.

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Moving away from the sea, there are also plenty of amazing land-based things to do in Protaras, too. The Ayios Elias Church is an iconic landmark in the area. Situated on a hilltop overlooking the resort town, you can take a thirty-minute stroll up to admire the very breathtaking panoramic views. Built in 1984 on the site of a previous chapel, the church is a striking design with a large domed roof and a tower that can be seen from a distance. Inside, you’ll find stunning murals painted by a local artist, all depicting various scenes from the Bible.

Additionally, during the summer months, the church hosts a weekly festival (usually every Monday) where you’ll find live music, traditional dancing and food stalls selling local delicacies. It’s a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy a fun night out with friends and family.

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Around 20 kilometres north of Protaras is the abandoned town of Varosha, more often known as ‘Famagusta Ghost Town’. Once a thriving resort town (just like Protaras, actually), Varosha has been abandoned since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. To visit, you can book a guided tour from Protaras that includes transportation to and from the site. See the eerie abandoned buildings and streets, but be sure not to touch any of the buildings as some of the structures may collapse. The tours typically include stops at other nearby attractions, such as the ancient city of Salamis and the St. Barnabas Monastery, making for a full, interesting day of sightseeing.

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A very short drive from Protaras, Paralimni Lake is a natural saltwater lake and a significant wetland area for migratory birds, especially during the winter months. So special in fact, the European Union has designated it as a Special Protection Area. With several walking trails around the lake, expect to spot pink flamingos (yes, really), herons, and ducks. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy a relaxing day in nature. Unfortunately, due to it being a protected area, you can’t swim here, but this shouldn’t be a problem as it’s not as if the beaches are very far away.

While in the area, why not visit the town of Paralimni, with its charming red-tiled roofs and shuttered windows? There is plenty of delicious local Cypriot cuisine, as well as the Folk Art Museum which houses a collection of traditional Cypriot crafts.

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Covering an area of approximately 950 acres, Cape Greco National Forest Park is well known for its stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, and azure waters. Several hiking trails crisscross the park, taking visitors through beautiful landscapes and offering sublime views of the coastline. There’s also the option to rent a bike and take a ride along a number of scenic cycle routes, the most popular of which is a scenic coastal path clinging to the Mediterranean. The park also has plenty of swimming opportunities and even rock climbing for the more adventurous folk. Home to a variety of wildlife, including rare bird species, reptiles, and mammals, it’s an excellent place for wildlife watching and nature photography.

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Whether you’re looking to get active or pressed for time, a cycle tour can be a fantastic way to see Protaras and further afield. There are daily tours to book in town, and the routes and itineraries really depend on what you’re after. Some will no doubt take you along the coastline and through the countryside, serving up mesmerising views of the Mediterranean, the sea cliffs, and hills. Others focus on the cultural and historical elements, revealing a few lesser-known corners of Protaras, as well as linking up landmarks such as the previously mentioned Ayios Elias Church and Folk Art Museum. It goes without saying that cycling is a hungry business. Why not do a culinary tour, stopping at a few local tavernas and restaurants to sample and learn more about the very best of delicious Cypriot cuisine?

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Last but certainly not least on our list of things to do in Protaras, we couldn’t go without mentioning the nightlife. Naturally, being based in Cyprus, Protaras is not immune to the party scene. There’s a lively and diverse selection, particularly focused around The Strip (every Cypriot town has to have a strip). If you’re so inclined, you can check out the numerous bars and clubs in the area, all of which stay open until late. You’ll find drinks deals and plenty of music and entertainment catering to a wide variety of audiences. Of course, if you’re feeling really wild, you can take the short trip over to world-renowned party destination Ayia Napa. Here, you’ll find some of the biggest clubs in the Mediterranean playing host to some of the biggest DJs in the world. Prepare to drink. A lot.

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