Protaras Beaches

Overview

Protaras, Cyprus, is a premier destination for beach lovers, celebrated for its stunning stretches of fine golden sand and exceptionally clear, calm turquoise waters. Many visitors wonder if it's suitable for families, and the answer is a resounding yes. The gentle, shallow waters at many of its beaches make it an ideal and safe environment for children to play and swim.

The coastline is dotted with remarkable beaches, each with its own charm. Unquestionably the most famous is Fig Tree Bay, known worldwide for its beauty. In the heart of the town, Sunrise Beach offers easy access and a lively atmosphere. For breathtaking natural scenery, Konnos Bay is nestled in a picturesque cove, perfect for swimming. While not in Protaras itself, the iconic Nissi beach in nearby Ayia Napa is a popular day trip for its vibrant scene.

Beyond its family appeal, Protaras also delights couples seeking relaxation amidst beautiful scenery. A lovely coastal promenade connects many of these idyllic spots, perfect for a leisurely stroll. While this guide highlights some top choices, numerous other coves and beaches await discovery, offering quieter retreats from the main hubs. Explore our longer list to find even more sandy shores.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Protaras good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Protaras is widely considered an excellent destination for family beach holidays. Many beaches, like Fig Tree Bay and Vrisi Beach, offer calm, shallow, and crystal-clear waters, making them safe and enjoyable for children. You'll find soft golden sand perfect for playing, and amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby restaurants are readily available. Some hotels also offer all-inclusive packages with kids' clubs and entertainment.

Fig Tree

Vrisi

What are the beaches in Protaras like? Are they sandy?

Protaras is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches with fine, golden sand and exceptionally clear, calm turquoise waters. Most of the popular beaches, including Fig Tree Bay, Sunrise Beach (also known as Vrisi Beach), and Konnos Bay, are predominantly sandy and have been awarded Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and facilities. The water is generally shallow near the shore, making it ideal for swimming and paddling.

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Sunrise Beach

Vrisi

When is the best time to visit Protaras for beaches?

The best time for a beach holiday in Protaras is typically from late April to October. During these months, the weather is consistently sunny and warm, and the sea temperature is pleasant for swimming, often reaching 27°C (80°F) in summer. May, June, September, and October offer a great balance of warm weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak months of July and August.

Can you swim with turtles in Protaras?

Yes, there's a good chance of swimming with sea turtles in Protaras, particularly at Green Bay. This area is well-known as a habitat for green sea turtles, and they are often seen grazing in the seagrass beds. Several local dive schools and boat trips offer snorkeling and diving excursions specifically to see the turtles. While sightings are common, they are wild animals, so it's not guaranteed.

Are there any adults-only beach hotels in Protaras?

Yes, Protaras has a selection of adults-only hotels that cater to couples and individuals looking for a quieter, more tranquil beach holiday experience. These hotels often feature amenities like dedicated pools, spa facilities, and fine dining, typically located near or on the beach. Examples include the Sunprime Protaras Beach and Flamingo Paradise Beach Hotel.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

How much does it cost to rent sunbeds and umbrellas on Protaras beaches?

On most public beaches in Protaras, including Fig Tree Bay, the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas is chargeable. Typically, the price is around €2.50 per item (so €7.50 for two sunbeds and an umbrella), but this can vary slightly by beach and season. Access to the beaches themselves is free.

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Is Protaras or Ayia Napa better for beaches?

Both Protaras and Ayia Napa have stunning beaches, but they cater to slightly different preferences. Protaras is generally known for more relaxed, family-friendly beaches with calm waters, like Fig Tree Bay. Ayia Napa also has beautiful beaches, such as Nissi Beach, which is famous for its lively atmosphere and watersports, often attracting a younger crowd. If you prefer a quieter, more family-oriented beach holiday, Protaras is often recommended. If you're looking for a more vibrant party scene alongside your beach time, Ayia Napa might be more suitable.

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Nissi

What is Fig Tree Bay like? Is it very crowded?

Fig Tree Bay is one of Protaras' most famous and popular beaches, known for its beautiful golden sand, crystal-clear shallow waters, and a small islet you can swim to. It offers excellent facilities, including watersports, sunbed rentals, and nearby cafes. Because of its popularity and beauty, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak season (July and August) and on weekends. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to secure a good spot.

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People Also Ask

Are there quiet or more secluded beaches in Protaras?

Yes, while Protaras has popular and busy beaches, there are also quieter and more secluded coves. Green Bay is often mentioned as a more tranquil spot, excellent for snorkeling. Sirena Bay is a smaller, charming cove. Beaches like Kapparis Beach, Louma Beach, or those in the Pernera area can also offer a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the main Fig Tree Bay. Exploring the coastline can reveal smaller, less crowded spots.

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Is it easy to get to the beaches in Protaras from hotels?

Many hotels in Protaras are located directly on or very close to the main beaches, particularly along the stretch from Fig Tree Bay to Sunrise Beach. For these, beach access is just a short walk. Protaras also has a coastal promenade that connects several beaches, making it easy to walk between them. For beaches further out, like Konnos Bay or those in Kapparis, local buses are available, or you might consider a taxi or rental car. Some hotels also offer shuttle services.

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Sunrise Beach

What are the water sports like in Protaras?

Protaras offers a wide variety of water sports suitable for different ages and thrill levels. Popular options include jet skiing, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, banana boat rides, and pedal boat rentals. Many of the larger beaches, such as Fig Tree Bay and Sunrise Beach, have dedicated water sports providers. You can also find options for snorkeling and diving trips.

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Sunrise Beach

Is Konnos Bay worth visiting and how do you get there?

Konnos Bay is definitely worth visiting. It's a stunning, picturesque cove nestled between Protaras and Cape Greco, known for its golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and surrounding pine-fringed hills. It's great for swimming and snorkeling. You can reach Konnos Bay by car (there's a car park, but it can get full), by local bus (routes connect Protaras and Ayia Napa via Cape Greco), or even by boat trip. There are steps leading down to the beach from the road.

What is the Protaras coastal promenade like?

The Protaras coastal promenade is a well-maintained pedestrian walkway that stretches for several kilometers along the coastline, linking various beaches from Pernera down to Fig Tree Bay and beyond. It's perfect for leisurely walks, jogging, or cycling, offering beautiful sea views. Along the promenade, you'll find benches, access points to beaches, kiosks, cafes, and restaurants. It's a popular feature for both tourists and locals, especially in the evenings.

Pernera Beach

Fig Tree

Are Protaras beaches suitable for snorkeling?

Yes, several beaches and coves in Protaras are excellent for snorkeling due to the clear waters and marine life. Green Bay is particularly renowned for snorkeling and is a known spot for seeing sea turtles and various fish. Konnos Bay and the areas around the small islet at Fig Tree Bay also offer good snorkeling opportunities. Some smaller, rockier coves along the coast can also be interesting to explore.

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What kind of holiday is Protaras best for besides families?

While Protaras is very popular with families, it's also an excellent destination for couples seeking a relaxing beach holiday with beautiful scenery and romantic settings. The resort town offers a good selection of restaurants, pleasant walks along the coastal promenade, and opportunities for boat trips. While not as nightlife-focused as nearby Ayia Napa, Protaras has a lively main strip with bars and some entertainment, offering a balanced holiday experience.