One of reasons why I love to spend my holidays in the Protaras region of Cyprus is because of the lovely beaches. The resort of Protaras offers some great beaches, whether you want to be active or wish for something more peaceful.
Protaras has every right to boast about its gorgeous sandy beaches, where the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean gently lap upon the soft sand.
From the purpose built, man made town of Protaras, there are many hotels, some are near to the beach and many are in a beach front location, all are within a reasonable distance to the coastline.
Along and close to the beach at Protaras there are positioned a multitude of hotels. Some, such as the Odessa and Protaras Beach, are set slightly back, although still only three or four minutes away. Others, such as the ‘The Constantinos the Great’ and the newer ‘Vrissiana’ are truly beach front and are in an enviable position. The swimming pool areas of these hotels overlap onto the beach and some have welcoming beach bars.
As Cyprus summers hardly ever see a drop of rainfall and temperatures are extremely high, then the beach is the best place to be. But please, take lots of sunscreen. The beach is deceptive with the sea breeze making you feel cooler than around the pool, but you will burn very quickly. I always wear a T shirt and a bandana when on the beach, just to be on the safe side.
Protaras Beach offers everything for the family. It does get a little crowded but I haven’t ever found it unbearably so. You won’t have to walk far to find a more peaceful area, if you wish.
If you aren’t a guest of one of the beach front hotels, you can still hire sun loungers and parasols from most of the bars along here.
At one end of this beach is the famous Fig Tree bay which is known for being one of the best beaches in Cyprus. The waters are wonderfully clear and the fig trees provide an attractive setting to this beautiful spot. The area is popular both with tourists and the local Cypriot people.
All along this expanse of Protaras Beach there is much to do for the holiday maker, especially those wanting some more active fun rather than just lazing in the scorching sun.
There is an abundance of water sports. Here you can take your pick as to which water sport you can enjoy.
Here is a sample of what is on offer:
Jet skis where you can ride alone, or as a couple.
Banana boats are always popular, but be prepared to come off. Though isn’t that the fun of it?
The flying fish ride is quite frightening. My daughter said she had to hold on to the attached straps ‘for her life.’ The speedboat which tows you along picks up speed until the raft type boat lifts to about ninety degrees. I watched from the speedboat and it looked as if the flying fish left the water and was indeed flying.
The Mabel is a semi-circular raft where you are towed at terrific pace by the speedboat, skimming along on the sea.
The Ringos were fun. Again you are pulled along at high speed while the sea spray splashes and cools.
Lifebelts must be worn on all of these rides and age and height restrictions apply. Young children were able to ride with an adult on the jet skis.
Different types of pedaloes are available for differing amounts of people. Some are equipped with slides so that you can zoom into the waters of the Mediterranean. Take your pick and choose the amount of time you wish to pedal for.
Why not hire a speed boat and drive yourselves around? If you are like my family then you will prefer to hire a boat and its driver.
From this beach there are a variety of boat trips leaving the area. The glass bottomed boats are a popular choice. One can sail, and see, from a distance, Famagusta where the Turkish invaded in 1974 and is now a ghost town. Restaurants were deserted and with the aid of binoculars tables set for diners can be seen as left with tablecloths and cutlery remaining. It is quite a sad, eerie sight as the conflict is still unresolved.
Catamarans and boats can take you to other beaches along the coast to sample snorkelling and scuba diving. Most of these boats will sell refreshments for the journey. We decided on the glass bottomed boat and had about an hour’s trip on this seeing what lies beneath the sea.
And back to the beach. The end near to where the boats leave from has some interesting rocky pools which the children and the ‘big kids’ love to explore.
The beach is well provided with services-toilets, outdoor showers and foot showers to remove the sand.
There is a good choice of bars and restaurants. These are reasonably priced and the service is good.
On this beach there are many places where it is rocky to actually walk into the sea. It is best to wear beach or pool shoes for some protection. However, as the sea is so clear, it is fairly easy to pick ones way in, therefore avoiding most of the rocks and sharp stones.
The sea here is so warm. In July and August it can only be likened to the temperature of a warm bath. No shivers here!
The sea is pleasant, calm and beautiful to swim in. You won’t want to go leave Cyprus, after sampling the delights of the wonderful Protaras Beach.