national park
Cape Greco National Forest Park
Rocky headland at Cyprus's southeast tip with sea caves, natural arches and a coastal road loop from Ayia Napa to Protaras.
6 km · about 10 min drive
EuropeCyprusAmmochostos
Protaras
Ammochostos, Cyprus · Europe
About Protaras
Protaras is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Ayia Napa, 6km from Cape Greco National Forest Park.
Protaras is in Ammochostos, Cyprus, with about 20,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Ayia Napa, about 6 km away.
Protaras (Greek: Πρωταράς) is a predominantly tourist resort that falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Municipality of Paralimni in Cyprus. In ancient times, the area was home to the old city-state of Leukolla. The city had a small, safe harbour where Demetrius Poliorketes sought refuge in 306 BC, lyingRead more
in wait for Ptolemy, one of the successors of Alexander the Great. In the ensuing battle, Ptolemy was defeated and fled to Egypt, leaving Cyprus briefly in Demetrius's hands. Protaras is also known as "the land of windmills" which preserves the nostalgic quality of the past.
Protaras has clear, sky-blue waters and sandy beaches, the best known of which is Fig Tree Bay. Building on the success of Ayia Napa, located about 10 km (6 mi) to the southwest, it has expanded into a modern holiday resort of considerable size with dozens of high-capacity hotels, hotel apartments, villas, restaurants, pubs and associated facilities. Being quieter than Ayia Napa and having less of a club scene, it has a reputation for catering more to families and domestic Cypriot tourism. Cape Greco is a 10-minute drive from the centre of Protaras.
Protaras is a popular diving destination. Green Bay is the most popular dive site and features underwater statues for thousands of first-timers divers to enjoy while practising their scuba skills. Other notable dive sites include The Blue Hole, The Chapel, Decosta Bay, and Malama Bay. Protaras's most famous technical diving site is the Cyclops Bay, located on the border with Ayia Napa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Protaras?
Within an hour or so of Protaras: Cape Greco National Forest Park (6 km), Nissi Beach (9 km), Larnaca Salt Lake (44 km).
Where is Protaras?
Protaras is in Ammochostos, Cyprus, about 6 km from Ayia Napa.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 20,230
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Cyprus
- Region
- Ammochostos
- Timezone
- Asia/Famagusta
- Coordinates
- 35.0125, 34.0583
Tags
Worth the detour from Protaras
3 notable places within an hour's drive.
beach
Nissi Beach
Sandy bay with a shallow sandbar to a small islet at Ayia Napa, one of Cyprus's most visited beaches, with paid parking.
9 km · about 15 min drive
natural wonder
Larnaca Salt Lake
Seasonal salt lake beside Larnaca airport that hosts flamingos in winter, ringed by a road and the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque.
44 km · about 50 min drive
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