Protaras and its neighbour Pernara were once separate villages but are now linked by a string of hotels, bars and restaurants following an explosion of tourism in this once sleepy stretch of coast since it became a satellite resort for Ayia Napa. It's a less frenzied version of its neighbour, more suited to couples and families.
The beaches are as good as anywhere and more spread out than Ayia Napa so it doesn't feel quite as overcrowded or claustrophobic, but sleepy village resort this isn't. Facilities are mainly hotel-based and there are many hotels, about 200 at the last count.
Shops, restaurants and bars occupy the main street that runs right through the centre and the restaurants provide for all tastes from all types of fast food joints to five star restaurants, plus all the local delicacies and fresh fish. At night the resort wakes up providing all sorts of entertainment however most young people head for the sounds of Ayia Napa 15 minutes away.
On the outskirts is the church of Ayios Elias, a small attractive stone building 100 m up a rocky crag which was built in 1984. It is well worth the 168 step climb to the top for a panoramic view of Protaras, the sea and the surrounding countryside. The festival of the Prophet Elias is on July 20. A two-day festival is held in the pedestrian area of the town and stalls and cafes are set up selling traditional Cypriot foods and sweets.
The coastal area of Protaras has some ten miles of the best beaches in south Cyprus, the main beaches are:
Skoutari
Crumbling cliffs form a backdrop to this small beach of hard-packed sand and broken rock. It sits at the end of a sheltered bay and is very popular with snorkellers. There are restaurants nearby for refreshment.
Ayia Triada
This is only a small beach, about 200m. The sand is course and stony but the waters are shallow, so families might prefer it. There is a small collection of seaside tavernas and cafes dishing fresh food and drinks.
Mouzoura
This tiny stretch of sand is only 100m long and popular with Cypriots so it soon fills up and you must get there early to get a good spot. A large hotel nearby helps keep the beach busy. The sand falls away rather steeply so it's not a favourite with families. There is shade at the southern end and plenty of parking space and a sprinkling of restaurants for meals and drinks.
Louma
A rock wall provides shelter at the popular beach of Loma which is the last before the busy Protaras beach zone. The beach of fine soft sand is about 400m long and shelves gently into the well-protected bay. There are trees for shade at the northern end and plenty of water sports on offer. Further south are a few coves for those who prefer privacy but they can be hard to find and difficult to get to.
Pernera
The resort at Penera has virtually melted into its neighbour Protaras but a belt of rocky coves, mostly backed by large hotels, separates Penera beach from its busier neighbour. Several restaurants back the beach and there is good parking available. There is also a diving centre here
