Protaras & Pernera … Boasting two of the finest beaches in the world !
Protaras
Protaras is one of my favourite towns, as it was back in 1991 I came here to work for my first full season, on the watersports and boy has it changed. I think it’s the best side of the island, with the hottest weather, and it boasts the best beaches in Cyprus for many reasons, primarily its in the bay of Famagusta, where the afternoon calm sea is like a mirror … Now by night, in the summer, its one big party, if you were about then, I’m sure you’ll agree that Protaras was and still is a great party town …
Paradise
Protaras is far bigger than it looks, stretching from the east side of Cape Greco all the way to Kapparis which is actually as far as you can go without going over the border … The contrast is dramatic, from the ever changing, rugged coastline of Cape Greco, to some of the best ski waters in the Med, at Konnos Bay. Protaras Bay is, I would say, the longest sandy beach in free Cyprus. It also boasts one of the finest beaches in the world, aptly named ‘Fig Tree Bay’, which could equally have been called Paradise …
Sunrise Spectacular
As it’s on the east coast it’s also the best part of the Island to watch the spectacular Cyprus sunrise … There’s everything from horse riding, several diving schools, crazy golf, waterparks and mini Luna parks for the kids and a pleasant walk up 168 steps to The Prophet Elias Church, not recommended for the weak hearted or apt as the case may be …
Long Summer Seasons
This place is usually packed from May till October. The locals will provide you with traditional Cypriot hospitality, many will pass you a karaoke mic, whilst others invest in live entertainment, which makes sense in this, more, family orientated resort. Generally you could say that it’s the older crew, sort of, the more party weathered lot, you know, 21 to 51’s, but boy do they know how to party. I’ve had some of the best times in my life here! Changing with the times, this multi-cuisine town now also offers everything from Indian to American cuisine and boasts some of the best Cypriot tavernas in Cyprus.
How could you not like this place?
The swing towards cobbled pedestrian walkways with the new one way, twisty turny, road system, down an eventual avenue of trees, is all but complete with wider pavements and water fountains, offering a sharp intake of breath and even the bus stops are quaint. In between the pubs and restaurants, there’s a great choice of shopping with scattered stalls and souvenirs a’plenty.
All in all this is a stylish resort, which only really evolved in the last 23 years and is ideal for all age groups! …
Pernera
Arguably a part of Protaras or even Paralimni, as far as we’re concerned Pernera is its own little world and a wonderfully unique part of Cyprus … Just 15 to 20 minutes walk from the centre of Protaras, towards Paralimni, turn right and you’ll find a great community of shops, pubs, and restaurants, a few quaint bays, a family waterpark and the fishing shelter near the Golden Coast Hotel, where you can take a leisurely boat trip to see the nearby Ghost City of Famagusta … or if you prefer to walk?, from here there’s a wonderful coastal road that runs all the way to Famagusta Gulf Viewpoint at Kapparis, a delightful place, first to discover, and then to explore, and along the way you’ll pass tiny fishing shelters and remote bay’s like Ayia Trias, and lots of fantastic little stop offs …
Sunrise
Over the last two decades this place has changed dramatically, but it’ll always hold a piece of my heart … Watching the romantic sunrise with your partner, from the beach at Pernera, is undoubtedly the best place in Cyprus! … Stay a bit longer and go Helmet Diving for an unforgettable experience, or grab an early morning ski with John and the boys at the watersports …
Nightlife
By night there’s a diverse selection of cuisines, including, Italian, Chinese, Mediterranean, Mexican, plenty of fresh fish, with restaurants and tavernas all over the place, some in delightful serene locations, and often still served with traditional Cypriot hospitality … There’s plenty of excellent bars, serving up pub grub or cordon bleu pub style … One thing’s for sure, you’ll find good company and loads of fun, with live music and top entertainment, partly because they are also catering for the ever increasing ex-pat community … They’ve got it so sussed down here you really won’t want to leave … and need I say it? …
If you’re not staying here, a visit is a must !!!
