Protaras is predominantly a tourist resort that comes under the administrative jurisdiction of the Paralimni Municipality.  It lies fourteen kilometers east of Ayia Napa in the east coast of Cyprus.  Travel time from the Larnaca International Airport is approximately 90 minutes.

Protaras is set on the site where the ancient city-kingdom of Leukolla. Had once stood and flourished.  The city possessed a safe harbor where the Athenian Demetrius Poliorketes sought refuge and had lain in wait for Ptolemeos, one of Alexander the Grate’s successors. 

This resort covers a 10-kilometer coastline of sandy beaches bathed by crystal-clear blue water.  It is one of Ayia Napa’s satellite resorts, which is located only a few kilometers away.  It was purposely built to feed the increasing demand of British holiday makers that found the beaches in Ayia Napa loud and crowded.  It had exploded into a jumble of tens of high-capacity hotels, hotel apartments, villas, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and all variety of facilities expected from any modern resort.  As Protaras is much quieter and has less club scenes than Ayia Napa, it has grown a reputation as a resort  that caters more to family and Cypriot tourism.

Undoubtedly, the main attractions in Protaras are the long stretch of sandy beaches.  Holidays in Protaras offers days spent in turquoise  waters and spectacular beaches of fine golden sands.  Sun bathing is usually at the top of each visitor’s agenda, which is an activity facilitated by the area’s ideal climate during the tourist season.  The season begins at the month of April,  when the temperatures are in the early 70’s, and continues until the end of October.  Summer temperatures, though, can get very hot, reaching temperatures as extreme as the high 80’s.

The most famous beach in Protaras is the Fig Tree Bay Beach.  Next to Nissi Beach, it is the second most popular beach in the country and a favorite among the Cypriots.  It was so-called as , according to legend, it was marked by a fig tree which had been brought by invaders in the 17th century. Unfortunately, not a single fig tree is presently in sight  at the bay.  These had been replaced by back-to-back hotels that line the waterfront.

The beach boasts of soft golden sands that are gently lapped by beautiful crystal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.  It is most ideal for all sorts of holiday makers, from diving and water sports enthusiasts to children who can play in the clear shallow waters.

A few hundred meters from the beach is a small island that swimmers often frequent to explore.  The island is made up of very sharp rocks and explorers who would wish to venture into the island should take care to wear shoes.  In spite of a nominal risk, the island offers spectacular views of the bay that can bewitch any beholder.

Along the shoreline at the Fig Tree Bay Beach are a choice of water sports facilities and cafes. The second most famous beach in Protaras is Konnos Beach, which situated east of Ayia Napa, on the road between Cape Greco and Protaras.  It is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island, boasting of golden sandy beaches that are well-protected from the prevailing winds.  It also features water sports facilities, such as those for diving, towed parachute, fishing, and rowing.  The beach can be reached by a motorbike or by a  car.

Other than the two aforementioned beaches are other much less crowded there are other much less crowded beaches in Protaras aside from the two aforementioned beaches.  These include the Ayia Triada Bay, Kapparis, Pernera Bay, and Sirena Bay.

The natural surroundings in and around Protaras are also worth of equal praise and appreciation.  One of the most interesting natural attractions within the surrounding area of the resort town is the beautiful nature park of Cape Greco, located at the southeastern end of Cyprus.  It is one of the most striking places in the island that is frequented by tourists.  It offers a shelter for over 300 plant species, as well as various species of bats, reptiles, and butterflies.  There are nine trails within the Cavo Greco - Paralimni area  which hikers could make use to explore the area.  Other activities are also available in the park, such as cycling, horseback riding, climbing, and air sports.

Living within Cape Greco’s enclave of forest, earth, and sea lives the reputed Ayia Napa Sea Monster, which is said to resemble a cross between a porpoise and a dragon.  Like most of its mythical kind, it has been spotted and photographed  for a few times, and has been thought to be a living relic from the prehistoric times.

Although Protaras may lack in ruins from ancient civilizations and its town center may not feature the greatest of architectural styles, there may still be some interesting sites in the town worth visiting and exploring.  First of these is the Maritime Heritage Centre, which is locatedin Protaras’ (Pernera area. It houses an exhibit of different maritime heritage from all over the world.  It covers all kinds of areas related to marine life.

Protaras is not without lively nightclubs and bars that can offer entertainment and relaxation to its visitors, albeit a reputation of a family-oriented resort.  Aside from the bars and nightclubs found at the hotels, such lively establishments can also be found along the town’s main street.  Live music is often featured in the bars and pubs.  However, there are not many nightclubs in Protaras and a ten-minute travel to Ayia Napa may satisfy anyone’s need to party all night long.

Protaras also has an appealing list of gastronomical establishments that can satisfy even the most finicky eater.  These establishments range from  English-style pubs to fastfood outlets, and Japanese to Mediterranean, and everything in between.

The property market in Protaras is currently a hotspot when it comes to rental property investments.  A particularly much sought-after property in Protaras is apartments as their potential for rental yields is really high.

One part of its property market’s attractiveness is its location.  Protaras is only 40 minutes away from the airport.  In addition, the country’s “club capital”, Ayia Napa, is
About ten minutes away but not near enough to be intrusive on this part of the island.

Moreover, a huge part of its investment potential is due to the never waning influx of tourists into the resort town, both of  local or international tourists.  The arrival of international tourists can only be expected to increase as flight prices have started to come down because of the increase in the airlines that are flying into the island. Aside from this, as Protaras is a popular family-oriented resort, many families are looking to rent in this area all-year round.

Property prices in Protaras are relatively cheaper as compared to other beach resort areas found in other parts of the world.  However, this price is predicted to rise, with an increasing demand and the joining of Cyprus with the European Union.  Thus, buying a property in Protaras, either as an investment or as a second home, could expect a substantial return of investments should it be brought  early on in the market.