Agia Napa – Protaras - Protaras-Paralimni

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Protaras-Paralimni

Agia Napa – Protaras

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Europe Cyprus Agia Napa – Protaras Protaras-Paralimni

In collaboration with Visit Famagusta

Overview

Protaras-Paralimni The guide was updated: 2024-09-14

Protaras-Paralimni is situated on the southeastern fringe of Cyprus and has the privilege of seeing the first sunrise in Europe. Paralimni, the main town, combines the advantages of a traditional village with the conveniences of a contemporary town, and there is an air of timelessness in the Town Center.

Protaras, the tourist area, extends along the eastern coast of Paralimni and stretches for 10km from the district of ‘Kapparis’ to the location of ‘Konnos’. Hundreds of windmills grant its landscape a quaint, tranquil beauty. Fantastic beaches with crystal clear waters are found along this coast, most of them accredited with the prestigious Blue Flag status.

The lengthy seaside promenade is perfect for a sunset stroll or a leisurely bicycle ride, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the area further. Visit the harbours of Agia Triada and the picturesque Agios Nicolaos. Follow a nature trail or one of the cycling paths and enjoy seamless views of the sea. Along them, you’ll discover rare species of flora and fauna and you'll be greeted by little chapels, such as Agioi Saranta, which is set in a mountain cave, or Agios Ioannis, a little chapel hidden in a valley. The ascent of the 153-steps leading to the chapel of Profitis Elias will definitely reward you with breathtaking views of Protaras.

Hotels, self-catering apartments, a wide range of restaurants, taverns, pubs and clubs are here to cater to the needs of even the most demanding tourist. Therefore, whether you choose to simply soak up the sun, explore the underwater world, wander the quaint streets of Paralimni, visit the Byzantine churches or enjoy yourself in a club, once you are in Protaras-Paralimni a world of choices awaits you!

Fig Tree Bay

Fig Tree Bay

Fig Tree Bay is the most precious gem in this coastal tiara and is named after the solitary fig tree that was planted here by eastern invaders in the 17th century. On the headland of the bay one can see the recently revealed, glass-covered Hellenistic tombs. A selection of watersports abounds at these beaches, ranging from skiing and paragliding to snorkelling and scuba diving, and boats wait on the piers to take you on unforgettable trips. The bay also has excellent facilities, with sun beds and parasols available for hire. It provides disabled access and is serviced by a lifeguard.

Agios Georgios Churches

Agios Georgios Churches

The town square of Paralimni is dominated by the metropolitan, three-aisled church, dedicated to St George, the patron saint of the town. The church was finished in 1966 in a traditional Byzantine style and is full of contemporary frescoes. The impressive fresco which decorates the dome depicts the “All Powerful” surrounded by the Archangels, the Prophets and numerous saints. The gothic church of St George is located next to the metropolitan church in the main square of Paralimni. According to a marble inscription, it was erected in 1859 in the place of an older Byzantine church, parts of which have been incorporated in this one. Part of its northern wall is covered with a large fresco depicting St George killing a dragon.

Paralimni Marina & Fishing Harbour

Paralimni Marina & Fishing Harbour

The small scenic harbour of Paralimni is overlooked by the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, which adds some island colour to the place. Visitors can rest and have a coffee while enjoying fine views of the sea and the harbour and watching the boats come and go. At sunset the whole scenery is even more breathtaking.

Agios Nikolaos Chapel

Agios Nikolaos Chapel

In an attempt to honour their protector Saint, everyone involved in marine professions in Paralimni decided to build a chapel dedicated to him. The perfect place was found next to the sea overlooking the harbour where they tie their boats. Small in size, whitewashed, with blue painted dome, the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, reminds one of the chapels found on the Aegean islands.

Profitis Elias Chapel

Profitis Elias Chapel

The Byzantine Church of Prophet Elias was built in 1984, in the place of an older chapel. Set on a 100m high granite hill and found just a short distance from the heart of Protaras, it certainly cannot be missed. It was built using stones from the area, and it is in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings. The chapel is especially awe-inspiring in the evenings when it is floodlit.

Agioi Saranta Chapel

Agioi Saranta Chapel

Taking the loose surface road to the area of Agioi Saranta or one of the nature trails, one comes across the picturesque chapel of Agioi Saranta. Its existence is betrayed by the stone-built canopy on the wild rocks, as the chapel is set in an intact cave. The forty stalactites of the cave are what encouraged a devout Christian to turn it into a place of pilgrimage. Apart from the pilgrimage, visitors can enjoy the wonderful scenery that surrounds the chapel.

Agia Anna Church

Agia Anna Church

This 13th century Byzantine chapel in the centre of Paralimni, built using local limestone, is dedicated to Mother Mary, but it is referred to as ‘Agia Anna’, a name that was given to it when it was restored. The original chapel was decorated with frescoes, which were tragically destroyed and only some remnants betray their previous existence. The chapel now serves as an ecclesiastical museum where icons of the 16th and 19th centuries, holy relics and old books are exhibited.

Kapparis Beach

Kapparis Beach

Kapparis beach (a recipient of the Blue Flag accreditation) is found north of Protaras, in the homonymous district of Kapparis. It is also known as the beach of MMAD, named after the training centre of the Police Rapid Response Unit (MMAD), located nearby. It is a small, fine golden sandy beach with clear waters and is very popular with locals and tourists happy to give the hectic beaches a miss. There are sun loungers and parasols available for hire, and the area is patrolled by a lifeguard.

Paralimni Lake

Paralimni Lake

Paralimni is situated next to a seasonal lake which forms west of the community, between Paralimni and Sotira. This is actually a natural hollow which collects rainwater from all parts of Paralimni and the neighbouring hills during the winter season. The lake has been part of the NATURA 2000 network since 2009, as it forms the natural habitat of an abundant and important population of the protected grass snake, Natrix Natrix Cypriaca, and as a large number of migrating and nesting birds find shelter here.

Windmills

Windmills

The windmills made their first appearance in Paralimni in the beginning of the twentieth century and were used by farmers to pump water up for the irrigation of their fields. Soon they multiplied in number, and as a result, Protaras, its most productive area, is often referred to as the land of windmills. The windmills were later replaced by mechanical pumps. Today, the large number of windmills shows the productivity of the past while affording a quaint, nostalgic beauty to the landscape of the area.

Traditional Taverns

Traditional Taverns

No stay in Protaras-Paralimni would be complete without a visit to a traditional tavern. In the taverns of Protaras and the main town of Paralimni you can enjoy authentic, traditional Cypriot cooking. The local cuisine is rich and has a huge diversity of dishes. Most of the chefs use locally grown ingredients, a multitude of herbs and vegetables and recipes that have been passed on from generation to generation, always adding new touches. Meze, the national speciality, is in essence a culinary cross section, consisting of a variety of dishes. It starts with dips and salads followed by grills, side dishes and desserts. Koupepia are vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, and Tava is a tasty stew of meat, herbs and onions. Enjoy your meals while sampling an excellent selection of local wines. So “Kopiaste”, relax and discover the flavours of Protaras.

Coastal Promenade

Coastal Promenade

The seaside promenade extends for more than 4 kilometres, joining the area of Pernera with Fig Tree Bay, as well as Ayios Nicolaos Harbor with Louma Beach. It allows the visitor further to explore the area and at the same time come across a wealth of attractive beaches. This lengthy promenade is perfect for a sunset stroll or jogging while enjoying stunning views across the Mediterranean. All along the coastal promenade there are platforms that extend from the main path towards the sea. Some of these resting points look as if they hang over the sea. These stops are also marked by benches and people make frequent stops to rest, enjoy the view, the sunset or sunrise or read a book.

Protaras Nightlife

Protaras Nightlife

When the sun sets, Protaras offers a varied and vibrant nightlife. Beside the in-house entertainment provided by the large hotels, there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, disco/bars and clubs that contribute to the fun-loving atmosphere of Protaras. Many establishments offer live entertainment and Karaoke and the discos feature famous DJs.

Protaras Ocean Aquarium

Protaras Ocean Aquarium

Protaras Ocean Aquarium is home to over 1,000 species, including piranhas, stingrays, turtles, crocodiles, penguins and many more. Relax, unwind and delve into the depths of the exciting and diverse underwater world or take a walk in the beautiful 12,500 square metre tropical gardens.

Archangelos Gabriel Church

Archangelos Gabriel Church

Among green orchards at the foothill of Phanos, which is the highest hill in Paralimni, visitors can find the chapel of Archangelos Gabriel. In 1965, during the building of the chapel, a stone cross sculpture was found in the area, proof that in the past there was a church here. This cross was incorporated in the new chapel. In 1998 the chapel was restored and its walls were decorated with frescoes.

Traditional Cypriot House

Traditional Cypriot House

Τhe Traditional Cypriot House is located in the old centre of Paralimni. It was built in the 19th century and has been carefully renovated to maintain its distinctive character. Its traditional arches together with the local flowers planted in its fore-yard make the house particularly beautiful. Household utensils and farming tools used by a typical rural family of the region are on display in the three rooms as well as in the courtyard. Besides serving as a museum, the house is at the disposal of couples wishing to have a traditional backdrop for their wedding.

Agios Panteleimonas Chapel

Agios Panteleimonas Chapel

The chapel of Agios Panteleimonas was built on top of two previous chapels that were destroyed. The present chapel is made of stone and has a wooden roof. Inside there are some particularly beautiful, contemporary frescoes, one of which depicts Mother Mary surrounded by other female Saints.

Agia Triada Chapel & Fishing Shelter

Agia Triada Chapel & Fishing Shelter

The bonny little fishing shelter of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) is found in the homonymous area of Agia Triada. The chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) stands close by.

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