Protaras is a famous resort, a village in the southeastern part of Cyprus. Small in size, it has gained worldwide fame for its excellent beaches.
Transparent sea water, magnificent sand (on some beaches - white, on others - golden) - these are the two main reasons why many tourists come here from all over the world. But upon arriving, many of them learn for the first time that here you can not only sunbathe and swim. The sea and beaches are not the only local attractions: there are monuments of architecture and history, windmills, amazing fountains … Tourists certainly do not get bored! But what is worth seeing in Protaras first of all?
Top 10 attractions of Protaras
Fig Tree Cove
Fig Tree Cove
The most famous beach of this resort. It is famous for its clear water, clean white sand, beautiful seabed, and the absence of strong waves. Tourists often come here with whole families, with small children. This is just the perfect place to teach your toddler to swim, and if there is no such goal, then the child can splash around in shallow water.
But you shouldn't think that this beach can only appeal to kids and their caring parents. For young people, there is also a real expanse here: you can pop into a bar or sit in one of the restaurants serving local cuisine, do water sports or explore the underwater caves located in the northern part of the beach …
Some are surprised that the bay has such an unusual name. Locals believe that once here, right on the seashore, there was a huge lonely fig tree. It was in hoary antiquity, but today not a trace of this tree remains. Whether it ever really existed is hard to say, but one thing is certain: there is a grove of fig trees not far from the beach.
Konnos Bay
An ideal beach for those who want to feel at one with nature. The influx of tourists here is not as great as on the nearby beaches. Here, clear water and golden sand, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, there are cafes and restaurants nearby.
This is not the best place for swimming for small children, because the coast here is quite rocky in some places, and the descent into the water is quite steep. But adults will certainly like it here, especially those who like to dive off the rocks.
Near the beach there are caves, which, as the locals say, were once inhabited by the cyclops.
Green Bay
The beach is located inside a cozy and quiet bay. The bottom of the sea here is mostly sandy, but along the edges of the bay and closer to the depth it becomes rocky. This place has long attracted professional divers, as well as everyone who is partial to snorkeling.
The main attraction of the beach is the statues that can be seen on the seabed when diving. Some divers choose this beach specifically to take a look at them. The sculptures depict the gods of Ancient Greece. Once the statues were flooded by local divers.
Oceanarium
Oceanarium
In it you will see all the underwater wonders of the Mediterranean. Many large aquariums will reveal the secrets of the inhabitants of the deep sea. The conditions of detention here are as close as possible to natural ones, so that representatives of the underwater fauna feel comfortable and lead almost the same lifestyle as in their native element.
But the inhabitants of the underwater world are not the only inhabitants of the Oceanarium. Here you can also see parrots and monkeys, raccoons and penguins …
Tired of impressions, you can relax in a small cafe, which is located here. Here you can have a snack or just drink a refreshing drink.
Children under 2 years old can visit the Oceanarium free of charge. Discounts are provided for group visitors, but such a visit must be coordinated with the administration of the Oceanarium in advance. The group must include at least 10 people.
Magic dancing fountains
An unforgettable show that simply cannot fail to impress. In addition to fountains (almost 20 thousand powerful jets!), About 500 projectors, 2 laser systems, 5 smoke systems are involved in this performance … The performance is accompanied by music and commentary by the announcer (they are translated into several languages).
Everything is done to make the audience feel comfortable: they sit on openwork chairs near small tables, the waiter brings food and drinks. But there is one caveat: if you do not want the jets of water to periodically reach you, take a place in about the 6th row or further. Those who sit in the front rows, as a rule, do not manage to stay completely dry. While this usually does not diminish the delight of the audience in any way, everyone always gets great pleasure from this performance.
Fabulous photographs are often added to fond memories of the show.
Liopetri
Liopetri
A picturesque village not far from the village. It is located on the picturesque coast of the bay. The main occupation of the local male population is fishing, and women weave baskets (which are readily sold by tourists).
Once in this small village there were as many as 7 temples, but many of them have not survived to this day. Today, tourists can see the 2 remaining churches here, one of which was built in the 15th century, and the other a century later.
Another attraction of the village is a monument to the heroes who fell in the fight against the British colonialists. In the middle of the 20th century, hostilities were taking place in this village. Today, only a memorial with the names of four heroes reminds of those times, and a small village is the embodiment of peace and quiet, comfort and hospitality.
Valley of the Windmills
One of the most romantic local attractions. A walk through this valley always makes an indelible impression on tourists. Many windmills against the backdrop of amazing natural beauties - such a spectacle can truly be called unforgettable!
Windmills have only existed here for a few decades. They were built not to attract tourists, but in order to improve the water supply of the area: mills act as pumps. Locals grow amazingly tasty potatoes and some other vegetables here, and there are also orchards here. All this takes up a fairly large area and requires a lot of water for irrigation. Before the mills were built, there was always a shortage of water, but now the problem is completely solved.
During the construction of the windmills, no one imagined that the place would have a special romantic aura for tourists and would soon become one of the tourist centers. Today the valley has even gained worldwide fame.
You can visit it on your own or as part of an excursion, during which you will learn a lot of interesting things about the principles of windmills.
Historical Museum
Located right in the center of the village. The exposition presented here is divided into two parts. The first tells about the ancient history of the island, the second - about its recent past and present.
The first exposition includes various archaeological finds. These are ancient tools, household items, clothing, sculptures, mosaics, frescoes … All this was found during excavations on the island.
The exposition, which tells about the recent past of the island and about its modernity, is much more diverse. There are vehicles used by the inhabitants of the island until recently (from carts to luxury carriages), children's toys, and a collection of pottery … A visit to the museum will be interesting for both adults and children, so you can go there with the whole family.
Chapel of the Most Holy Theotokos
Historical and architectural landmark. The building, notable for its laconic and even ascetic contours, was built in the 13th century. There are exquisite porcelain plates in the temple, they were made in the 18th century. When visiting the chapel, be sure to pay special attention to them. There is a small museum right next to the temple. It contains exhibits that should be seen by anyone interested in Byzantine culture.
But the temple attracts not only lovers of history and ancient architecture. Believers believe that one of the icons of the chapel is miraculous, capable of healing women from infertility. That is why the temple is sometimes called women's (although, of course, men often come here too).
Agios Elias Church
Agios Elias Church
The temple, consecrated in honor of Elijah the Prophet, was built in the XIV century. Today it has become one of the main attractions of the village. Ancient paintings have been preserved here, which are examples of classical Byzantine painting. They depict a number of biblical scenes. The interior design of the temple can be called modest, there is nothing superfluous, but at the same time, this ancient building seems to be surrounded by some special aura. And at night, when special lighting is turned on, it looks like a fairytale palace.
The temple stands by the sea, on a high hill. To enter the church, you need to climb the stairs, from the top of which a stunning view of the sea opens up. There is such a belief: going up and down the stairs, you need to carefully count the steps and never go astray, then you will receive the forgiveness of all sins.
A special tree grows near the church: they say about it that it can fulfill any desire. You just need to tie a small piece of fabric to its branch. Some tourists even tear off such a piece from their own clothes.
Once a year, the church holds a fair, which is attended by tourists from around the world.
