“Staying at the lake” – is a translation from the Greek of the name of the small town Paralimni, which is located in the south-east of Cyprus. The name of the area comes from ancient times, due to its location on the shore; the small lake that in winter is filled with water.
Just here in the Hellenistic period, the ancient city in Cyprus Levkolla was situated, which up to now there is no trace. In the Byzantine period Paralimni was a small village consisting of small agricultural settlements. It offers panoramic views of the sea, and its availability is likely the cause fot its further destruction and devastation.
In the VII century during the Arab raids, local residents were forced to move to areas that are not visible from the sea. One such place was the center of the city today, where the administration of Paralimni is.
Today Paralimni is famous not only for a large number of churches, rich history and agricultural land, but also for the beautiful beaches. A continuous chain of beaches – the modern tourist part of Paralimni, known as Protaras, famous for its beautiful natural environment for resting by the sea. During the summer, the resort is full of life, but in the winter its life fades. Nevertheless, this is a place which traditionally attracts fans of quiet vocation and unique natural monuments.
How to choose a beach in Protaras?
The endless emerald-turquoise waves annually attract thousands of tourists in Protaras from all over the world. It would seem that the answer to the question of how to choose a beach in Protaras, is obvious. Each of them have soft golden sand, plenty of bars and restaurants as well as all kinds of water sports. But we would like to tell you more about the beaches in Protaras.
Vrissiana Beach
Both, guests of the island and locals will appreciate the wide sandy beach, located at the Vrissiana Beach Hotel and captivates its guests with its amazing turquoise water. In particular, young people love this place, which is not only perfect for sunbathing, but also to have fun and “show off”.
The Hotel Vrissiana Beach Bar is a very popular place to have fun in the holiday season. Late in the afternoon, the music in the bar gets the louder.
Sunrise Beach
A favorite destination for a family holiday has become a nearby beach with the romantic name “Sunrise” (Sunrise). Couples and groups of friends come here just to absorb the sun and splash in the waves of the sea. On the beach there are some good cafes and restaurants where you can rest from the heat and have a drink cooling between swims in the sea.
Flamingo Beach
Flamingo Beach is situated the luxury hotel Constantinos the Great. From here you can go on a sea voyage in a submarine named “Dolphin” (Dolphin). During the trip, you might meet the graceful inhabitants of the Mediterranean – bottlenose dolphins, mushroom stones, and maybe a clumsy monk seal, which reach a length of 3 meters and weigh up to 350 kg. Such trips are held several times a day.
Sirena Bay Beach
For sure you want to stay longer in a place called Sirena Bay. It is a garden with statues of Neptune and the sirens, mermaids, who look like they are spying on the guests because of the thick vegetation of this paradise. The garden is located right on the beach. For over 20 years the hostess held private parties and a variety of activities here and, finally, decided to build a restaurant and bar with a simple interior, which is tasteful. The place is distinguished the blue chairs.
Visiting “The Sirens”, you must not just sunbathe and swim, but also try the mouth-watering octopus, washed down with an incomparable watermelon daiquiri. The best thing is to come during weekdays, as the place is popular with locals and on weekends it can be crowded.
Green Bay beach and the Fig Tree Bay
Those who prefer small bay coves and a quiet pastime, should go to the sandy beach near the Green Bay Hotel Cavo Maris. But if you prefer a comfortable beach holiday – the Fig Tree Bay (one of the most famous places in Protaras), is located at the Hotel Capo Bay.
The bay has gained justifiably fame, thanks to the unique beach with spectacular golden-brown cliffs, azure water, a ridge of islets, as well as plenty of good restaurants.
Konnos Beach
If we proceed from Cape Greco at the sign Ayioi Anargyroi, we will find ourselves on the natural bridge Koraka (Kamara Toy Koraka Natural Bridge, which means “the crow’s bridge”). This amazing natural formation of cracked seaside cliffs is a great place for photo shoots.
Not far from this place is the light sandy beach Konnos. You can get to it from the hotel Grecian Park Hotel and Alion. This small beach is one of the most beautiful in Cyprus. It is also protected from winds.
It is on this beach where you can find the famous yellow sunbeds “banana skins”, which are great to float on. Just imagine how you will be pleased not just to lie on the beach, but also to float on these convenient “boats” on the waves.
Sea caves in Protaras
If you have the strength, you can swim to the Cyclop’s cave, located 2 km from Konnos. Maybe this is the cave of the Cyclop, which is mentioned in Homer’s poem “The Odyssey.”
Before, the cave could be reached on foot. The path runs along a steep slope above the sea, among the rocks, bushes and rocks, which are full of big lizards basking in the summer, which the locals call ”kurkutas”. The further you go down the path, the less green you see. Soon, you will find yourself on a flat stone plateau, cut off in the sea. Outside the entrance of the cave brown signs are marked, but inside the mysterious darkness reigns, in which, by looking into, you may unravel some of the mysteries of the past.
So, which of the beaches of Protaras should you choose to relax? The noisy Vrissiana, the gorgeous Flamingo, the family-suited Sunrise, the secluded Golden Sand or the comfortable Fig Bay Tree? You can say one thing: each will bring you a lot of pleasure from swimming in the emerald waters and relaxing on the sandy shores.
