A Vacation Insiders Guide to Protaras, Cyprus by Vacation Insiders

A Vacation Insiders Guide

Protaras Cyprus

Hello, and welcome to Protaras!

Hello! I'm Kirsty, and I can’t wait to welcome you to Cyprus Sun Holiday Rentals. In this guide, you’ll discover my favorite places on the coast, from nature trails with picturesque vistas to beach shacks with mouthwatering homecooked meals.

I'm here whenever you need me! T: +357.23.83.11.94

OUR STORY We always chose Cyprus as a getaway out of convience—of flights, of timing, of accommodations. But the story of how we fell in love with the island is a funny one. On a trip up into the mountains, we decided to stop at a restaurant where there was no menu and no Englishspeaking staff. A grandma sat knitting a hat in the corner, and a child laid on the floor to watch TV. After dining, our server refused to accept payment. It wasn’t until later, when the barman at our favorite bar told us there were no restaurants in the area, that we realized we had dined in someone’s living room. It’s that unabashed hospitality and unquestionable warmth that makes Cyprus unlike anywhere else.

Quality homes, quality customer service, quality team. That’s it. Our philosophy for quality vacations is as simple as a quiet afternoon in the Mediterannean sun. Reach out to us today and let us help you escape to Cyrus. You won’t regret it.

OUR HOMES From intimate one-bedroom apartments to memorable four-bedroom villas, we’ve built a carefully curated portfolio of rentals that offer a blissful pairing of charm and convenience. There’s no cramped quarters or cookie-cutter accommodations here. You’ll choose from cheerful apartments in desirable resorts or sprawling and sunlit Grecian homes. Sparkling swimming pools, resort-style luxury, and designer appointments are just some of the perks you can expect when you choose a Cyprus Sun Holiday Rental. We’ll help you select the perfect escape for your group based on interest, size, and needs. But for now, enjoy our tour of the island that stole our hearts!

ABOUT KIRSTY & THE REAL PROTARAS... Kirsty and her husband Lee moved to Cyprus full-time about a decade ago, after deciding they loved their holiday home on the island too much to be apart from it. Luckily, they had youth, energy, and flexibility on their side. They needed all three to not only relocate roughly 2000 miles from the UK to Cyprus, but to eventually open their own property management business there, Cyprus Sun Holiday Rentals. Now, they help others rent their second homes to Cyprus visitors, and help Cyprus visitors find the perfect holiday rental — from sprawling villas to seaview condos. At the helm of their established, family-run operation, Kirsty gets to meet most of the guests face-to-face, and it's her favorite part of the job. She loves getting to know people from all over the world, learning their wants and needs, and helping to create a personalized holiday they’ll never forget. She says it’s wonderful when she can see the change on their guests’ faces—they arrive stressed, overworked, and a little jetlagged, and leave totally revived, sun-kissed and smiling. They practically glow! In the Mediterranean, attitudes toward work and business are quite laidback, and clocks are more for decoration than scheduling. In some ways this is great—it surely contributes to the friendliness of the people of Cyprus, who always look like they just returned from holiday. But as Brits, Kirsty and Lee bring structure and enthusiasm to their business, with top-notch service and a full, 'round-the-clock dedication to your good time. Welcome to Cyprus!

You know how a lot of places brag about being a destination for everyone? The perfect spot for families, couples, history-buffs, adventurers, wedding parties, retirees and reunions? Cyprus actually has a legitimate claim on that one-size-fits-all designation—competing with the best in the world for versatile vacations. Not only will you find the sun, golden, brown-sugar sand and sparkling waters of Cyprus’s 49 blue flag beaches, there are mountains (with skiing in winter!), landmarks of ancient history, a national park, cosmopolitan shopping and spas, quaint cobblestone villages like Larnaca, thriving nightlife in Agia Napa, and, importantly, some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world. For every day you holiday, you can try on a different hat. Be a culinary connoisseur at authentic restaurants (or create your own gourmet meal from fresh local ingredients in your rental’s kitchen), an adrenaline-junkie with a parasail, a bronzed beauty on the beach, or a student of ancient history. To best enjoy the history, culture, and surreal beauty of Cyprus—and bustling tourist-friendly Protaras on the island’s east coast—consider an authentic, individually owned holiday rental that puts you in the center of everything.

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1

Konnos Bay...

The Black Pearl Pirate Ship...

Red Bus Trip...

The Stardust Variety Show...

A Coastal Path Stroll...

The shallow, marbled waters and striking geologic features of Konnos Bay draw snorkelers, photographers, and sunbathers who use yellow inflatables to drift on the sea's glassy surface. Virtually no wind hits this sheltered spot, nor do throngs of tourists—Konnos Bay is one of the east coast’s quietest beaches. While there, perch above the dappled coastline for dinner-with-a-view at Konnos Bay Hotel.

Families—and Pirates of the Caribbean fans—love this adventure cruise on the Black Pearl Pirate Ship, captained by the infamous Jack Sparrow. Day trips feature an on-deck meal, live entertainment, and stops for swimming and exploring the sea caves. This really is terrific fun for all age groups! If you decide to try out the Black Pearl, please let Kirsty know and she’ll advise where to buy your tickets.

The Red Bus Cyprus is a street tour with a top deck for elevated views of either the walled city of Famagusta or the agricultural villages along the Dividing Line. Both tours pass by the frozen-in-time “ghost resort” of Varosha, abandoned since the 1974 Turkish invasion. The Famagusta tour lasts all day and includes a swimming stop; the Dividing Line tour lasts 3 hours and provides samples from the region’s bountiful fruit trees. Please let Kirsty know if you'd like to buy tickets.

For an evening of belly laughs and singalongs, treat the whole family to the Stardust Variety Show. Cyprus's only comedy variety drag show is designed to make guests of all ages smile—and whoop, cheer, and burst out into song. Food, drinks, and even transport is included in the price of your ticket, making this a solid option for a stress-free night out that's livelier than a typical dinner.

Take a family walk or a romantic stroll along the coastal paths that rim the Mediterranean’s brilliant, peacock-colored waters. Along the way, stop at Zafiros Café for a refreshing drink or a plate of the island’s best waffles (enough to share—they’re huge!) enjoyed while overlooking the sea. If you time your meal just right, you’ll be treated to a once-in-alifetime sunset view.

FOR THE ACTIVE...

Stavros Watersports...

Nature Trails...

Snorkeling at the Bay...

At Stavros Watersports on Fig Tree Bay, you can skim over clear waters on a jet ski, speed boat, water ski or inflatable, or fly above it on a parasail or wakeboard. Or go a less heart-pounding route and charter a fishing boat or rent a kayak. Be nice to cheeky Costa as he’s been known to dip patrons in the water and leave them to swim back to shore!

The cliff-top walks at Cape Greco National Forest Park, let you take in the Mediterranean’s Technicolor hues from high above the sea. Explore sea caves, tuck into the pines for a nature walk, and visit the bleach-white chapel of Ayios Anaryroi. Walk down a set of stairs to Holy Cave for a photo opp, or ascend 200+ stairs to St. Elias for a stunning vista.

Grab your snorkel and head to Fig Tree Bay, one of TripAdvisor’s best-rated beaches. Swim out to the rocks with your gear, put your kids on inflatable lilos (airbeds) and have some bread ready to toss to the fish and other aquatic life—this ensures you’ll get to observe a crowd of them. This beach can be quite populated in the summer, so arrive early.

The Waterpark...

Diving...

Bike Rides...

Open April to September, kidfriendly Water World in Ayia Napa features mythology-themed rides. Tackle “The Fall of Icarus,” “Apollo’s Plunge,” and the “Drop to Atlantis.” Or float on the River Odyssey or cool off in Poseidon’s Pool. Bring socks to the park in July/August, as the metal stairs leading to the rides heat up. Let us book and get you a special rate!

Go deep underwater and discover some of Protaras’s most scenic seascapes with Ezdivers. Their friendly crew of pros makes this daring sport a good time, even if it’s your first time taking the plunge. Greet massive fish faceto-face, see stunning shipwrecks, and admire the aquatic life hidden beneath the Mediterranean’s surface. They’ll hook you up with all the gear you need, too.

See the sights and get your workout in by renting a bike from Prot R Us Moto. Spend a day peddling along cliff trails overlooking picturesque beaches. With miles of biking routes, you can travel from Ayia Napa all the way up to Trinity Beach, stopping for a break at stunning spots like Fig Tree Bay. Want a ride that’s more secluded? hit the trails at Cape Greco National Forest.

Million Dollar Views... Whether it’s deep below sea level or high among the clifftops, million dollar views are waiting in every direction. Let us get to know your group and help you discover the most enjoyable way for you to explore Protaras. We love sharing our knowledge of the coast with guests.

KIRSTY'S TIPS ON DINING IN PROTARAS...

Traditional Meze... Don’t leave Cyprus without treating yourself to a traditional meze—a sampling of small dishes to be shared with the table. Try a bit of everything and avoid ending up an empty belly and a big plate of something you don’t like. Mousikos in Sotira has hands-down the best meze in Cyprus. Their tastes will wow you, their service is fantastic and its setting in a local village is picturesque. Well worth a visit! T: +357.23.82.88.33 | Reviews

Hokkaido... This Japanese restaurant in Agia Napa is one of Kirsty's family’s favorites. She says it’s rare for her kids to clean their plates, but at Hokkaido, they always do. The chef cooks to order at your table, with entertaining flourishes like throwing eggs and lighting a fire that makes kids wideeyed every time. Whenever Kirsty asks her kids where they want to eat, it’s always “Chop, Chop, Chop, Fire!”—their name for Hokkaido. T: +357.23.72.15.05 | Reviews

Thomas' Shack... Eating at Thomas’ Shack is like having a meal at a friend’s house. You pour your own drinks and write out your order…and if they don’t have what you want, you can create your own menu. Thomas makes it a point to visit every table for a chat, and he doesn’t mind if you talk with your mouth full—which is good because you won’t want to stop eating his delicious meals, all cooked over hot coals. T: +357.99.34.49.25 | Reviews

Spartiatis... Memories of your fresh, sea-to-table meal at Spartiatis will stay with you. Locally caught fish is the centerpiece of your plate, surrounded by colorful homegrown fruits and vegetables. (Did you know the Mediterranean diet is among the healthiest in the world? This is why!) To top off the experience, you’ll be presented with panoramic views of the bay and a Cypriot-style warm welcome. T: +357.23.83.13.86 | Reviews

KIRSTY'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... Cyprus has lodging options to meet the needs of every brand of traveler. Below are a few rentals that Cyprus Sun manage on the island. Please refer to their website for more properties. If the below options are booked, they may be able to refer you to other available accommodations.

For Families...Villa Demetra This contemporary countryside villa features panoramic sea and valley views, an open layout, and green space lush with mature landscaping. The kids might never leave the private swimming pool... and you might be okay with that! All the more reason to stay poolside, with a book in the outdoor lounge or tending to a slow-roasting lamb kleftiko on the traditional wood grill. Sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms. For more information please refer to Kirsty's website...

For Couples... Zoe Apartment A sea-view balcony anchors this breezy and open one-bedroom apartment in Pernera, a small but energetic harbor town. Tuck into a sandy cove for a picnic lunch, then return to cozy up on your seabreeze balcony with a bottle of wine from a local vineyard. For dinner, walk 15 minutes via the boardwalk to bustling Proteras. While ideal for couples, a double bed and a sofa bed can sleep 4 comfortably. For more information please refer to Kirsty's website...

For Large Groups... Villa Margaret Wedding parties and family reunions (up to 30 guests) can rent 4 separate but adjacent properties, which together make up a small village for your large group. Two 4-bedroom villas and 3 apartments, all in the same complex, provide loads of space and privacy, too. Flexibility is key here, so if you have between 15-30 guests, contact Kirsty and she'll explain your options! For more information please refer to Kirsty's website...

KIRSTY'S AREA Practicalities Weather and Dress...

Currency and Gratuities...

Groceries...

Cyprus boasts 340+ sunny days a year and little precipitation— so unpack your rain gear and replace it with extra sunscreen! In spring (Apr-Jun) and autumn (Sept-Nov), the temperatures average a pleasant 17°c to 25°C (63°F - 77°F). Summers can be blazing hot, so light, breezy materials are a must. In winter, you’ll find a chill in the air, so pack for layering.

Cyprus's currency is Euros. If you stay at one of Kirsty’s properties, she can help arrange a hasslefree currency exchange. Or, exchange it yourself at Nick’s Bottle Shop, and pick up a bottle of Cypriot wine while you're at it. At restaurants, tipping is not expected, as a 10% service charge is added to your bill; you can tip extra for great service. Taxi drivers accept 5% tips.

Grocery stores are plentiful in Cyprus. Most of Kirsty's properties are just a short distance from at least one grocer. You'll find a Lidl in Protaras, along with a Metro Supermarket between Protaras and Paralimni. For a more authentic shopping experience, explore the smaller, local shops and butchers selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more.

Thanks for exploring with us!