14 Best Beaches in Protaras

Protaras is one of the best places in Cyprus if your holiday plans involve beach days. Think crystal-clear turquoise water, soft sand, and plenty of beautiful bays where you can happily spend hours swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the sea. It’s the kind of place where you’ll probably end up spending more time in the water than on your sunbed.

What we especially love about Protaras and nearby Pernera is how easy it is to visit more than one beach in a day. Many of the beaches are only a short walk or drive from one another, so you can spend the morning swimming at one beach, stop for lunch along the seafront promenade, and head to a completely different bay in the afternoon. Protaras is the perfect place for beach hopping.

There’s a beach here for almost everyone. Families will love the calm water and easy facilities, swimmers get some of the clearest sea on the island, and snorkellers have rocky bays where turtles sometimes make an appearance. Not a bad problem to have, really.

In this guide, we’re sharing the best beaches in and around Protaras, including popular spots like Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Beach, as well as quieter beaches where you can enjoy a more relaxed swim.

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Best Beaches in and Around Protaras at a Glance

Not sure which beach is right for you? This quick overview highlights what each beach is best known for, whether you’re looking for family-friendly swimming, snorkelling with turtles, dramatic scenery, or a quieter spot away from the crowds.

The 14 Best Beaches in Protaras

Here are our picks for the 14 best beaches in Protaras after spending countless days exploring this stretch of coastline. Since we live just a short drive away, these are the beaches we return to time and time again, whether it’s for a morning swim, an afternoon of snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the sea. It’s no surprise that several of them also rank among the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus.

1. Fig Tree Bay

If you’ve seen photos of Protaras before, chances are you’ve already seen Fig Tree Bay. This is the most popular beach in Protaras and one of the best beaches in Cyprus, attracting visitors with its fine and soft golden sand, crystal-clear water, and lively atmosphere.

The beach gets its name from the historic fig trees that have stood nearby for decades, possibly even centuries. Today, it’s a favourite with families thanks to the shallow, calm water and excellent facilities. You’ll find sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, beach bars, cafés, and restaurants all within easy walking distance.

One thing we particularly like about Fig Tree Bay is that it’s located directly on the Protaras beachfront promenade, making it easy to combine with a stroll along the coast. Swimmers can also head to the piers on the right-hand side of the beach (sometimes referred to as Fig Tree Bay Nausicaa Beach), where ladders provide direct access to deeper water.

If you’re visiting during summer, arrive early. This beach fills up quickly. And if you spot the local corn stand, don’t miss the freshly cooked corn on the cob with salt. It’s become a bit of a Fig Tree Bay tradition for us.

2. Vrisi Beach

Located right next to Fig Tree Bay, Vrisi Beach is another excellent choice if you’re looking for soft sand, calm water, and easy access to everything Protaras has to offer. Stretching for around 1 km (0.6 miles) along the coastline, it’s one of the longest beaches in the resort and one of the best beaches in Protaras for families.

The beach is divided into three sections: Vrisi I, Vrisi II, and Vrisi III. Vrisi I sits directly in front of the popular Sunrise Beach Hotel, which is why many visitors simply refer to this part of the beach as Sunrise Beach. Vrisi II occupies the central section, while Vrisi III extends towards the Protaras Pier.

Unlike Fig Tree Bay, Vrisi Beach is all about space. The long stretch of sand means there’s plenty of room to spread out, even during the busy summer season. Combined with its central location, beachfront hotels, and easy access to restaurants and cafés, it’s one of the most convenient beaches in Protaras for spending an entire day by the sea.

3. Green Bay Beach

Green Bay is one of our favourite beaches in Protaras, especially when we’re in the mood for snorkelling. While it’s much smaller and quieter than Fig Tree Bay or Vrisi Beach, it’s known for its incredibly clear water and the chance to spot sea turtles swimming close to the shore.

The sheltered bay offers calm conditions that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding. We’ve visited several times with our snorkelling gear and have been lucky enough to encounter turtles on more than one occasion. Seeing them glide through the water in their natural habitat is always a highlight.

Green Bay is also one of the most popular diving spots in the area. Several local diving schools use the bay for beginner scuba diving courses thanks to its excellent visibility and gentle sea conditions. For anyone who enjoys exploring beneath the surface, scuba diving here is easily one of the best things to do in Cyprus.

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4. Lombardi Beach

Located just on the opposite side of Green Bay Beach, Lombardi Beach is a small sandy cove that offers a much quieter atmosphere than Protaras’ main beaches. If you’re looking to escape some of the crowds without venturing too far from the resort, this is another excellent option.

The beach features fine white and light grey sand, crystal-clear water, and calm sea conditions that make it particularly popular with families. Thanks to its sheltered location, the water is usually gentle and ideal for swimming, even during busier summer months. The beach also provides accessible entry into the sea for visitors with disabilities and mobility challenges.

One of the things we like most about Lombardi Beach is its relaxed feel. If you enjoy spending time in the water, there’s also a small sheltered cove that’s perfect for floating and relaxing in the calm Mediterranean Sea. A restaurant overlooking the beach offers beautiful sea views, making it a lovely spot to enjoy lunch or a drink after your swim.

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5. Konnos Beach

Konnos Beach is not only one of the best beaches near Protaras, it’s one of our favourite beaches in all of Cyprus. Hidden within a beautiful bay between Protaras and Ayia Napa, it combines crystal-clear water, golden sand, and some of the most impressive coastal scenery on the island.

Part of the experience begins before you even reach the beach. The winding road down to Konnos passes through pine-covered hills and offers a breathtaking view across the bay. Once you arrive, you’ll find a picturesque beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and greenery, creating a setting that feels completely different from the main resort beaches.

The water here is calm, shallow, and incredibly clear, making it perfect for swimming. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets, watersports, and a beach café serving drinks and snacks throughout the day.

6. Turtle Beach 

Despite its name, Turtle Beach isn’t your typical sandy beach. Instead, it’s a small, sheltered cove tucked away along the coastline between Cyclops Cave and Konnos Beach. With its mix of rocks, small pebbles, and crystal-clear water, it feels far more natural and untouched than many of the area’s larger beaches.

What makes Turtle Beach special is its peaceful setting. There are no rows of sunbeds, no beach bars, and no facilities. Instead, you’ll find a quiet corner of the coastline that’s perfect if you enjoy nature and don’t mind a more rugged beach experience.

The cove can be reached via a short walk along the Cyclops Cave Trail near Konnos Beach. Although small, the calm, crystal-clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot one of the sea turtles that occasionally visit the bay.

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7. Vyzakia Beach

Located between Fig Tree Bay and Green Bay, Vyzakia Beach is a small sandy cove that often gets overlooked by visitors heading to the more famous beaches nearby. The beach welcomes you with a colourful walkway lined with palm trees, setting the tone for one of Protaras’ more peaceful coastal spots.

The bay features fine golden sand, crystal-clear water, and rocky edges that are perfect if you prefer stretching out on the rocks with the Mediterranean right in front of you. Thanks to the sheltered location and gentle entry into the sea, it’s also an excellent choice for swimming and families with young children.

One of the things we like most about Vyzakia Beach is how open it feels. Unlike some of the neighbouring beaches, there aren’t many large buildings surrounding the bay, giving it a more natural atmosphere and avoiding that cramped feeling you sometimes get in busier resort areas.

If you’re travelling as a couple or simply looking for a quieter alternative to Fig Tree Bay, Vyzakia Beach is well worth adding to your Cyprus itinerary.

8. Glyfades Beach (Mimosa Beach)

Tucked away between Green Bay and Cape Greco, Glyfades Beach is a tiny sheltered cove that’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. Also known as Mimosa Beach, it’s one of the smallest beaches in Protaras and a lovely spot for families thanks to its shallow, protected water.

Access to the beach is via the outdoor terrace of the adjacent Mimosa Beach Hotel. It might feel a little unusual walking through the hotel grounds, but don’t worry. The beach is public and everyone is welcome to use it.

The calm water is perfect for floating around, while the rocky edges of the bay attract snorkellers looking to explore beneath the surface. If you venture a little further offshore, you’ll come across several underwater statues resting beneath the surface.

9. Kalamies Beach (Louma Beach)

Located in Pernera, just a few minutes from central Protaras, Kalamies Beach is a wide, sheltered bay with fine golden sand and calm turquoise water. The shallow sea and excellent swimming conditions make it an ideal place for a relaxed day by the water, while visitors with disabilities and mobility challenges will appreciate the accessible entrance into the sea.

At one end of the beach sits the charming white-and-blue Agios Nikolaos Chapel, one of the most photographed landmarks in the Pernera area.

Behind the beach, you’ll find a marina where various boat trips and sea excursions depart throughout the day. There are also sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, and cafés nearby, making it easy to spend several relaxing hours here.

10. Pernera Beach

Pernera Beach is one of the best alternatives to the busier beaches in central Protaras. Located in the heart of the Pernera area, this wide sandy beach offers the same beautiful sea and golden sand that the region is famous for, but with a more open atmosphere.

The beach is easy to reach via the coastal promenade that runs from Protaras Pier, making it a pleasant walk if you’re staying in either resort area. Thanks to its sheltered and shallow bay and gentle sea conditions, it’s well suited to families with children as well as anyone looking for a leisurely swim.

11. Ayia Triada (Trinity Beach)

Located between Pernera and Kapparis, Ayia Triada Beach is a beautiful sandy bay that combines excellent swimming conditions with one of the most charming settings along this stretch of coastline. The golden sand and calm, crystal-clear water make it one of the best beaches near Protaras.

One of the highlights of Ayia Triada Beach is the small fishing harbour and picturesque chapel that sits on the headland overlooking the bay. It’s a lovely spot for a short walk, and if you head up to the church, you’ll likely be greeted by plenty of friendly cats enjoying the sea views.

The beach is well equipped with a café, sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, changing rooms, and accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities and mobility challenges. Just behind the chapel, you’ll also find a beach bar, which is a popular spot for drinks, food, and music overlooking the sea.

12. Malama Beach

Located just north of Ayia Triada Beach in the Kapparis area, Malama Beach is a small but beautiful sandy cove that offers excellent swimming conditions and a more local feel than many of the beaches closer to central Protaras.

The beach is tucked below a residential area, creating a sheltered setting with calm, crystal-clear water that is perfect for swimming and watersports. While the sandy stretch isn’t particularly large, the bay itself is incredibly picturesque and feels surprisingly secluded despite being easy to access.

One of the things we enjoy most about Malama Beach is the rocky coastline surrounding the bay. Confident swimmers and snorkellers can explore the nearby rock formations, which add an extra sense of adventure to a beach day here.

The beach is also home to a restaurant and bar overlooking the water. It’s one of our favourite spots to enjoy a drink with stunning sea views after a swim. Despite its smaller size, Malama Beach has all the facilities needed for a comfortable day by the sea.

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13. Kapparis Beach

Kapparis Beach, also known as Fireman’s Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in the Kapparis area and a favourite among locals. Located in a small sheltered bay, it offers soft golden sand, excellent swimming conditions, and an authentic Cypriot beach day atmosphere.

Compared to the larger beaches in Protaras, Kapparis Beach has a more laid-back atmosphere while still providing all the essentials for a comfortable beach day. The shallow water makes it a great choice for families, while the clear visibility is perfect for swimming.

A beach bar and kiosk sit just behind the sand, making it easy to grab a drink or snack without venturing far from the sea. During summer, the beach attracts a mix of visitors and locals, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere.

14. Serena Beach

Located next to Kalamies Beach in Pernera, Serena Beach is a small sandy cove with a relaxed atmosphere. Although it’s lesser known than many of Protaras’ main beaches, it’s become an increasingly popular spot thanks to its beachfront restaurant and beach bar.

The sheltered bay offers calm water that’s ideal for swimming, while the soft sand makes it a pleasant place to spend a few hours by the sea. You’ll also notice the newly extended Marina just beyond the bay, giving the beach a slightly different feel from some of the area’s more natural coves.

A beach bar overlooks the water, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day with music, food, and drinks. If you enjoy combining a swim with lunch or cocktails by the sea, Serena Beach is a great place to do exactly that.

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Whether you’re looking for a lively family beach, a quiet cove away from the crowds, or somewhere to snorkel with turtles, Protaras has a beach to match. With some of the clearest water in Cyprus and many Blue Flag beaches located within minutes of each other, it’s one of the best destinations on the island for a beach holiday.

While Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Beach are the area’s most famous spots, don’t overlook smaller beaches like Vyzakia, Serena Beach, or Turtle Beach. Some of our favourite beach days in Cyprus have been spent discovering these quieter corners of the coastline.

If you’re planning a trip to the region, you might also want to explore the beautiful beaches in Ayia Napa, home to famous spots such as Nissi Beach and Makronissos Beach, both located less than 15 minutes from Protaras by car.

Madeleine & Carsten

FAQ – Best Beaches in Protaras

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