If you’ve seen photographs of Cyprus with impossibly blue water, sandy beaches and dramatic rocky coastline, there’s a good chance you’re looking at Ayia Napa or Protaras.
This part of Cyprus is famous for its beaches.
And for good reason. But there is much more here than sun loungers and swimming.
Explore Cape Greco. Discover sea caves. Take a boat trip. Walk along the coast. Find a quiet cove. Try a traditional Cypriot restaurant. Or spend the evening enjoying the lively atmosphere of Ayia Napa.
Then there’s Protaras.
It’s generally more relaxed, making it particularly popular with families and visitors looking for beautiful beaches without quite as much of the party atmosphere.
We visited Cyprus for more than 10 years, as tourists, and fell in love. Then in 2016 we took the plunge and made the island our home. We will shre inside knowledge and our opinions on everything Cyprus. So this is our guide to exploring this beautiful corner of Cyprus.
Come and see what you can discover.
The best things to do in Ayia Napa and Protaras include visiting Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay and other beautiful beaches, exploring Cape Greco and its sea caves, taking a boat trip, snorkelling, enjoying Cypriot food and discovering the area’s restaurants and nightlife. Ayia Napa is particularly suited to visitors looking for beaches and entertainment, while Protaras offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is popular with families.
Ayia Napa and Protaras are known for some of Cyprus’s most beautiful beaches, exceptionally clear Mediterranean water, Cape Greco, sea caves, coastal scenery, restaurants and summer entertainment. Ayia Napa is particularly known for its nightlife, while Protaras is generally more relaxed and popular with families and beach lovers.
They’re close enough to explore together.
And we think you should.
You can stay in Protaras and spend an evening in Ayia Napa.
Or stay in Ayia Napa and head to Protaras for a quieter beach day.
There’s no need to choose one and ignore the other.
Let’s be honest. The white sandy beaches and crystal clear shallow waters are a big reason people come to the Eastern end of the Island.
And there are plenty to choose from.
Probably the most famous beach in Ayia Napa.
White sand. Clear turquoise water. A famous instagramable sandbar. And a lively atmosphere during the summer.
It’s beautiful. But it can also get busy. Arrive early or just before sunset – this is better for your sun exposure too.
A little more relaxed than Nissi – more popular with Cypriots too. With clear water and beautiful surroundings. It’s another one worth putting on your list if you’re staying in Ayia Napa.
One of the best-known beaches in Protaras. With a small island just off shore and ample watersports a great day out.
The water is remarkably clear, and the beach has become one of the most recognisable images of the east coast.
Tucked between Ayia Napa and Protaras, Konnos has a more sheltered feel and is surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery. The road down is a winding hairpin drive but worth the effort.
And these beaches are only the beginning. There are plenty of smaller beaches and coves to discover.
Like all of Cyprus you won’t go hungry here.
There are restaurants everywhere. But don’t just eat in the resort. Try a traditional Cypriot taverna.
Order a meze. Have fresh fish, caught in the morning and delivered to restaurants. Try halloumi, the PDO cheese that Cyprus is famous for.
Find somewhere for a long lunch. And then perhaps do it all again tomorrow.
You’ll find everything from casual cafés to beachfront restaurants and more sophisticated dining.
Look out for:
Fig Tree Bay gets most of the attention.
But don’t stop there. Explore the coastline. Visit smaller beaches. Try different restaurants. Take a boat trip. Walk towards Pernera – another great resort on the east coast. And head towards Konnos Bay and Cape Greco.
Protaras rewards you if you slow down and explore.
Ayia Napa’s reputation is largely built around its nightlife. And yes, if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll find it.
But there is another Ayia Napa. A beautiful coastline. Quiet mornings. Historic buildings. Restaurants. Boat trips. Sculptures. Sea caves.
And some spectacular natural scenery.
So don’t write Ayia Napa off if you’re not interested in clubbing.
There’s plenty here for you too.
There is a huge range of accommodation along this part of the coast.
You can choose a large beachfront resort. A family-friendly hotel. An adults-focused property. A smaller hotel. Or somewhere close to the nightlife?
The important thing is to choose the right location for the holiday you want.
Ayia Napa is the obvious choice.
Protaras is well worth considering.
Stay somewhere between the two and explore both.
We often choose an Airbnb and explore both areas.
Quite a lot. And you don’t have to spend every day lying on a sunbed.
Swim, relax, explore the sandbar and enjoy the atmosphere.
Walk, photograph the coastline and discover the sea caves.
Please do be careful though and DO NOT jump into the sea from the cliffs – every year people have to be rescued or even die ignoring the signs.
See the coastline from the water and discover coves that are difficult to reach from land.
The clear water makes the east coast particularly appealing for exploring beneath the surface.
Look out for Rainbow Wrasse, Sea Bream, Cornet Fish and even sea slugs. You may even spot a lionfish or turtle – but keep your distance and enjoy the view.
The coastal paths offer some beautiful views.
We love the sculpture park – visit in the early morning or just before sunset. Wander the paths and discover an interesting array of art pieces. Wander further into the Cactus park and marvel and how tall some of the flowers are?!
Something different for an hour or two.
Restaurants, bars, music and nightlife.
An underrated Cyprus activity. Just choose a restaurant, sit and relax watching the world go by – there is never a rush in Cyprus, Siga Siga as the locals say.
Don’t Miss This Part
If you’re staying in Ayia Napa or Protaras, make time for Cape Greco.
The scenery is spectacular. Cliffs. Clear water. Sea caves. Pine trees and ancient juniper shrubs. Walking trails. And viewpoints where you’ll probably want to stop every few minutes to take another photograph.
It’s particularly beautiful early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the light changes. And don’t just drive through. Get out of the car. Explore, but make sure you have sensible shoes and plenty of water.
This part of Cyprus is particularly popular with families.
And it’s easy to understand why. There are sandy beaches, clear water, restaurants and plenty of activities.
Protaras can be particularly appealing if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. For younger children, look for beaches with shallow, sheltered water and facilities nearby.
And remember our favourite family itinerary:
Beach → lunch → ice cream → pool.
Sometimes that’s all you need.
Couples have plenty of options too.
Take a sunset cruise. Explore Cape Greco. Find a quieter beach. Have dinner beside the sea. Watch the sunrise or sunset. Go for an evening walk. Or hire a car and explore the coastline.
You can make the trip as lively or as relaxed as you like.
Ayia Napa and Protaras are best known for their beautiful beaches and crystal clear Mediterranean water. Cape Greco, sea caves, restaurants and summer entertainment are also popular. Ayia Napa is very famous for its nightlife, while Protaras is generally more relaxed and popular with families.
It depends on the holiday you want. Ayia Napa is a better choice if nightlife, restaurants and a lively atmosphere are important to you. Protaras is generally more relaxed and can be particularly appealing to families and visitors who want to focus on beaches.
Yes. Although Ayia Napa is famous for nightlife, the area also has beautiful beaches, family-friendly hotels, restaurants and attractions. Choosing the right part of the resort can make a big difference.
Yes. Protaras is particularly popular with families because of its beaches, clear water, restaurants and relaxed resort atmosphere.
Nissi Beach and Makronissos Beach are two of the best-known beaches in Ayia Napa. Cape Greco also has several smaller coastal areas and coves worth exploring, why not hire a buggy?
Fig Tree Bay is the best-known, but Konnos Bay and other beaches and coves around Protaras are also worth exploring.
Absolutely. Cape Greco offers dramatic coastline, sea caves, walking trails, viewpoints and clear water. It is one of the highlights of the east coast.
Yes. The two areas are close enough to visit easily during the same trip – approximately 20 minute drive apart. Staying in one and taking day or evening trips to the other is a good way to experience both.
You can enjoy either resort without a car, particularly if you stay close to the main beaches and restaurants. However, having a car gives you much more freedom to explore Cape Greco, smaller beaches, villages and nearby areas.
