CYPRUS is the most easterly and the third largest of the Mediterranean islands after Sicily and Sardinia.
Hot dry summers are followed by mild winters, with many near deserted beaches such as Famagusta, it is little wonder Cyprus has become a popular destination.
PROTARAS and PARALIMNIA.
Paralimnia is a small, inland town, worth a mention for its number of unspoilt open-air tavernas renowned throughout Cyprus for their delicious local cuisine. For families, singles and couples Protaras is the ideal location with a beautiful golden beach and a wide choice of water sports from water-skiing, scuba-diving and sailing to cruising and windsurfing. Boat trips run along the coast from Protaras to Cape Greco, with more beaches and coves, or you can have the slightly eerie experience of an off shore view of the ghost town of Famagusta, on the Turkish side.
Nights out are mainly focused around the restaurants and bars where the air is filled with the sounds of bouzouki. For livelier nights out, Ayia Napa, is not far and has more to offer in the way of clubs and laser-lighted discos. Protaras has a variety of shops including supermarkets and souvenir shops and two Internet cafe's one at either end of the main street.If you explore a few miles inland you will come across an area known locally as the Valley of the Windmills, so named because of what seems like hundreds of wheeling blades pumping water to irrigates the surrounding citrus groves. On the seashore you can find the endemic plant Taraxacum aphrogenes, unique to Cyprus and in areas where conditions are right you can see the Famagusta Lilly that flowers in the mid summer months.
Between Agia Napa [Ayia Napa] and Protaras is Cape Greco National Park an area of rare natural beauty including a breathtaking coastline made up of craggy headlands and wonderful secluded bays, a favourite area for scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing. For wildlife enthusiasts there is an abundance of flora and fauna, Juniper and Cistus are in flower most of the year and the variety of other flowers is breathtaking from Rununculus, Hyacinthellas, Narcissus and Anemones. There are some beautiful walks on the headlands and surrounding country, popular with bird watchers who come to see the several different species of migratory birds in the spring. NOTE. The farthest part of the cliff is a MILITARY zone and is a prohibited zone.
THE PALACES. This is a series of rock formations that over the centuries have been carved by the action of the sea, to give the appearance of delicate architecture.
OCEAN AQUARIUM. Located in Portaras the aquarium houses more than 1,000 different species of marine life. With lots to see it makes an interesting day out for the whole family.
AYIOS LLIAS. Set on a rocky crag on the outskirts of Protaris, it's well worth the climb to the top. You will be rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view of Protaras and the surrounding countryside.
WATER WORLD. For a change from the beach the water park makes a perfect day out for all family. The parks theme is Ancient Greece with stone bridges, fountains and statues. The children are well-taken care of by trained staff, so just sit back and relax.
LIOPETRI. Here you can see the ancient craft of basket-making or visit the nearby fishing harbour at Potamos Liopetriou. The harbour is set in a small natural inlet where the fishermen mend their nets by day, and set sail in the evening to farm the sea. Typical Cypriot hospitality is very much in evidence in these small communities where the people still practise many of the age-old customs.
FESTIVALS. May is the time for the flower festival, a colourful pageant known as the "Anthestiria" beginning with brightly decorated flower-decked floats and ending with a spectacular flower show. The festival of Kataklysmos is at Whitsuntide and marks the end of May with the customary songs, dances and water games on the beaches of Protaras. For several days in late June music, dance and theatrical performances from around the world can be seen at the International Arts Festival, each day offers something new. Info. Protaras is approximately 1 hours drive from Larnaca International Airport. A regular local bus service runs from Paralimni to Ayia Napa via Protaras better still why not hire a car and see Cyprus at your leisure. Protaras has been awarded the coveted EC Blue Flag. Remember NEVER DIVE ALONE
Please
Note. Since 1974, the Cypriot government has designated Larnaca and Paphos international
airports, and the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, as the only legal
points of entry into and exit from Cyprus. These ports are all in the government-controlled
southern part of the island. Entry or exit via any other air or seaport is not
authorised by the Cypriot government. It is possible for visitors to arrive at
non-designated airports and seaports in the north, but they should not expect
to cross the United Nations-patrolled "green line" to the government-controlled
areas in the south. Such travel is not permitted by the government of Cyprus,
even for transit purposes. Visitors arriving through designated ports of entry
in the south are normally able to cross into the north for day trips. Policy and
procedures regarding such travel are subject to change. Information on this may
be obtained at the U.N. "Buffer Zone" Checkpoint.
