About South East Cyprus

Frequently described as the ‘jewel’ of the eastern Mediterranean, Protoras is an elite beach resort on the south-east coast of Cyprus, just 45 minutes drive from Larnaka international airport. Like a necklace, a string of secluded golden sandy bays stretch along this ruggedly beautiful coast, each interspersed with rocky inlets where many colourful fishing boats go for their daily catch.

Here too, you will find the magnificent Fig Tree Bay, considered to be one of the island’s best beaches … the safe, shallow, crystal clear waters ideal for sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving. A fun loving resort, there are many excellent restaurants, local fish taverns, bars and a buzzing nightlife for you to enjoy.

Just a short way from Protoras is the small rural town of Paralimni. Retaining much of its traditional magic with its local crafts, souvenir shops and picturesque narrow streets … it’s not unusual to come across fishermen quietly mending their nets in the shade of the vine-covered courtyards as you meander along.

Just a little further south is the wild, undeveloped peninsula of Cape Greko. A wealth of rare flora and fauna, dramatic rockscapes with sea caves and the most incredible views make this area a popular place with walkers … somewhere different to take your Sunday stroll?

Nearby is the famous resort of Ayia Napa with its white sandy beaches, fun-filled theme parks, lively clubs and bars. Cast your mind back a few years and it’ll conjure up pictures of drunken youths dancing in the streets … but today it’s an entirely different story. Due to the intervention of the Mayor of Ayia Napa and the new regulations in force including a zero tolerance to drugs policy … it’s once again the preferred choice of many families.

Yet a few miles further along, the scene at Potamos Liopetriou couldn’t be more of a contrast … in this quiet river estuary, you’ll espy elaborately decorated boats laden with baskets of multi-coloured nets setting off on their daily search for your supper!

Larnaca town centre is just a ten minute drive from the main airport. Larnaca still retains its elegant, colonial style charm. A resplendent mile long, palm lined promenade dominates the bustling town, stretching from a luxury yacht marina at one end to an ancient medieval fortress at the other.

Away from the centre, the town is quiet and refined. Brilliant blue jacaranda trees line the streets, jostling for your attention against the scarlet hibiscus and purple bougainvillaea … quite a sight to behold.

Reminders of Larnaca’s intriguing past are everywhere. The splendid church of St Lazarus with its elaborate bell tower is a focal point of the ‘old town’. Whereas, close to the airport, on the palm-fringed shores of the huge salt lake, is the Hala Sultan Tekke … a mosque famous throughout the Muslim world because Umm Haram, an aunt of the Prophet Mohammed, is believed to be buried there.

Northwards, perched high on the peak of a mountain overlooking Larnaca and the surrounding area is the Stavrovouni Monastery, founded in 327 AD by St Helen, the mother of Constantine the Great. Not far from that is the island’s oldest archaeological site, the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia.

Wherever you go in Cyprus … whether it’s on this south eastern tip or across the other side of the island … you’ll always experience a warm welcome. With its near perfect climate … endless sunshine and very little rain … captivating mix of old and new, and relatively low cost of living, it’s no wonder more and more northern Europeans are making this their first choice for holiday or permanent homes.