Destination Guide to Protaras - Konos Bay

Protaras, the tourist area of Paralimni, is just one hour's drive from Larnaca International Airport on the southeast coast of the island. Here in this idyllic resort one can find golden sandy beaches and rugged cliffs complimenting the tiny bays while overlooking the brilliance of the early morning sun as it slowly rises above the horizon, as if emerging from the crystal-clear waters of the sparkling blue-green Mediterranean.

It is here within this poetic scene that one can still choose between lounging at any of the luxurious hotels with their tempting swimming pools, or escaping to the quiet solitude of a lonely stretch of beach for that intimate picnic. Explore this enchanting locale for a few miles inland and you will discover the delightfully scenic "Valley of the Windmills" where what seems like hundreds of rotating fan blades help to pump the water that irrigates the surrounding fields.

Historical tradition continues to bean important feature of the culture of Paralimni and its people whose typical Cypriot hospitality is very much in evidence here. Local residents still practice many of their age-old customs and are always eager to demonstrate some of the traditional farming techniques that have lasted for generations.

The merry month of May blooms with all the excitement and pageantry of the much-celebrated flower festival known as the "Anthestiria", a gala procession of brilliant, flower-decked floats climaxing with a spectacular flower show. The festival of Kataklysmos (Whitsuntide or flood) marks the end of May with the customary songs, dances and playful water games on the beaches of Protaras. For several days in late June music, dance and theatrical per formances from around the world thrive at the Internation al Arts Festival as each day offers an exciting new programme.

For the elite tourist on beach holiday, Protaras has the distinction of offering a wide range of hotel accommodations from which to choose starting with the small, family oriented hotel up to the super luxurious hotel and hotel apt, complexes. Shopping in Protaras can be a pleasurable experience with over 300 business establishments, including supermarkets souvenir shops, clothing stores, jewellers and much more. The nightlife of Protaras is filled with the sounds of music from the popular, laser-lighted discoes to the romantic bouzouki songs that can be heard at the various tavernas. The smells of local dishes fill the air, tempting the hungry visitors to dine at any of the countless restaurants and tavernas that line the main thorough fares.

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