Protaras sits on Cyprus’s southeast coast like a postcard that somehow stayed real. Warm shallows, pale sand, steady sun, water clear enough to count pebbles at the bottom. Visitors often arrive for a weekend and quietly begin planning a return.
Beaches here carry distinct personalities, each offering a different mood, crowd level, and swimming experience.
What follows is a practical, experience-based guide to the most loved shores in Protaras, with swimming tips and local details that tend to matter once feet touch sand.
Fig Tree Bay
Fig Tree Bay sits at the heart of Protaras, famous for clear water and gentle shallows that extend far from shore. Families love the place, so do solo swimmers, paddleboarders, and anyone interested in floating for long stretches without worrying about waves.
Swimming Conditions
Entry stays gradual. Sand beneath the surface feels smooth, almost powdery. Depth builds slowly, so swimmers remain comfortable even 40 metres from shore. Water clarity often reaches full transparency during calm mornings.
The temperature stays swimmable from April through November. August water often sits near 27°C, closer to bath temperature than sea.
Facilities and Comfort
Sunbeds line most of the beach with natural gaps near the water’s edge. Showers, toilets, cafes, and water sports booths appear within a few minutes’ walk.
Small vendors sell fresh fruit, loukoumades, iced coffee, and cold water. Rental kayaks and paddleboards operate from mid-morning onward.
Best Time To Visit
Early morning from 7:00 to 9:30 feels magical. Soft light, mirror-flat water, space to swim uninterrupted. Late afternoon, after 17:00, bring a similar calm as day-trippers begin leaving.
Sunrise Beach
A few minutes’ walk north of Fig Tree Bay sits Sunrise Beach, slightly quieter and more relaxed. Sand remains equally soft. Water clarity stays impressive. Fewer water sports create a more peaceful swim environment.
Why Swimmers Love Sunrise Beach
Entry slope stays gentle. The sea bottom remains sandy with occasional smooth stones near the edges. Depth increases slowly, which helps with relaxed long-distance swimming.
Mornings bring glassy water and low crowd density. Sun climbs over the horizon directly in front of the bay, giving the beach its name.
Facilities
Restaurants and cafes line the promenade behind the sand. Several operate year-round. Showers, changing rooms, and lifeguard stations remain active during peak season.
Sunbeds usually cost slightly less than at Fig Tree Bay, and availability stays easier after 10:00.
Konnos Bay
Konnos Bay rests south of Protaras, tucked between cliffs near Cape Greco. Access requires a short walk downhill, either from the main road or via the coastal trail. Reward comes instantly upon arrival.
Landscape and Water
Green hills wrap around the cove. Pine trees lean toward the sand. Water holds deep turquoise tones close to shore, shifting toward sapphire further out.
Swimming conditions remain sheltered from the wind. Entry slope feels slightly steeper compared with Fig Tree Bay, though still comfortable for most swimmers.
Visibility stays exceptional, often exceeding 30 metres. Snorkelling thrives along the rocky edges.
Swimming Tips
Morning brings the calmest water. Afternoon breezes occasionally ripple the surface. Rock formations near both ends of the bay provide underwater caves and fish life.
Footwear helps when exploring rocky sections.
Facilities
A single beach bar sits above the sand, serving drinks and light food. Sunbeds remain available yet fill quickly during summer. No large hotels interrupt the scenery.
Best Swimming Spots Around Protaras
Beyond famous names, quieter coves reward curious swimmers. Several deserve mention.
Green Bay
Located between Protaras and Cape Greco. Favoured by local swimmers and snorkelers. Water clarity ranks among the best in the region. Rocky patches shelter octopus, parrotfish, and sea bream.
Small parking area. Limited facilities. Bring water and sun protection.
Lombardi Beach
Sits just south of Green Bay. Soft sand, turquoise water, moderate crowd levels. Entry slope stays gradual. A small beach bar offers snacks and drinks.
Ayia Triada Beach
Short drive north of Protaras. Smaller bay with calm water and fishing boats bobbing near shore. A peaceful atmosphere suits long, relaxed swims.
Comparing The Major Beaches
| Beach | Sand Quality | Water Clarity | Crowd Level | Facilities | Swimming Style |
| Fig Tree Bay | Very soft | Excellent | High | Extensive | Long relaxed swims |
| Sunrise Beach | Soft | Excellent | Moderate | Extensive | Gentle continuous swimming |
| Konnos Bay | Soft with small pebbles | Exceptional | Moderate | Limited | Snorkelling, scenic swims |
| Green Bay | Rocky mixed | Exceptional | Low | Minimal | Snorkelling, exploration |
| Lombardi Beach | Soft | Very good | Low to moderate | Limited | Casual swimming |
| Ayia Triada | Soft | Very good | Low | Moderate | Quite relaxed swimming |
When To Swim In Protaras
Water temperature follows a predictable cycle.
| Month | Sea Temperature | Swimming Comfort |
| April | 18°C to 20°C | Cool but refreshing |
| May | 20°C to 22°C | Comfortable |
| June | 22°C to 24°C | Very comfortable |
| July | 24°C to 26°C | Warm |
| August | 26°C to 27°C | Bath-like |
| September | 25°C | Ideal |
| October | 23°C | Excellent |
| November | 20°C | Pleasant for many |
Morning swims between 7:00 and 10:00 deliver the best water clarity and light conditions. Afternoon brings slightly more surface movement from the sea breeze.
Accommodation And Beach Access
Many visitors stay within walking distance of Fig Tree Bay or Sunrise Beach. Smaller boutique hotels and apartments dot the surrounding streets. Easy access makes spontaneous swims part of the daily routine.
For travellers interested in private pools, larger terraces, and quieter surroundings, several luxury villa developments operate nearby. One popular reference point for premium accommodation in the area remains goldencoast.com.cy, which offers easy access to Konnos Bay, Fig Tree Bay, and the Cape Greco coastline.
Staying south of Protaras places visitors closer to Konnos Bay and the national park walking trails. Staying central offers convenience for restaurants, shops, and evening walks.
Final Thoughts
Protaras remains one of Cyprus’s finest swimming destinations. Variety, water quality, access, and reliable weather combine into something rare. A visitor can float in calm shallows at Fig Tree Bay, snorkel turquoise coves at Konnos, then finish the day drifting quietly at Sunrise Beach without driving far or adjusting expectations.