Anastasia

Relaxing in Protaras

Protaras is by far my most favourite summer resort in Cyprus and, more generally, in the eastern Mediterranean. With 300 days of sunshine, golden sandy beaches, clear waters, great hotels and a myriad of restaurants and bars, it's no wonder why European holidaymakers flock to Protaras every summer. For the party animals, Ayia Napa nearby (about 16 km) boasts the best clubs where you can dance into the small hours.

Situated at about 64 km east of Larnaca, Protaras is a tourist village - just a breath away from Ammochostos (Famagusta) - illegally occupied by Turkish forces for 37 years now.  Protaras occupies about 5km of the golden Ammochostos coastline. Having lost Kyrenia and Ammochostos - our two greatest summer resorts during the Turkish Invasion in July 1974, we had to do something in order to revive our economy which largely depends on tourism. Or else we'd die. The Greek miracle happened again and Protaras was created in the early 80s out of nothing in those difficult years following what I call "the war of the cowards." The Turks,you see, unlike Hitler, did not declare war!!!

The main reason why Protaras is my favourite summer resort in Cyprus is because it reminds me of my beloved Ammochostos where I used to spend my summer holidays as a child and as an adolescent. What's more, after a long school year and long hours at work, I took the time to relax and unwind and enjoy the sun and the sea and those gorgeous sandy beaches!

Time Out, My Cactus Flower and the Pope's Visit to Cyprus

Getting away for the weekend, even for a short while, is something I always look forward to with delight. When we set off to Protaras on Saturday morning, I was also looking forward to my first swim of the year. It was warm and sunny albeit a bit windy but the sea water temperature must have been below 16*C. I guess I'm not the adventurous type and not brave enough to swim in cold waters. So I spent some time contemplating the sea, enjoying double espressos and ....marking final exam papers. On Saturday night there was a Fakir show at the Golden Coast Hotel. The Fakir asked for some empty bottles that the hotel provided for him, then he broke them to pieces, he mixed up the pieces and walked on them as if he were taking a stroll at the beach! Then he drank something and "swallowed" some flames. I only wish I had taken some photos but the batteries of my camera went flat right at that moment! The Fakir, of course, refused to reveal the secrets of his performance. I was quite pleased with my students' performance although some of them could have done much better.Earlier on Friday morning, I was thrilled to see that my cacti had produced a bright red flower which, I think, means luck and happiness.

But the highlight of this weekend was the Pope's official visit to Cyprus - a historic visit since this is the first time the Pope visits a Greek Orthodox country. According to The Cyprus Mail, Pope Benedict XV! signalled the need for "moral rectitude and impartial respect for others" in political and diplomatic affairs to promote harmony in the troubled regions of the world. Amen! 

President Christofias and  Pope Benedict XVI - Photo Credit

The Pope entering the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Nicosia's Green Line - Photo Credit

 

The Magic Spell of Protaras

Crystal-clear turquoise waters changing into deep blue early in the morning and turning into an amazing azure just before dusk, sandy beaches against a ragged landscape, incredible sunsets, romantic tavernas just a breath away from the call of the sea. Boats restlessly come and go into the fishing shelter, loaded with fresh kalamari, sea bream, red mullet, red snapper, sorkos, fangri or tsipoura. You can either buy the fish from the fisherman's boat or taste them in one of the many fish tavernas. Protaras is located on the outskirts of Paralimni situated in free Famagusta, at about 50 km east of Larnaca. That's where I spent the weekend - a blissfully relaxing weekend - at the Golden Coast Hotel - the jewel of Protaras - situated on the best sandy bay in Cyprus just next to the fishing shelter.

 

The Golden Coast Hotel

 

Ayios Elias - a glorious sunset!

The Golden Coast Hotel

After a hectic school term loaded with extra lessons and exam reviews, this brief getaway to my favourite holiday resort in Cyprus was all I needed to relax and unwind before issuing exam results and final reports. All I wanted was to lie in the sun, swim in those amazingly divine waters of eastern Cyprus, read, listen to my favourite music on my ipod and look forward to meeting my hard-working husband at the end of the day.

   The fishing shelter

However, Protaras caters for all tastes. For those of you who would like to sip your international cocktail instead of ouzo or zivania or taste your international food instead of fresh fish and souvla (barbecue), there is a great variety of excellent ethnic restaurants as well as the traditional British pubs. Late at night (just after 1:00 am ) , try one of the many clubs - many are situated right on the sandy beaches where you can dance barefoot on the sand, under the stars of the eastern Med and where the murmur of the sea mingles with the many decibels!!

The Windmills, Protaras

At Protaras you can simply indulge in anything - you can sing, dance, eat, drink, sunbathe, swim, practise absolutely all water sports and / or extreme sports and make merry to your heart's content...Or you can simply fall under its magic spell ! Just like me!