After a hectic month at the school, I felt I needed a break before starting to mark final exam papers, writing final reports and doing some more extra lessons for my Cambridge ESOL students in June. As you may know, I am incurably in love with Protaras. It's like a magic spell I'm unable to resist to. This is where you can enjoy some of the best sunkissed sandy beaches in the Mediterranean Sea. I've travelled a lot to Greece and to many other European countries but never have I come across more beautiful beaches or such crystal clear blue waters as in Protaras. Protaras has been my haven of peace and the ideal place to relax for the last 28 years.
Since 1985, I've always stayed at the Golden Coast Beach Hotel - actually since it was built! And I'll certainly never change it for any other hotel in the area. Alkis and I had a lovely time there despite the fact that Alkis had to attend an important meeting at work on Saturday morning. On Friday evening, we had dinner at Koi Restaurant. I love sushi and sashimi, so I had an assortment of sashimi together with nigiri, maki and temaki sushi - 16 pieces in all. Alkis, who is allergic to fish, had a chicken curry which he said was just as delicious.
On Saturday night, we went to a traditional local taverna in Paralimni - Ttappis Tavern - which serves excellent local meze. We were unable to finish all the dishes but we tried a little bit of everything and loved the homemade red wine.
Protaras is a magical resort, a pole of attraction for many tourists who come to spend a holiday there from all over Europe. For me it's simply my favourite haven of peace and an ideal resort to spend a weekend away at about 61 km from home.
I am jealous, Anastasia! I just wish I was lying in the sun right now on one of your gorgeous beaches! Thanks for sharing all these great photos.
Posted by: Karolina | June 03, 2013 at 09:14 PM
What a beautiful location Anastasia! I want to pack my bags and go now! You are so fortunate to have access to such an amazing location. Just dreamy!
Posted by: What Matters Most Now | June 03, 2013 at 11:44 PM
I don't think I'll ever forget the summer holiday we spent at the Golden Coast Hotel 5 years ago. It's a great family hotel. The boys wouldn't get out of that pool! And I wouldn't get out of the sea. I think the hotel is located on one of the finest beaches in Cyprus and we all hope to spend another holiday there soon.
Posted by: Stefania | June 04, 2013 at 07:56 PM
Wow! What an amazing holiday resort! I love your photos, especially the one of the sunrise.
Posted by: Christina | June 04, 2013 at 08:40 PM
I'm not really the kind of holiday maker who enjoys basking in the sun on a golden beach, but I must admit that Protaras has a special charm even for mountain guys like me. My favourite beach in Protaras is Konnos Bay - a rather secluded beach located in a small cove and surrounded by cliffs, trees and lots of greenery. If you don't have the fear of heights, it's worth having a coffee break after a swim in sparkling clear waters at the cafe nearby which stands at the edge of the cliff. I guess you are right, Anastasia. Protaras has a magic spell which is hard to explain. But it's there and I can feel it through your beautiful pictures.
Posted by: Lakis Ioannou | June 04, 2013 at 09:42 PM
Protaras looks like a small paradise on earth. I'd love to try the fishing refuge. Is it where the fishing boats anchor?
Posted by: Constantinos T | June 05, 2013 at 05:47 PM
I had the pleasure to visit Protaras when I lived and worked in Cyprus. I was fascinated by the spectacular views, the clear blue waters and the velvety sandy beaches. When going into the sea, it really felt like walking on a velvet carpet! I have travelled all over Europe and far beyond like in the USA, in South and Central America, in the Caribbean, in Australia but I have never seen anything that compares to Protaras. It's not just the sea or the beaches, it's all this light, the sunshine and the amazing people who make the difference. They are honest, friendly and so hospitable.
Posted by: Alexia M | June 05, 2013 at 10:49 PM
Ακόμα προσπαθώ να καταλάβω πως κατάφερες να φας όλα εκείνα τα .... ωμά ψάρια. Ειδικά τα sashimi!
Posted by: Alkis Maros | June 05, 2013 at 11:04 PM
Karolina you and your husband are most welcome to visit Cyprus one day. The best time of year to do so is May-June and September-October. Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 07, 2013 at 09:37 PM
Yes, that's true. Protaras is only a 40-minute drive from home, so I can often enjoy a swim there when I'm off work.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 07, 2013 at 09:38 PM
Maybe next time we can arrange to spend a holiday there all together.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 07, 2013 at 09:40 PM
Both the sunrise and the sunset are truly magical in Protaras. This is one more reason why I love this place so much.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 07, 2013 at 09:41 PM
I've been to Konnos Bay once and really loved the crystal clear waters and the splendid views. But I haven't been to that cafe yet.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 07, 2013 at 09:43 PM
Yes, that's right. After their fishing trip, all the local fishermen stop at the fishing refuge and sell their fish at relatively reasonable prices considering it's the catch of the day.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 07, 2013 at 09:45 PM
This is so true, Alexia. The people there are wonderful. Most of them come from nearby Paralimni and they're always so very helpful and hospitable.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 07, 2013 at 09:48 PM
Καλά, ήταν τέλεια! Ελπίζω να ξαναπάμε στο Koi σύντομα. Μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ!
Posted by: Anastasia | June 07, 2013 at 09:49 PM
Thanks for this great post and photos, Anastasia. We'll be spending the long w/k of kataklysmos in Protaras. We'll definitely try Ttapis Tavern in Paralimni. Many thanks for posting the price list, phone and ...how to get there!
Posted by: Sophia | June 08, 2013 at 01:35 PM