Ayia Napa Or Protaras – A Simple Guide
Are you wondering which is the best resort between Ayia Napa or Protaras? Then this page may help!
Cyprus is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus has many beautiful and vibrant resorts.
Two of these resorts include Ayia Napa and Protaras. Both resorts each have their own unique charm, beauty and attractions. However, both Ayia Napa and Protaras also have distinct characteristics that do set them apart.
In this short guide, we take a look at these characteristics and compare the two resorts. As a result, hopefully it will help you make your own decision, as to which resort best suits your requirements and needs.
Comparisons For Choosing Ayia Napa or Protaras:
Location and Accessibility:
Ayia Napa:
The holiday resort of Ayia Napa is located on the Southern tip of the island of Cyprus. One of the main attractions of this part of Cyprus is its golden sandy beaches. Beautiful white beaches with crystal clear waters are a huge attraction with tourists. As a result, the resort of Ayia Napa certainly has its share! The coastline of Ayia Napa is well known for its beautiful beaches.
Ayia Napa is within easy reach of Larnaca Airport. The travel time from Larnaca Airport to Ayia is approximately 45 minutes by car. If you choose to take the bus or coach, the transfer time may be a little longer.
Protaras:
Protaras is actually located just North of Ayia Napa. Being located close to Ayia Napa, the holiday resort of Protaras also has fantastic beaches. Not only that but Protaras is also within easy access from Larnaca Airport and takes between 40-50 minutes by car. Once again, if you choose to the bus or coach as your transfer, it will be slightly longer.
Beaches:
Ayia Napa:
As previously mentioned, both the resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras have amazing beaches. Ayia Napa is home to the famous Nissi Beach. Nissis Beach is a popular beach throughout the Summer months and is best known for its vibrant atmosphere and parties. However, if you don’t want the more lively beaches, there are alternative options. If you are looking for a quieter beach, then Makronissos Beach is a good option.
Protaras:
Protaras certainly has its fair share of beautiful beaches but not as lively as the ones in Ayia Napa. The beaches in Protaras are much quieter, offering a more tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. Fig Tree Bay is the most popular and best known beach in Protaras, which is great for families. It is also great for those looking for a more relaxed beach experience, with watersports at hand.
Nightlife:
Ayia Napa:
When it comes to partying and nightlife, Ayia Napa certaly wins hands down. Ayia Napa has now become one of the leading resorts in Europe, in terms of nightlife. As a result of Ayia Napa being one of the party capitals, it is not short of entertainment. The main strip and square in Ayia Napa is packed with a variety of bars, pubs and clubs. The bars and clubs cater for all ages, with a mix of music for all tastes. The clubs are open until the early hours, for those wishing to party all night!
Protaras:
In terms of nightlife, Protaras is a little more laid back, compared to its neighbour Ayia Napa. However, this said Protaras certainly does have its fair share of entertainment. In fact, the main strip in Protaras has a range of bars, pubs and a couple of clubs. As a result, there is a variety of entertainment including music, karaoke, live music and more. Due to its more relaxed atmosphere, it is much more family friendly.
Attractions:
Ayia Napa:
Although Ayia Napa is now more well known for being a holiday resort, it does have several attractions. Once a small fishing village/town, Ayia Napa still has a small harbour. In the square, you will find Ayia Napa Monastery. On the edge of the town, there is a sculpture park, which is home to over 200 stone sculptures. The Parko Paliatso Luna Park is a popular theme park and WaterWorld is one of the biggest water parks in Europe.
Protaras:
Protaras is a smaller resort than Ayia Napa but it does have a few small attractions. One of the most iconic attractions in Protaras is the Church of Profitis Elias. The Church of Profitis Elias sits on top of a hilltop. The church is lit up at night and is open throughout the day, providing great views over Protaras and the coastline. Other attractions include The Ocean Aquarium and National Forest Park.
Accommodation:
Both the resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras have a wide range of accommodation. As a result of their popularity, there is accommodation to suit all needs, requirements and budgets. Ayia Napa has a range of luxury beachfront hotels, as well as low budget hotels in the centre. On the outskirts of Ayia Napa, there are many villas for rent and self catering apartments.
Protaras also has a number of luxury hotels on the beach. Once again, there are also several low cost hotels around the centre. You can also find a number of self catering apartments and villas in Protaras, which are perfect for families and larger groups.
Summary For Ayia Napa Or Protaras:
Both resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras offer visitors unique experiences. As a result, they cater for different types of tourists. If you are wanting a resort that offers vibrant nightlife and parties on the beach, then Ayia Napa will certainly deliver. If you are seeking a destination that is a little more relaxed and laid back, that is family friendly, then Protaras would probably be your better choice.
We hope you found this short guide useful in helping you decide which holiday resort in Cyprus is best suited to your needs. As a result, we hope that you now have a little more information for choosing Ayia Napa or Protaras.