Car Hire Protaras

Guide

Protaras, known in the past for being a quiet fishing village, is today a popular resort on the island of Cyprus, and is located along the east coast, facing the Syrian coastline. Cyprus is renowned for its abundance of white sandy beaches, magnificent scenery and luxurious shops. Protaras has something for every visitor. Book cheap car hire online, using our easy to use comparison website, before you leave for your holiday to Protaras, and enjoy exploring the beautiful Mediterranean scenery on the island at your own pace.

Explore Protaras

Protaras is famous for its fun water sporting activities on its golden sandy beaches. These include water skiing, banana boats, jet skis, and many other inflatables towed behind speed boats, and are readily available throughout the day. Scuba diving and paragliding are other extreme water sports available in Protaras, but should be booked as soon as possible as they are very popular activities here. Rocky coves scatter the coastline and can be seen by boat. There are a number of boat trips taking tourists sightseeing along Protaras' beautiful coastline, popular with many for sunbathing, and snorkling.

Resort accommodation dominates the beachfront, and the main shopping and business area is located directly behind. Evidence of the town’s history can be seen on the outskirts of Protaras. Well worth the walk is the small attractive 15th century stone church of Ayios Elias. The visitor is rewarded with a fine panoramic view of Protaras from the hill on which the church is located.

Although earthquakes have destroyed numerous ancient sites surrounding Protaras, many can still be visited. The interesting Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos lies north of Protaras and is adorned with 11th century murals. Fikardou village, declared an ancient monument to preserve its impressive woodwork and folk architecture, is another popular day excursion.

Eating Out

As well as good shopping, Protaras offers a wide range of cafes, restaurants and evening entertainment and is particularly renowned for its open-air taverns. Fresh seafood is popular along the seafront and the local specialty, Cypriot smoked bacon, is a veritable taste sensation not to be missed. Cape Greko is a popular spot for watching the sunset.

Transport

Larnaka International Airport is conveniently located to the south of Protaras and is served by several major airlines from Europe. Daily flights are available from Athens and London. Regular private and public transport commutes between the airport and Protaras via Avia Napa. Ferries also connect Cyprus with the Greek Islands and Athens’ Piraeus Port.

There are airports at Paphos and Larnaca, both of which receive international flights from Europe, the Middle East and parts of northern Africa. Taxis are available 24 hours a day to take visitors to their final destinations on the island.

Bringing your own vehicle to Cyprus is permitted, provided that it has a valid registration and that it is not on the island for more than three months. Both international and standard drivers’ licences are recognized in Cyprus. Car ferries operate between Cyprus and Israel, Athens, Patmos, Crete and Rhodes.

There is no train system in Cyprus. However, many people choose the option of travelling to the island via a combination of UK or European rail networks and ferries.

Most towns and villages in Cyprus are linked by regional buses which run fairly regularly between Mondays and Saturdays. Buses do not run on Sundays and public holidays. Urban buses provide transport around towns, and taxis operate in and between towns.

Limassol is the main Cypriot port, and ferries to Israel and parts of Greece are available from here. However, ferries run to a limited number of destinations in Greece, namely Athens, Rhodes, Patmos and Crete. It is usually necessary to change ferries at Athens if you are heading for the Greek Islands.