Protaras, the tourist area of Paralimni, is one of the loveliest areas of Cyprus extending along the eastern coast of Paralimni. To be precise, Protaras is the name of a picturesque bay with crystal-clear waters, white-gold sand and a small island about 100 metres from the beach. This bay is known to non-locals as the Fig Tree Bay.
In recent years, due to its rapid development, the whole tourist area of Paralimni Municipality has been called Protaras. This extends for approximately 10 kilometres beginning in the north in the Kapparis locality and ending in the south in the Konnos area. Other areas along this coast are the Ayia Triada bay, Kapparis, Pernera bay, Sirena Bay and many other little sandy coves.
This area was, and still is, the most productive region of Paralimni. Hundreds of windmills there testify to the productivity of the past half century whilst affording quaint, nostalgic as well as tranquil beauty to the landscape of today.
Above Extracts © Paralimni Municipality
Protaras, the tourist area of Paralimni, is just 45 min's drive from Larnaca International Airport on the southeast coast of the island. Here in this idyllic resort one can find golden sandy beaches and rugged cliffs complimenting the tiny bays while overlooking the brilliance of the early morning sun as it slowly rises above the horizon, as if emerging from the crystal-clear waters of the sparkling blue-green Mediterranean.
Explore this enchanting locale for a few miles inland and you will discover the delightfully scenic "Valley of the Windmills" where what seems like hundreds of rotating fan blades help to pump the water that irrigates the surrounding fields.
Historical tradition continues to be an important feature of the culture of Paralimni and its people whose typical Cypriot hospitality is very much in evidence here. Local residents still practice many of their age-old customs and are always eager to demonstrate some of the traditional farming techniques that have lasted for generations.
The merry month of May blooms with all the excitement and pageantry of the much-celebrated flower festival known as the "Anthestiria", a gala procession of brilliant, flower-decked floats climaxing with a spectacular flower show. The festival of Kataklysmos (sometimes called 'festival of the flood') marks the end of May with the customary songs, dances and playful water games on the beaches of Protaras. For several days in late June music, dance and theatrical performances from around the world thrive at the International Arts Festival as each day offers an exciting new programme.
Shopping in Protaras can be a pleasurable experience with over 300 business establishments, including supermarkets souvenir shops, clothing stores, jewellers and much more. The nightlife of Protaras is filled with the sounds of music from the popular, laser-lighted discos to the romantic bouzouki songs that can be heard at the various tavernas. The smells of local dishes fill the air, tempting the hungry visitors to dine at any of the countless restaurants and tavernas that line the main streets.
Above Extracts © cosmosnet.
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