Travel Writing - Protaras is a captivating resort drenched in sunshine, unspoilt beaches, fishing coves and tiny inlets.

Faye Mellor

Travel Writing

Protaras is a captivating resort drenched in sunshine, unspoilt beaches, fishing coves and tiny inlets. This is the place where I was lucky enough to spend two whole weeks during my summer holidays. Protaras is a town on the island of Cyprus; it is located in the white washed town area of Paralimni, which is known to the Cypriots as the ‘land of windmills’. This is due to the whole area being dotted with some 1500 windmills, which bring up water from the underground for irrigating crops, mainly for the infamous Cyprus potatoes.

Within the grounds of the ‘Malama Holiday Village’ the hotel my family and I were staying at had a private beach for hotel guests only. The beach was surrounded by caves for the utmost privacy and the sandy beaches were a brilliant way to let the day unfold before you. One of the most famous places for beaches on the island is a place called Cape Greco, which is on the very tip of the island. It has its own share of beaches and coves. Sea cliffs conceal these amazing sea palaces which are natural rock sculptures created by the sea. Another famous beach is Fig Tree Bay, which is known for its golden sands and clear blue waters.

During the vacation we took a boat trip that took into Cape Greco and to the village of Dherynia, the last village before the green line, which has been separated the island since 1974. From this point you could clearly see the ghost town of Famagusta which was left

Faye Mellor

deserted after they were all driven out of their homes by the Turks. Another day we took a taxi to the nearby village of Xylophagou where we saw the 16th Century Church of St George as well as the medieval Venetian tower, which was once used, as ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

Faye Mellor

One of the most memorable moments of the holiday was when we took a day trip over to Egypt. It was expensive, costing around £239 each, but what we saw made up for the money spent. This fascinating day started with a stop at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, two of Egypt’s most famous landmarks. Then we went on to the Cairo Citadel, a historic fort with a spectacular view over Cairo. Finally for the morning we visited the Cairo Museum, which contained some of the most valuable Egyptian artefacts including the magnificent treasures found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The afternoon was spent cruising along the Nile and taking in the breathtaking sights.

Protaras is a place where you can go and experience something new, every time you step outside your hotel. It can be what you want it to be, lazy days spent on the beach, lively nights on the town and everything else in-between. There are many places to eat so the choice is yours- open-air, unspoilt taverns known for their delicious local cuisine or an abundance of international restaurants to suite all tastes.

The nightlife in Protaras is fun and has many things to do whatever your age. Though my sister and I spent many nights in Ayia Napa, the new party capital, with its many bars and well known clubs it draws in the

Faye Mellor

crowds of the young and single people and is just bursting with excitement. Protaras is calm but also has a growing nightlife. The 50-odd bars (mostly British) feature videos, sports TV and Karaoke.

My family and I enjoyed the holiday so much we’re going back again this summer and to put it bluntly, I just cannot wait.