Protaras

Protaras is the quieter neighbour of Ayia Napa, popular with families and anyone who wants the east-coast beaches without the all-night party. Long shallow bays, the Fig Tree Bay strip with its restaurants and beach bars, and dancing fountains lit up at night. Easy base if you want turquoise water, calm sea and a slower pace than Ayia Napa.

Protaras worked out what it wanted to be a long time ago: the east coast for families, and for anyone who wants clear water without a soundtrack. The bays here are shallow, sandy and gentle, the kind where small children can paddle for hours while you actually relax, and the sea is that improbable pale blue the east of the island is known for. Fig Tree Bay is the centre of gravity, with the strip of restaurants and bars behind it, but follow the coastal path in either direction and quieter coves appear within minutes.

The natural scenery is better than a resort town has any right to expect. South of the strip the coast rises towards Cape Greco, all white rock, sea caves and headland walks, with Konnos Bay tucked below in its horseshoe of pines. Snorkellers head for Green Bay, boat trips run out along the caves, and the little white chapel of Profitis Ilias watches over it all from its hilltop, which is exactly why so many couples picture their wedding photographs here; our weddings guide covers how marrying in Cyprus actually works.

Protaras runs on a family clock: beach through the morning, ice cream and the dancing fountains in the evening, dinner at a taverna near the water, and our eat and drink guide will help you order well. The season is long, with the sea staying warm well into autumn, and outside peak weeks the coastal path and Cape Greco make it a genuinely lovely walking base. Compare the bays in our beach guide, and browse the things to do guide if you want to mix in day trips across the island.