At the end of the day, the beaches are WHY you come to Cyprus. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) certifies beaches and marinas as Blue Flag according to criteria like water quality, environmental management, safety and services. Cyprus is a proud recipient of 76 blue flag beaches!

We may be biased, but we are bringing you to the side of the island that has the BEST beaches. There are approximately 30 beaches in Protaras, 20 of which are Blue Flag beaches, and another 30 in Ayia Napa, the neighboring beach town, which includes 15 more Blue Flag beaches!

Recommendations for Protaras Beaches:

- Ayia Triada

- Fig Tree

- Vizakia

- Konnos

- Green Bay

Recommendations for Ayia Napa Beaches:

- Nissi Beach

- Makronissos

- Landa

- Kambouri

Tulum

Isola

Kaliva

Riva

Serena

Let's talk food. The most traditional food item everyone must try during their trip is the cheese called Halloumi. You can eat this cold, grilled, fried, grated, in sandwiches, with watermelon, for breakfast, lunch or dessert (okay maybe not for dessert but you get it.) One of our favorite ways to eat it is in a Lountza - Halloumi sandwich in pita bread with tomato and cucumber, specifically eating it while lounging on the beach after a tiring morning of swimming accompanied by a freezing cold beer. "Sandwich in one hand, beer in the other" is the Cyprus summer motto.

*Lountza is another popular Cypriot delicacy, and it is a delicious dried smoked pork.

- Zorbas - bakery that has it ALL from anything savory to anything sweet and the nearest one is open 24 hours!

- Kalifi - we suggest getting the mussels and dipping french fries in the white wine sauce they are served in (thank us later)

- Spartiatis - best seafood tavern in the town with a sea view (head to Cliff Bar right after!)

- Kalamies - overlooks the water with great seafood options

- Siko - right on the boardwalk on top of Fig Tree Beach

- Kostaris - a traditional Cypriot taverna and arguably the best spot for lamb, specifically the slow cooked lamb dish called kleftiko

- Old Simos Tavern - traditional Cypriot tavern by Sotira village (reservation suggested)

- Mousikos - one of the best Cypriot taverns with homemade halloumi in Sotira village (reservations required)

- Kohili - great breakfast spot overlooking the sea

- Karas - delicious seafood option

- Soukris - for all the meat lovers part 1

- Kamasias- for all the meat lovers part 2

- Zafeiros - all day spot but we love it for breakfast with it's beautiful sea view

- Ayia Napa Marina - a few choices here! great to walk around too

- Knights Pub - classic pub with high quality food

- Sashiko - very good Asian Fusion

- Just Italian - very good Italian option

- Demetrion - sunset views and seafood on the sea

- Panikos Loukoumades - delicious loukoumades

- Papafilipou - local ice cream brand

- Napolea - another great ice cream spot

Zivania is a traditional Cypriot alcoholic beverage made from grapes and typically enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif in Cyprus.

Ouzo is a popular Greek anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Cyprus, often served with a small plate of a variety of appetizers called mezedes.

Mastiha is a unique Greek liqueur seasoned with mastic, a resin gathered from the mastic tree, a plant native to the Greek island of Chios. (This is Alexia's personal favorite. Try and find a mastiha mojito or other cocktails with this liqueur on your trip, and you'll see why!)

Cyprus is also known for its popular beer called KEO, brewed right on the island! KEO beer is a light and refreshing lager that has been brewed in Cyprus since 1951, and it’s one of the leading beers in the Cypriot market.

For the coffee lovers:

Cypriot coffee is a strong, finely ground coffee traditionally prepared in a cezve and served with foam on top. This coffee contains residual sediment at the bottom of the cup, please do not drink this part!

A frappe may become your best friend in the hot summer mornings. It's a traditional Greek frothy iced coffee made from instant coffee and water, with add-in options like sugar and milk.

Antamoma

Tulum

Cliff Bar

Kafeneio

Jetty Seaside

Watersports including:

- jet ski

- blow up thingies (i.e. banana boat)

- parasailing

- kayak

- paddle board

Hike by Cavo Greco.

Walk/run along the boardwalk or dirt paths along the coastline.

Walk through the downtown at night for souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars.

Hike up to the church of Profitis Ilias which sits atop a remote granite rock, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the endless sea. Although you must climb 153 steps, catching the sunset at the top is worth it!

or try Vincent's favorite activity: floating until your fingers get prune-y and then some.