Protaras has everything you need - banks, chemists, car & bike hire and a variety of restaurants, bars and shops. If you want to travel further, the neighbouring town of Paralimni has some good shopping, with some classic local Cypriot taverna's and bars. It's easily reached by bus or taxi, and is less than 10 minutes drive if you have a car.

Protaras is the tourist resort of Paralimni, in the South East of Cyprus within the Famagusta area. Once it was scrubland, sand and a golden beach. Now it has the Wild West appearance of a town that has developed far too fast for its own good - a greater affinity with Las Vegas than a typical Greek village or small town. Some scrub is still there and luckily so too is the golden beach - reputed to be one of the finest beaches on the island.

By midday the main street of Protaras is unbearable due to the heat, absorbed and reflected by the concrete surroundings. A little landscaping and especially tree planting to break up the harsh contours and give a little shade wouldn't go amiss.

Appearances can be deceptive. Protaras may not have any ruins from ancient civilisations, the architecture may not be the world's greatest, drunk karaoke singers and English DJs are not everyone's idea of a good night out nevertheless it does have its good points. The golden beach is still there gently shelving into the clear blue unpolluted sea of the Mediterranean. The night clubs, disco bars and restaurants are some of the best on the island. The many hotels may not look much from the outside, inside sheer luxury with food and service second to none. On the beach are a variety of water sports, from peddle boats to jet skis and paragliding.

New for 2003, the road through Protaras was tastefully lined with bricks (it must have cost a small fortune) and made one way. At either end fountains around which the road curves, plus a few very well designed shelters, which also serve as bus shelters for the Paralimni-Protaras-Ayia Napa bus service. Sadly though, an opportunity for landscaping was missed and no trees planted. What is needed is a tree-lined street and a few squares and courtyards planted with trees. Since 2004 and Cyprus joining the EU, there has been a property boom in the construction of villas and apartments.

Protaras has been awarded the coveted EC Blue Flag in recognition of the fine quality of its beaches.

On the outskirts of Protaras is a small attractive stone church set atop a rocky crag - the Church of Ayios Ilias. It is well worth a walk to the church and the climb to the top. From the top there is a panoramic view of Protaras and the surrounding countryside. In the spring the cliffs and rocky shoreline are carpeted with wildflowers.

Protaras is located approximately half way between Ayia Napa and Paralimni, less than one hours drive from Larnaca International Airport. A regular local bus service runs from Paralimni to Ayia Napa via Protaras. Boat trips run along the coast from Protaras. One way to Cape Greco, the other way to view from offshore the ghost town of Famagusta, now under illegal Turkish military occupation.

THINGS TO DO:

Magic Dancing Waters, Protaras

Children (and most likely parents) will be enthralled by this one-hour rainbow-like lisp lay of illuminated fountains that seem indeed to make the water dance and change colour to a programme of classical and prop music themes. Get there early or book in advance from the tourist office, as seats are always at a premium.

Ascott Pottery, Protaras

Children can try their hand at turning clay on a potter's wheel at this welcoming commercial pottery. You can also buy their cheerfully coloured plates, bowls, cups and jugs.

Visit Ayios Elias church on the hill in Protaras. It offers superb views of Protaras and the surrounding area. There is a tree of remembrance at the top. Take a tissue or something similar to tie to the tree in remembrance of someone special. The church is quite small inside but it will give you an insight into a local Orthodox church. The best time to head up there is either first thing on a morning or late afternoon when you can catch a spectacular sunset over the region.

It is a superb beach and perfect swimming conditions. It is gently shelving which makes it an ideal spot to take children. In summer it is less crowded than Fig Tree Bay. On the beach there are some water sport facilities offering parascending, water skiing, canoeing and jet skis. The bay itself lies at the bottom of some steep cliffs. If you get fed up of lying on the beach, you can always climb up and follow the coastal path along to Cape Greco.