Protaras: the beaches, a map and where to snorkel
Protaras is a string of sandy bays on the east coast, with Fig Tree Bay in the middle and Cape Greco closing the view to the south. Between the bays the shore is rock, and the rock is where the fish are.
Where to snorkel
Green Bay, beside Nisia beach, is the pick: a shallow rocky inlet with sunken statues and fish that are used to people. At Fig Tree Bay, swim out to the islet. Konnos is a sheltered bay where both rocky sides deserve a slow lap. The long sandy beaches, like Sunrise, have little to see away from their ends.
One rule holds on every coast of Cyprus: sand means few fish, rock means more. Swim along the rocky edge of a bay, not across the middle.
The beaches, in order along the coast
- 1
- 2
Sunrise Beach (Vrysi)
Βρύση · In the register as Vrysi C, Vrysi B, Vrysi A
A long sandy beach north of Fig Tree Bay, monitored in three stretches. Underwater it is mostly sand, so the fish are at the rocky ends.
- 3
Fig Tree Bay
Κόλπος Πρωταρά · Also called Protaras Bay
A sandy bay with a small rocky islet a short swim from the beach. The snorkelling is around the islet and along the rocks at the northern end. It is busy from late morning in summer.
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
Nisia (Green Bay)
Νησιά · Also called Green Bay
The small sandy beach beside Green Bay, the shallow rocky inlet with sunken statues where our snorkelling trips often go.
- 8
Nisia Gardens
- 9
Konnos Bay
Κόννος
A sheltered bay below pine-covered slopes at the edge of the Cape Greco park. Snorkel along the rocks on either side, and keep clear of the boats and water sports in the middle.
Every beach here is an official bathing water, sampled through the season. In the EU report on the 2025 season, all 123 monitored bathing waters in Cyprus were rated excellent.
Snorkelling with a guide
This is the coast we work on. Our guided snorkelling trips include pickup around Ayia Napa and Protaras, the gear and a guide in the water, and we choose the spot on the day by wind and waves.
Common questions
- Where is the best snorkelling around Protaras?
- Green Bay, beside Nisia beach, is the pick: a shallow rocky inlet with sunken statues and fish that are used to people. At Fig Tree Bay, swim out to the islet. Konnos is a sheltered bay where both rocky sides deserve a slow lap. The long sandy beaches, like Sunrise, have little to see away from their ends.
- Is the sea clean at the beaches around Protaras?
- Yes. Every beach on this page is an official bathing water that is sampled through the season, and in the EU report on the 2025 season all 123 monitored bathing waters in Cyprus were rated excellent.
- Can I join a guided snorkelling trip from Protaras?
- This is the coast we work on. Our guided snorkelling trips include pickup around Ayia Napa and Protaras, the gear and a guide in the water, and we choose the spot on the day by wind and waves.
Read next
- Green Bay, Konnos Bay or MUSAN: Which Snorkelling Spot Suits You?
- What to Bring Snorkelling in Protaras: A Packing List
- Cyprus Sea Temperature by Month: When Is It Warm Enough to Snorkel?