The main beach at Protaras offers a vast range of water sports opportunities and equipment hire, from paddle boats to jet skis. The resort caters particularly well for children, most of the hotels and apartment complexes offering excellent Kid's Clubs. There are two exciting water parks nearby at Ayia Napa, which provide thrills and spills for all ages. Most visitors enjoy a stroll along the clifftops of the coastline, particularly in spring when the landscape is covered in wild flowers. The more energetic can hike up the steep crag on the outskirts of the resort to the Ayios Ilias Church from where there is a spectacular view. Local operators offer several day trips, sea cruises and excursions to places of interest, like into the Troodos Mountains or to explore the city of Nicosia.

The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, and a small percentage speaks Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from mainland Greece. English, German and French are spoken in tourist areas.

The currency was changed to the Euro (EUR) on 1 January 2008. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments. Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, open from Monday to Friday. There are ATMs spread throughout the island, operating 24 hours a day.

Protaras resort is not aesthetically pleasing or scenic, and the nearby village of Paralimni is also far from a quaint, authentic Greek Cypriot town. Young clubbers may be disappointed in the nightlife, which is more family-oriented, but there is the option of travelling to nearby Ayia Napa.

At night Protaras main street erupts into a noisy sound and light show as the many disco/bars, pubs and clubs turn up the volume to draw in the crowds and holidaymakers up for a party. Many establishments offer live entertainment or karaoke and the discos feature English deejays and laser lights. There are only a few nightclubs, and serious all-night clubbers prefer to travel to Ayia Napa for the evening. Recommended for an entertaining evening of dancing is Sfinx, the bar at the Paralimni end of the main road.

Holidaymakers will find that Protaras has dozens of restaurants and fast food outlets, mainly catering for the usual tourist fare of pizza, curry, burgers and the like. Many local establishments are run by British ex-pats. Visitors who enjoy making the most of the local produce should opt for one of the many open-air seafood restaurants. For Cypriot specialities try Bambos, which serves a mix of local and international fare, or the Nicolas Taverna renowned for delectable kleftico.

The shops in Protaras centre may look a little tacky, but they provide everything required by holidaymakers, from beach paraphernalia to souvenirs. There are several hundred retail establishments in the resort including supermarkets, clothing stores and jewellers. Serious bargain hunters are advised to take a bus or taxi to nearby Agia Napa where there is an abundance of stores selling tax free designer goods. Local jewellery and leather goods are also good souvenirs from Protaras.

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).