Protaras Riviera: Summer in its most authentic form

Living in Cyprus beachParalimniprotarasTop NewsTourism Protaras Riviera: Summer in its most authentic form Paralimni Riviera Phase01 Sr 010 Relevant News A new face in the Cyprus talks: Who is EU envoy Raffaele Fitto? 30 July 2026 Protaras Riviera: Summer in its most authentic form 30 July 2026 Cyprus health app to include emergency button from November 30 July 2026 newsroom 30 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia includes the beaches of Protaras, the town of Paralimni, and the communities of Deryneia, Frenaros and Acheritou. The municipality promotes the area under a “Cypriot summer” identity, built around its beaches, coastline, cultural sites and food sector, which it describes as reflecting authentic Cypriot hospitality. Paralimni’s town centre includes traditional neighbourhoods, squares and churches reflecting its history as a farming community. Deryneia has museums, cultural sites and hosts local festivals. Frenaros combines agricultural land with traditional character, while Acheritou retains a rural setting alongside more recent development. According to the municipality, its development strategy focuses on balancing tourism growth with environmental protection and residents’ quality of life, rather than following a “sun and sea” tourism model alone. Beaches and coastline Fig Tree Bay was named the only Cypriot beach among Europe’s top 19 by TripAdvisor for 2026. The municipality’s coastline also includes Vrysi beach, Pernera, Lombardi and Konnos, where the water is described as clear and the sand meets natural rock formations and Mediterranean vegetation. Activities available along the coast include swimming, water sports and boat trips. The municipality’s tourism promotion suggests visiting more than one beach in a day, given differences in character between them. Local heritage Just inland from the beaches, Paralimni’s centre retains its traditional character alongside newer tourism development. Deryneia maintains a distinct cultural identity through its museums, cultural spaces and local festivals. Frenaros is known for its agricultural land and rural life, while Acheritou combines a traditional rural setting with more recent development. Food and produce The area’s food sector includes fresh fish and seafood delivered daily to restaurant kitchens, and traditional meze dishes. Local produce includes Deryneia strawberries, halloumi, Frenaros watermelons, locally grown vegetables and traditional sweets. Restaurants range from small family-run taverns to seafront establishments, with newer chefs incorporating local, seasonal ingredients into more contemporary dishes. Outdoor activities Beyond the coast, the area includes hiking trails, cycling routes, coastal paths and boat trips. It also has smaller coves and quieter spots away from the main tourist beaches, which the municipality says remain peaceful even during peak summer. Infrastructure and development According to the mayor, recent projects include a new roundabout at the junction of Protaras-Cape Greco Avenue and Thalis Street, intended to ease traffic at a busy point in the tourist area, and the fourth phase of a coastal walkway from Paralimni marina to Kapparis, which the municipality plans to extend to Konnos. In Paralimni, the area around Agia Varvara is being upgraded with a landscaped park and a memorial dedicated to the Genocide of the Pontic Greeks; the town centre is also being redeveloped around its central square, where a memorial to Tasos Isaak and Solomos Solomou is located. Frenaros’ central square is undergoing redevelopment, and a linear park in Acheritou is nearing completion. The municipality also lists green-space projects, playgrounds, sports facilities, road lighting upgrades and seafront improvements among its current initiatives. Giorgos Nikolettos: “Our municipality has soul” The mayor of Paralimni-Deryneia sets out his vision for the municipality’s development, tourism strategy and services. How do you envisage Paralimni-Deryneia in the years ahead? “A modern, functional, human-centred and outward-looking municipality that makes the most of its advantages: the sea, history, culture, its rural identity and tourism, in a balanced and sustainable way. Paralimni-Deryneia brings together areas with distinct character: Paralimni, Protaras, Deryneia, Frenaros and Acheritou. We want a municipality that offers a high standard of living for residents, better infrastructure, more green spaces and cultural and sporting opportunities for everyone, while strengthening its position as a leading tourist destination through the new ‘Protaras Riviera’ identity.” What projects are changing the face of the municipality today? “In Protaras, the new roundabout at the junction of Protaras-Cape Greco Avenue and Thalis Street has already helped ease traffic congestion at one of the busiest points in the tourist area. The fourth phase of the coastal walkway from Paralimni marina to Kapparis is the most significant seafront project, which we plan to extend to Konnos in future. In Paralimni, the area around Agia Varvara is being upgraded with a landscaped park and the Pontic Greek Genocide memorial, and the town centre and square are being redeveloped. In Frenaros, the central square is being redeveloped, and in Acheritou a linear park is nearing completion.” How do you practically support your residents? “Support for residents can’t be theoretical. It has to show in the services the municipality provides, the speed of service and a constant presence close to the citizen. We place particular emphasis on municipal services, cleanliness, road safety, lighting and infrastructure, alongside spaces for sport, recreation and culture. We also support families, children, young people, the elderly and vulnerable groups through social, educational, sporting and cultural initiatives. A municipality isn’t judged only by its major projects, but by whether it can make daily life better for every resident.” What is the municipality doing to offer visitors a quality holiday? “The quality of a holiday doesn’t depend only on the beauty of the sea and beaches, but on the visitor’s overall experience. We continuously invest in cleanliness, safety, accessibility, organised beaches and services for beachgoers. Through our ‘Protaras Riviera’ strategy, we aim to offer visitors nature, culture, gastronomy, history, sport, wellness and authentic Cypriot hospitality, not just sun and sea.” What are the area’s greatest strengths as a destination? “We offer a combination of natural beauty, quality and experiences. Protaras and the wider municipality have some of the finest beaches in Cyprus and the Mediterranean, crystal-clear waters and an outstanding natural environment. We are a place with history, culture, religious monuments, traditional communities, agricultural production and hospitable, hard-working people. Another key strength is our family-friendly character: safe, welcoming, accessible and suited to families, couples, young people and nature lovers.” Why should someone choose Paralimni-Deryneia for their holiday? “Because here, you can experience Cyprus in its brightest, cleanest and most authentic form. We offer unique beaches, crystal-clear waters, exceptional hospitality, gastronomy, culture and experiences for every age. Above all, our municipality is a place with soul. That’s why we say there are reasons to be here every single day.” Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News A new face in the Cyprus talks: Who is EU envoy Raffaele Fitto? 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