Golden sand and clear water on the central Protaras coast. Sunrise Beach lies in the centre of the tourist area, bringing together swimming, sunbeds, beachside coffee and plenty of places to eat nearby. It is an appealing choice for families, friends and anyone who wants to spend the day enjoying golden sand, vivid blue water and a walk along the waterfront.
Where it is & getting there
Sunrise Beach stretches in front of the Sunrise Beach Hotel on the central Protaras waterfront. Above the beach, the tourist district brings together seafront hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. Its central setting makes it easy to combine time on the sand with lunch or a stroll along the main resort street.
If you are staying in the centre, make the walk to the sea part of your morning. The promenade lets you explore with the water beside you, choose a spot on the sand and keep walking after your swim. The coastal route continues towards Fig Tree Bay and, to the north, towards Pernera. You can also pick up an ice cream and enjoy it as you stroll beside the sea.
The beach and the water
Fine golden sand and clear water give this stretch of Protaras its character. Close to shore, the sea has pale blue tones, becoming a deeper blue farther out. On calm days, it is a lovely setting for a swim and a few unhurried hours beside the water, with the long sweep of beach in view.
The beach shares the sociable character of central Protaras. Families, hotel guests and groups of friends gather on the sand, while the nearby water sports centre offers a more active way to enjoy the coast. You can spend your time swimming, relaxing under an umbrella or watching the boats farther out.
Eating, sunbeds and lockers
Sunbeds and umbrellas make it easy to settle in for a longer beach day. There are various beach bars along the waterfront for coffee, refreshing drinks and a light snack. Take a break between swims with a view of the sea, then return to the sand or continue your walk along the promenade.
There are also lockers at the beach where you can leave your belongings while you swim. With restaurants and cafes in the surrounding tourist area, you can choose a light beachside snack or save lunch for a walk into the resort centre. Everything fits naturally into the same outing.
When to go
During peak season, especially in summer, you need to arrive early in the morning, because later on you will not find available sunbeds and an umbrella.
Come in the morning for light across the sea and a walk before settling onto the sand. If you enjoy watching the sunrise, start early: the eastern Protaras coast opens towards the morning horizon. Coffee afterwards gives you time to enjoy the waterfront before choosing how to spend the rest of your day.
Afternoon suits a final swim followed by a stroll along the promenade. As the light changes, leave the sand for the cafes and restaurants of the centre. It is an easy way to enjoy both sides of Protaras in one day: the beach by the water and the lively resort streets just above it.
Nearby
Fig Tree Bay is a natural next stop for exploring the central coastline. For another beach day, try Vizakia or Sirena Bay. Around Pernera, Ayios Nikolaos church makes a lovely stop beside the water. Farther south, Konnos Bay and Cape Greco combine another sandy beach with rocky shoreline and open Mediterranean views.
More around Protaras
Fig Tree Bay
Golden sand in central Protaras, with clear water, beach facilities and places to eat nearby.
Vizakia Beach
Clear, shallow water below the Cavo Maris headland in Protaras — small, sheltered and easy to reach on foot from the strip.
Sirena Bay
Turquoise water, a small sandy cove and a beach bar at the northern end of Protaras, between Pernera and Kapparis.
Ayios Nikolaos Church, Protaras
Dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, whose miracles were nearly all worked at sea — which makes the setting above the water the point.