Protaras history dates back to centuries. In fact excavations in 1992 revealed evidence that the nearby Cape Greco cliffs site was one of the earliest Neolithic settlements on the island.
Where today Protaras town and resort is situated stood once the old city-state of Leukolla. The city possessed a small safe harbour where the Athenian Demetrius Poliorketes in the year 306 B.C. sought refuge, lying in wait for Ptolemeos, one of the successors of Alexander the Great. In the ensuing battle Ptolemeos was defeated and fled to Egypt, leaving Cyprus for a while in the hands of Demetrius. In the 7th century Arab pirates routinely plundered the area, causing great distress among the population.
According to Protaras history the first inhabitants were fishermen and farmers. The location of Protaras is favoured by a very mild climate which is conducive to the early-in-the year produce of vegetables and potatoes. Protaras has its lovely and the most well known beach, the Fig Tree Bay. . Protaras is also referred to as "the land of windmills" maintaining the nostalgic quality of the past.
Protaras itself however is quite new and has developed in the last fifty years. Protaras is far quieter than neighbouring Agia Napa, which makes it a good place to enjoy the coast without the crowds. |
