Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Protaras is a resort town located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 5,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 240V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers are Cyta, MTN, and PrimeTel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and local banks such as Hellenic Bank are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options include hotels, rental apartments, and Airbnb accommodations. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments via credit/debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Protaras Holiday Villa and local guesthouses. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Protaras Main Strip, known for its restaurants and beach access. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around Fig Tree Bay offers a combination of leisure and work-friendly environments. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Nest Coworking Space located in nearby Larnaca. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Les Amis Cafe offers good coffee and a comfortable environment for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups often held at Café Nero. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Cyprus' host regular events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is highly recommended for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer scooter and bike rentals along the beach strip. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Fig Tree Bay is rated as the best beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cyprus Airways serves various regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and Lufthansa operate flights to main European hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A3 highway provides easy access to Larnaca and Ayia Napa. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Protaras does not have a train station; buses connect to nearby areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes can be purchased for local travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Protaras to major cities like Larnaca and Famagusta. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Gesy Hospital in Paralimni is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Sunset Yoga Centre offers classes overlooking the beach. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Protaras Fitness Club provides a full range of gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available along the main road. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Getir are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Souvlaki and Halloumi Cheese are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Rainforest Cafe offers a variety of plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Ice Cream Shoppe is known for its delicious gelato. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Protaras Market offers local produce and goods at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mango and Zara for clothing, plus Amazon for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery is available via local stores like Lidl. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Strip in Protaras is lined with vibrant bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local brewery Colonel’s produces craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Kyperounda offers a selection of local Cypriot wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors at Fig Tree Bay for quick bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Maharaja serves excellent Indian cuisine and is very popular. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cape Greco National Forest Park is a stunning natural attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Thalassa Municipal Museum highlights maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Ayii Anargyri Church shows impressive architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Profitis Elias offers scenic views. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Protaras Festival takes place every August celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town of Paralimni has charming local shops and restaurants. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Small theaters host local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Protaras Market for local handicrafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bars along the Strip host live music events throughout summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals are found scattered in local neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cyprus Culinary Experiences offers hands-on classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Golden Coast Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Residences of the Kolokotronis family. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Phoenician heritage can be seen in architecture and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cape Greco offers stunning coastal views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kykkos Monastery and the Troodos Mountains National Park are accessible. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths stretching from Protaras to Ayia Napa. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout at Cape Greco offers breathtaking sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cape Greco is also known for diverse bird species during migration. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas at Fig Tree Bay for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Protaras Tech Repair offers electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language school in Paralimni offers Greek and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Municipal library in Paralimni for quiet study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural center hosts various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes available along the main tourist strip. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Cyprus Casinos in Limassol is popular among tourists. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €80,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €176,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 12.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 17%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Cyprus operates a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard Value Added Tax rate is 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply with strict guidelines. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value, with relief for primary residences. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is 3% up to €85,000. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax rate on foreign income for non-residents. |