Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach sits on the central Protaras strip, just along the coast from Fig Tree Bay. It is a sandy, gently shelving beach with calm, shallow water, which makes it an easy family choice, and it holds Blue Flag status. As the name suggests, the east-facing shore is a good spot to catch the early sun over the sea, and it shares its name with a long-standing hotel set just behind the beach.

The beach is fully organised: sunbeds and umbrellas cover much of the sand in season, watersports operators run from the shore, and a line of hotels, tavernas and cafes sits just behind. The calm, clear water is good for swimming and paddling, and rockier patches at the edges hold reef fish for snorkellers, so it doubles as a gentle introduction to snorkelling for children. Lifeguards are on duty in the main season, and there are diving schools and family activities such as mini-golf nearby. Like the rest of Protaras, it is busy in summer and calmest early in the day.

Planning your visit

• Blue Flag beach with calm, shallow water for families.
• Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets and watersports on the sand.
• Hotels, tavernas and cafes line the road behind the beach.
• East-facing shore is good for an early-morning swim.

Sunrise Beach is steps from the rest of the Protaras strip, including Fig Tree Bay and, a short drive south, the sheltered Konnos Bay and the trails of Cape Greco. The beaches of Ayia Napa, such as Nissi Beach, lie a little further west along the coast.