Protaras Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach (Anatoli) sits at the northern end of Protaras, a long pale-sand crescent that gets its name from the unobstructed view eastward over the open Mediterranean — the morning sun rising over the water is the daily photograph of the Protaras coast. The beach is around 800 metres long, with fine soft sand and exceptionally shallow gentle water (you can wade out 50 metres before the bottom drops), making it one of the most family-comfortable beaches on the eastern coast.

The bay is consistently Blue Flag certified, lifeguarded in season, with sunbed and umbrella concessions, beach restaurants, and a watersports kiosk doing banana boat, jet-ski, parasail and pedalo. The small whitewashed chapel of Profitis Elias sits on the rocky headland above the southern end of the beach, with a stone path up the slope — sunrise from the chapel is the photographic moment many visitors get up early for.

The water clarity is excellent, the sand quality is consistently good, and the relative quiet (compared to nearby Fig Tree Bay or Nissi Beach) makes Sunrise Beach a popular choice for families and couples who want the eastern coast's water without the resort crowds. The strip of restaurants and small hotels behind is mid-range comfortable rather than luxury, and the area has not been over-developed.

What to do. Swim, sunbathe, walk to the Profitis Elias chapel for sunrise or sunset, eat at one of the beach-front restaurants, take a glass-bottom boat from the small jetty (15-20 EUR per person, 90-minute coastal tour). Snorkelling at the rocky points at the southern end is good for sand smelt and small wrasse.

Insider tips. The northern end of the beach is calmer than the central sunbed concentration. Sunrise from the Profitis Elias chapel is the sustained reward of an early start. The beach is rarely as packed as Fig Tree Bay (5 minutes south); arrive by 09:30 in July-August for any reasonable spot. Parking is free along the road behind the beach.

Combinations. Pair with Fig Tree Bay (5 minutes south, the famous central Protaras beach), with Konnos Bay and Cape Greco (10 minutes south), or with Pernera Beach (10 minutes north, calmer family alternative). A complete eastern coast day.

Bring. Sunscreen, snorkel kit, hat, water, swimsuit, towel, water shoes for the southern rocky points. When. June and September for the best balance of warm sea and light crowds; May and October for emptier beach with cooler sea (still 21-23°C). Sunrise Beach is the family-comfortable Protaras alternative and one of the more pleasant beaches on the eastern coast.