The sunrise coast
The east coast of the Republic, in the free Famagusta district, runs from Ayia Napa north through Protaras and Pernera to Kapparis, with the town of Paralimni just inland. It is known for clear, shallow water, sandy coves and a relaxed holiday atmosphere, and it is where Best Select and our sister company LuxLife build.
The beaches
In July 2026, 27 of the island's 46 Blue Flag beaches were in the Famagusta district: 14 in Paralimni municipality, which includes Protaras, Pernera and Kapparis, and 13 in Ayia Napa. They include Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, Kapparis beach, Vrysi, Louma, Konnos Bay, Nissi and Makronissos.
The areas
Protaras and Pernera
A resort coast of coves, promenades, restaurants and hotels, busy in summer and calmer in winter, with Fig Tree Bay at its heart.
Kapparis
A quieter, residential stretch north of Protaras, with low-rise villas and apartments close to the sea, and an established holiday-rental catchment.
Paralimni
The main town and municipality: schools, shops, services and year-round life, a few minutes inland.
Ayia Napa
The island's best-known resort, with famous beaches, a new marina and nightlife in season.
Getting here
Larnaca Airport is around 50 km from Ayia Napa, a 40 to 50-minute drive, and around 60 to 65 km from Protaras and Pernera, about an hour. Kapparis is a similar distance to Protaras.
| From Larnaca Airport | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Ayia Napa | about 50 km | 40–50 min |
| Protaras and Pernera | about 60–65 km | 60–70 min |
Infrastructure and investment
Ayia Napa Marina's first phase is open, with 600 berths for yachts up to 65 metres, and its second phase of residential towers and villas is under way. In Paralimni, the new marina's port works were completed in November 2025, with floating docks to follow; it is planned for around 300 boats and will be an official port of entry. No opening date has been confirmed.
The property market
Property prices in the Famagusta district rose 10% in the year to the second quarter of 2026, the highest of any district, according to the Central Bank of Cyprus. 656 contracts of sale were signed in the district in the first nine months of 2026, up 5%, and foreign buyers accounted for 46.5% of contracts between January and July.
The district's figures swing more than the national average, because the market is smaller. In the fourth quarter of 2025, for example, its annual change was almost flat.
Questions
How far is Protaras from Larnaca Airport?
About 60 to 65 km, roughly an hour by car. Ayia Napa is about 50 km, a 40 to 50-minute drive.
How many Blue Flag beaches are on the east coast?
In July 2026, 27 of the island's 46 Blue Flag beaches were in the Famagusta district: 14 in Paralimni municipality and 13 in Ayia Napa.
Is the Paralimni marina open?
Port works were completed in November 2025, with floating docks to follow. No opening date had been confirmed as of October 2026.
Sources
- Politis: Blue Flag beaches by municipality (17 Jul 2026)
- Cyprus Mail: 46 beaches and two marinas flying the Blue Flag (17 Jul 2026)
- Cyprus Mail: Larnaca Airport complete guide for arrivals and transfers (Sep 2026)
- CBN: Ayia Napa Marina (20 Jul 2026)
- Fast Forward: Paralimni marina approaching completion (6 Feb 2026)
- Cyprus Mail: Cyprus property prices climb as foreign demand stays strong (Central Bank of Cyprus index, 24 Sep 2026)
- Cyprus Mail: Department of Lands and Surveys contracts of sale, September 2026 (13 Oct 2026)
