Protaras a family focused holiday resort has everything you'll need for a great holiday.

Whilst I can't entirely disagree, Protaras on the East Coast of Cyprus has risen rapidly over the last few years from what was previously scrubland into a purpose built holiday resort designed to cater solely for holiday makers; I would like to point out it does exactly what it was created for.

It provides a fun-packed, everything on your doorstep holiday environment that appeals to the whole family.

Primarily it's a new development so hasn't irradiated the character of any existing villages and on the whole is an altogether more family friendly than neighbouring Ayia Napa.

Personally I can't see much wrong with the concept. If your looking for a fun filled resort that will provide a relaxing backdrop to a week or two's holiday this is the place for you.

If you get bitten by a culture vulture whilst on holiday you can always grab a car and go for a day trip to some of the historical sites across the island.

With a good mix of sun and entertainment Protaras offers plenty to do throughout the day and into the night.

The beautiful crescent of golden sand is host to the usual variety of water sports and even offers some interesting rock pools for younger bathers to explore.

Why not take a boat trip to enjoy some wonderful coastal views and get to see the Cavo Greco Sea caves.

Scuba diving enthusiasts will find a host of dive shops offering a range of comprehensive services from try dives for complete novices to development courses and trips aimed at experienced divers.

If you fancy an hour or two out of the sun take the kids along to the Ocean Aquarium in. They've over 3oo species to delight your youngsters from Sharks to Crocodiles and for those who prefer something a little less ferocious a great penguin house. To find out more about this attraction visit their website

Protaras and the near-by off shoot Pernera have a host of shops that cater specifically for holidaymakers. You'll find all the usual postcards and trinkets, beachwear and pool toys alongside some fairly pricey holiday supplies such as basic foods, suntan lotion, cigarettes and booze.

I would strongly advise those of you that book self catering holidays and need to stock up for the week to take a trip to the large supermarket, Orphanides on the outskirts of Paralimni. It's easy to find and offers a much wider selection of goods at more competitive prices.

At night, the resort main street turns into entertainment highway. All the bars and restaurants switch on their neon’s and crank up the volume to attract passing holiday trade.

It's a good hearted family environment where you and the kids can enjoy an evening over a meal then stroll from bar to bar enjoying the backing track of popular tunes.

If you like to be entertained after dinner take a look at Magic Dancing Waters This attraction sports a spectacular combination of dancing waters, laser show, volcano eruptions, fire and smoke show. You'll find it next to Macdonald’s in the main street.

Like the neighbouring resort of Ayia Napa, Protaras and Pernera are starting to attract the ever growing number of brides hoping to get married in Cyprus. This fun resort in a pretty area is a fantastic location for a Mediterranean wedding. Wedding guests will enjoy the rest of their holiday whilst the bridal couple withdraw for a bit of private luxury in one of the 5 star resort hotels or maybe their own villa. If you'd like to know more about getting married in Protaras click here

On a recent trip to the resort my family came across a couple of great restaurants, checked out the local hotels and stayed in a gorgeous luxury villa.

We spent an hour up at the hill top church of Prophet Elias and then moved on for an afternoon of shopping in Paralimni.

We were only in town for a couple of days and it was off season but we saw enough of Protaras and all it has to offer to beckon us back during the summer months.

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