Fig Tree Bay, the bay of the fig tree

Fig Tree Bay is the postcard of Protaras, a bay of turquoise water with an islet just offshore and a beach full of blue parasols. It’s the busiest in the area, so timing is everything. Here’s what it offers and how to enjoy it. The rest of the coast is covered in Protaras.

The bay of the fig tree

Visit Famagusta, the region’s tourism portal, explains that the name comes from a fig tree planted in the 17th century, and that fig trees still grow by the headland, adding character to the spot after centuries. One page credits that first tree to invaders from the east and another simply mentions an ancient tree, so I stick to what they agree on, the century.

The sand is golden and fine and the water clear and turquoise. The same website says the beach ranks among Europe’s top-rated on TripAdvisor.

The islet and the water

A short distance from the shore is a small islet that, according to the region, improves the view and also breaks the waves, so the water is usually calm. Almost everyone swims out, as it’s very close. There are lifeguards, but I’d only cross with a calm sea and no boats passing. After dark it’s lit up, and the regional website suggests staying on to see it.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Protaras for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.

The Hellenistic tombs

On the bay’s headland, Hellenistic tombs have recently been uncovered and are now protected under glass, according to Visit Famagusta. I haven’t found more detail on them in an official source I can cite, but they’re a good reason to walk up from the sand for a moment.

Facilities and atmosphere

There are lifeguards, showers, toilets, changing rooms, sunbeds and parasols, and water sports such as parasailing and waterskiing. Around the bay are restaurants, cafés and beach bars, and the region presents it as accessible for people with reduced mobility and as a designated green beach. It also points out three photo spots around the bay. In the evening, the region suggests strolling along the main hotel road, stopping at Lefkolla Square, where events are held through the year, and ending at the bay to see the islet and the photo spots.

I don’t give the 2026 Blue Flag, as I couldn’t read the list in an official source.

So you do not lose the morning at the ticket office, browse tickets and tours in Fig Tree Bay on GetYourGuide.

Getting there and what’s next door

OSEA routes 101 and 102 stop at Fig Tree Bay, for €2 a daytime trip, and the Protaras promenade runs right past. Next door are Nausicaa, with three piers with ladders, Vrisi I and the cove of Xistaria, a few hundred metres away. They’re all in Protaras beaches, and for somewhere close by, see hotels in Protaras. From above, the Profitis Ilias church in Protaras has the best view of the bay.

If you would rather go at your own pace, see the car hire deals in Protaras: the earlier you book, the more cars are left to choose from.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Protaras for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.