Protaras’ iconic Fig Tree Bay has been ranked among the 20 best beaches in Europe in the 2026 edition of the ‘Travel Europe Awards’, published on 21 February 2026. The annual list, compiled from 12 million online votes and expert inspections, praised the bay’s clear turquoise waters, upgraded lifeguard facilities and enhanced accessibility for travellers with reduced mobility. Coming just months after Cyprus posted a record 4.1 million tourist arrivals in 2025, the accolade is expected to further raise the island’s profile among both leisure visitors and the growing work-from-anywhere community. Local hoteliers already report a 12 per cent increase in early-summer bookings compared to the same period last year, with strong interest from Germany, Poland and the Gulf states. Municipal authorities in Paralimni say they will leverage the award to accelerate planned infrastructure works: a new shaded promenade, expanded Wi-Fi coverage and additional recycling stations. These upgrades dovetail with national efforts to position Cyprus as a sustainable, high-quality destination ahead of its Schengen integration. For multinational companies operating regional hubs in Cyprus, the news strengthens the country’s attractiveness for executive retreats and short-term assignments. Travel-management firms note that Protaras is just a 45-minute drive from Larnaca International Airport, making it a convenient venue for incentive trips that blend business sessions with coastal recreation.
Source: DOM LiVE
