Protaras

Protaras sits on the south-eastern tip of Cyprus, a good three-quarters of an hour from Larnaca airport. The town was built for holidays: Fig Tree Bay with its fine sand, the smaller coves towards Pernera and the rocky coast at Cape Greco, best explored on foot or by bike.

Buyers here are usually looking for a holiday home or an apartment that can be let during the months they are not there themselves. The range runs from apartments in small complexes to villas with a private pool and sea view; new builds are found mainly in Pernera and in the hills behind the town.

The season runs from April to the end of October. Winter is quiet — for many buyers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland exactly the right time to be there themselves.