Fig Tree Bay | |
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Location | Protaras, Cyprus |
Coordinates | 35°00′46″N 34°03′32″E / 35.0128°N 34.0589°ECoordinates: 35°00′46″N 34°03′32″E / 35.0128°N 34.0589°E |
Ocean/sea sources | Mediterranean Sea |
Basin countries | Cyprus |
Fig Tree Bay is a sandy beach in the resort of Protaras, Cyprus. In 2011, TripAdvisor declared it to be the third best beach in Europe, but it dropped to 13th place in 2013.
As with all beaches in Cyprus, access to the public is free, whilst bed and umbrella hire is chargeable. A municipal car park provides parking within a short walk. The sandy beach stretches for 500m and the waters are clean enough for the beach to have been awarded blue flag designation. The beach, which runs the length of its own cove, takes its name from the fig trees located close to the coast.
There is an uninhabited islet easily reached by swimming through the shallow waters, the location of which provides a good shelter for the rest of the beach. The islet is covered with low level local vegetation. In contrast to other local beaches, such as Nissi, Fig Tree Bay has become a popular destination for families. Water sports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing are available. From April to October, lifeguards and lifesaving equipment are available on the beach from 9am to 6pm.
In 2010, during structural improvements to the beach, an ancient Greek tomb was unearthed.
The beach was mentioned in a song titled "Fig Tree Bay" - the first song on the 1972 Wind of Change album by Peter Frampton.