Louma Beach derives its name from the ancient Greek word 'louomenos,' meaning 'bather,' a fitting etymology for this beloved swimming destination in southeastern Cyprus. Located in Protaras within the Famagusta District, approximately 7 kilometers north of Protaras center and near the tourist area of Pernera, the beach's history is intimately connected to maritime commerce. The beach's development accelerated after the closing of the old port at Megali Pernera Beach, when maritime operations relocated to Louma. Today, the beach sits adjacent to the second fishing port in Paralimni and beside the picturesque Chapel of Agios Nicholas (Saint Nicholas), creating a charming blend of working harbor and recreational beach. Also known as 'Golden Coast,' Louma has evolved from a functional harbor area into one of the region's premier family beaches, earning Blue Flag certification for its exceptional water quality and environmental management. The beach stretches over 300 meters of golden sand, making it the largest sandy beach in the Protaras-Pernera region, while maintaining an intimate atmosphere that distinguishes it from Cyprus's busier coastal destinations.
Louma Beach offers a comprehensive array of activities and amenities that cater to families and water sports enthusiasts alike. The large bay is naturally divided into two distinct beach areas by rocky outcrops in the middle, creating sheltered swimming zones with crystal-clear, shallow waters ideal for young children. The beach provides sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets, and free Wi-Fi, with lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months ensuring swimmer safety. A beach volleyball net invites active recreation on the golden sand, while water sports facilities offer opportunities for jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. The proximity to the fishing harbor creates excellent conditions for snorkeling, where visitors can observe marine life around the harbor's protective walls. The shallow water depth extending far from shore makes the beach particularly suitable for families with small children who can safely play and swim under parental supervision. The beach's location next to the Chapel of Agios Nicholas provides a unique cultural element, with the white-washed chapel creating a striking contrast against the blue Mediterranean waters and serving as a popular backdrop for photographs and occasional religious celebrations.
The area surrounding Louma Beach offers excellent dining options showcasing Cypriot coastal cuisine and fresh Mediterranean seafood. Kalamies Beach Restaurant serves expertly prepared seafood including grilled sea bream with lemon-herb marinade (€18), octopus in red wine sauce (€16), and mixed seafood platters featuring calamari, prawns, and mussels (€24). Nisiotis Beach Restaurant combines traditional Cypriot dishes with fresh catches, offering kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb, €15), halloumi cheese salad (€8), and grilled swordfish steaks with caper sauce (€19). Hippocampus Lounge provides upscale beachfront dining with lobster thermidor (€32), tuna tartare with avocado (€14), and pan-seared scallops with truffle oil (€22). Pernera Beach Hotel Restaurant caters to beach-goers with Mediterranean cuisine including moussaka (€12), chicken souvlaki platters (€11), and fresh sea bass baked with vegetables (€20). Golden Coast Beach Bar offers casual dining with fish and chips (€9), Greek salads with local feta (€7), and frozen mojitos and fruit smoothies (€5-6), providing convenient beachside refreshments for families spending full days on the sand.
