Polyxenia Beach, also known as Pernera Gardens Beach, takes its name from the adjacent Polyxenia Isaak property, a luxury villa and apartment complex that has become synonymous with this section of Protaras coastline. The beach is located in Protaras (also called Paralimni), a resort town on the southeastern coast of Cyprus in the Famagusta District, approximately 1.9 kilometers from Protaras town center. Protaras developed as a tourism destination later than neighboring Ayia Napa, emerging during the 1980s as a family-oriented alternative to Ayia Napa's party-focused tourism, with the area's natural assets—crystal-clear waters, golden sand beaches, and Fig Tree Bay's iconic scenery—attracting developers who built hotels, villas, and beach facilities catering to families and couples seeking relaxation over nightlife. The Polyxenia Isaak property, established as a beachfront resort featuring landscaped gardens, swimming pools, restaurants, and wedding venues, has shaped the beach's character and accessibility, with portions of the coastline privately managed while public access sections remain available under Cyprus law mandating coastal access rights. The beach's proximity to Protaras's main attractions including the famous Fig Tree Bay (400 meters south), Church of Profitis Elias perched on a hill overlooking the coast, and the Ocean Aquarium, positions it within easy reach of the resort's amenities while maintaining a more intimate, less crowded atmosphere than the most famous beaches.
The beach features fine golden sand sloping gently into shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters that remain wadeable for extended distances from shore, creating ideal conditions for families with young children who can play safely in the knee-deep water. The gentle seabed gradient and calm conditions resulting from the sheltered bay location make swimming pleasant for all abilities, while the exceptional water clarity allows swimmers to observe the sandy bottom and occasional small fish even in deeper areas. The shallow water warms quickly during summer months (May-October) reaching comfortable temperatures of 25-28°C that feel pleasant for extended swimming sessions. Water sports available include snorkeling near rocky areas at the beach edges where underwater rock formations host Mediterranean fish species, scuba diving instruction through local operators offering discovery dives and certification courses, and paddleboarding across the calm bay waters. The Polyxenia Isaak resort facilities accessible to beachgoers include an outdoor swimming pool with separate children's section, playground areas, beach bar serving refreshments and light meals, and full-service restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine with sea views. The landscaped gardens surrounding the beach area feature palm trees, flowering plants, and manicured lawns creating resort ambiance. The property has gained popularity as a wedding venue, with beach ceremonies and receptions held against the Mediterranean backdrop attracting couples from across Cyprus and abroad. Sunbed and umbrella rentals provide comfortable beach lounging, while showers and changing facilities ensure convenience. The surrounding area along Protaras's coastal road features numerous restaurants, bars, cafés, ice cream parlors, and shops selling beach equipment, souvenirs, and resort wear, creating comprehensive amenities within walking distance. The beach's family-friendly character attracts a different demographic than party-focused Ayia Napa, with couples, families, and older travelers appreciating the peaceful atmosphere and excellent swimming conditions. Evening strolls along the Protaras coastal promenade, connecting multiple beaches and offering sea views, represent cherished vacation activities.
Polyxenia Isaak restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine including grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs, moussaka (layered eggplant and meat with béchamel), halloumi salad with tomatoes and olives, and fresh calamari grilled or fried. Nearby Protaras restaurants include Kalamies Beach Restaurant featuring fresh fish, seafood mezze, and octopus in red wine. Mavriki Fish Tavern offers seafood platters with prawns, mussels, calamari, and local fish, traditional Cypriot mezze, and grilled lamb chops. Promises Restaurant specializes in fine dining with Mediterranean fusion cuisine including sea bream fillet with saffron risotto, beef tenderloin with truffle sauce, and desserts featuring local fruits and honey. Taverna Napa serves traditional Cypriot dishes including stifado (beef stew), afelia (pork in red wine with coriander), kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), and village salad with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and Cypriot olives.
