An Expat Talks about Living in Protaras, Cyprus

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Protaras

How long have you lived there?

8 months

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Initally contact with expats living around you. I have not joined any clubs but have a lot of leisure contact both with my Greek and expat neigbours.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

I find different nationalities mix frequently but in general each nationality tends to live in an area of their own nationality. In terms of religious diversity most nationalities attend their own church but some,like myself, also attend service of a different religion such as Greek orthodox.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

The main industries are holiday related, its very difficult to find a job in the winter months. Most job opportunities appear to be achieved by word of mouth.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

The majority of ex pats I find are retired like myself. Of the younger families the younger children seem to go to Greek schools and very quickly adapt to the Greek language. The older children tend to go to fee paying British schools.

Socialising I find is the vocal point during the winter months as Protaras is very quiet in the winter.

Many of the younger couples tend to find some kind of work, for example, looking after expat properties in between rentals, house painting, hedge cutting and bar work etc but mainly during the summer months.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

If you are retired I would recommend Protaras all year around, but if a family would advise they settle in Paphos, Limmasol or Larnica as there are more schools and job opportunities