European Aquatics Open Water Cup Leg 1 — Protaras

In Cyprus, Fig Tree Bay welcomes the ten-kilometre race that opens the continental open water season. Known as the opening leg of the European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup, this sea competition brings marathon swimmers together under the banner of European Aquatics in the resort town of Protaras, within the Famagusta district. Competitors assemble along the shoreline in April to take on the ten-thousand-metre challenge. The course unfolds as a scenic circuit laid out across the crystal-clear waters of the bay. Swimmers find a structured multi-lap course that tests stamina and pacing over the Olympic marathon distance. Navigating through the clear sea requires constant orientation around the guide markers as the pack strings out into drafting lines.

Spring conditions in April can occasionally bring unexpected maritime challenges to this stretch of coastline. In past editions, a significant swell prevented safety boats from entering the sea to lay out the race course, prompting officials to cancel the main open water leg. Even when adverse waves halted the open-sea event, an unofficial swim went ahead inside a local swimming pool for Special Olympics athletes, showing the dedication of the swimming community.

Fig Tree Bay: shallow turquoise waters and the sheltered islet

The competition area lies along an inviting beach extending for 500 metres against the coastal shelf. Swimmers step into the sea over fine golden sand before reaching swimming depth in shallow, crystal-clear waters. The bay takes its name from a single fig tree that has stood near the shore since the seventeenth century. Just off the bathing shore rests a small, uninhabited islet covered in low-level vegetation. The islet is easily accessible by swimming through shallow waters, creating a natural point of interest right in front of the beach. To maintain this coastal environment and counteract natural erosion, the local municipality introduced ocean sand along the shoreline.

Ancient Leukolla: from Demetrius's fleet to classical tombs

The modern shoreline of Protaras stands on the historical territory of Leukolla, an ancient city-state that once flourished along this bay. Long before modern swimmers charted racing circuits here, naval commanders recognized the strategic value of the sheltered coastline. In 306 BC, the Macedonian commander Demetrius Poliorcetes brought his naval forces into the small harbor of Leukolla, using the protected inlet while waiting to confront Ptolemy. Stroking through the bright water, swimmers pass above a seabed that has welcomed coastal vessels for thousands of years. Tangible reminders of this classical past lie buried right along the shore of Fig Tree Bay. In 2010, construction workers near the beach discovered an ancient Greek tomb. Further heritage lies scattered along the coast about thirteen kilometres away, where the ancient city of Thronoi occupied a peninsula on the southeastern edge of Cyprus. Excavations at Thronoi have brought to light archaeological remains dating from the Hellenistic and Roman eras.

Cape Greco: marine caves, migratory flyways and ancient sanctuaries

Beyond its rock formations, Cape Greco is a designated Important Bird Area. The promontory serves as a crucial migration bottleneck for raptors journeying across the open sea, making the skies above an active flyway in seasonal transit. The Ayia Napa sea monster is celebrated in harmless coastal legends, adding an imaginative dimension to the rugged promontory.

The Protaras promenade: coastal diving and waterfront dining

After completing the ten-kilometre race distance, swimmers step out onto Fig Tree Bay, the most well-known sandy beach in the entire Protaras area. The shore features a wide pedestrian promenade lined with resting areas and seaside businesses that attract visitors throughout the day. The beach is fully organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and active lifeguard surveillance running from April through October. The gentle sand gradient and clear water provide an easy exit for fatigued marathon racers. Green Bay serves as a celebrated diving site renowned for its underwater statues resting on the seabed. For more advanced underwater exploration, Cyclops Bay represents the premier technical diving spot in Protaras. The wider coast holds further coastal landmarks about fifteen kilometres from the race venue, where the resort area of Varosha lines the sea.

Between 1970 and 1974, Varosha stood among the most famous and fashionable tourist destinations in the world. Along its waterfront, Kennedy Avenue ran parallel to Glossa beach, while the Argo Hotel offered expansive vistas overlooking the Protaras area and the Bay of Sykia. Evenings in Protaras naturally gravitate to the vibrant restaurant quarter positioned directly behind the beachfront. Traditional open-air tavernas and contemporary restaurants serve local Cypriot dishes and international cuisine just steps away from the sand.