To Kafeneion at Cavo Maris Beach Hotel, Protaras — What to Know Before You Go (2026)

Being inside Cavo Maris Beach Hotel, it mainly serves hotel guests, but it’s easy enough to access if you’re staying elsewhere in Protaras and want a quiet spot away from the main strip. The crowd is a mix of Cypriot families, hotel holidaymakers and a few people who know it for its signature dessert.

Mahalepi
This is the standout item and the reason many people seek out To Kafeneion. Mahalepi is a traditional Cypriot chilled dessert made with a light, jelly-like starch base served in syrup, typically rose or cherry. Here it’s known as the venue’s “famous” speciality and is worth ordering even if you’re not usually into desserts. It’s refreshing, not heavy, and works particularly well after a swim or a hot beach day.

Traditional Cypriot coffee
Served in the classic small cup, with the usual choices:

If you haven’t tried Cypriot coffee before, start with a metrios. It’s strong, so sip slowly and don’t drink the grounds at the bottom.

Iced coffee and soft drinks
For something less intense than Cypriot coffee, expect the usual range of frappé, iced coffees and soft drinks. These are the go-to options if you’re just coming up from the beach and want to cool down.

Small snacks and traditional flavours
While the post highlights the mahalepi, most hotel kafeneia also offer simple bites such as:

Treat it as a place for coffee and something small rather than a full sit-down meal.

The feel here is quiet and low-key, with a strong holiday rhythm. People drift in from the pool or the beach, grab a table in beachwear, and stay for a coffee, dessert and a chat.

You’re close enough to the sea to catch the breeze and hear the water, but still within the structure of a hotel, so everything is ordered and straightforward. It’s a good option if you like the idea of “local” but don’t want to leave the hotel zone or deal with busy resort streets.

Expect:

Location:
To Kafeneion is located inside Cavo Maris Beach Hotel in Protaras, on the south-eastern coast of Cyprus. Protaras is a short drive from Ayia Napa and forms part of the Paralimni area.

Access:

When to go:
Daytime to early evening is best, especially if you want mahalepi as a cool dessert after the beach. In high season, expect more people but still a calmer feel than central Protaras.

Who it suits:

Plan a swim at the nearby beach or a walk along the coastal path, then stop at To Kafeneion for mahalepi and a Cypriot coffee before heading back. It’s an easy way to add an authentic local flavour to a resort day in Protaras without making a big detour.

To Kafeneion, Cavo Maris Beach Hotel, Protaras — Visitor Guide 2026

What To Expect

What to Order

• Glykis (sweet)
• Metrios (medium sweet)
• Sketos (no sugar)

• Little pastries or biscuits to go with coffee
• Possibly village-style bread or small meze-style nibbles at busy times

Vibe and Atmosphere

• A slower pace than the main Protaras strip
• Casual dress (swimwear with a cover-up is fine)
• A mix of languages, but staff are used to international visitors

Practical Information

• Easiest by car or taxi from anywhere in Protaras or Ayia Napa.
• If you’re staying at Cavo Maris, it’s within the hotel grounds, near the pool and seafront area.

• Beachgoers wanting a traditional treat without leaving the hotel zone
• Couples and families looking for a relaxed coffee and dessert stop
• Visitors curious about Cypriot sweets and coffee in a very accessible setting

Closing Tip