Famagousta Day Tour

Take a fascinating journey to Famagusta and Salamis in Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus on this day trip from Paphos and Limassol. Cross the border from Greek southern Cyprus and explore the ancient seaside ruins of Salamis. Perhaps swim from a beach before heading for Famagusta, a tourist hotspot before Cyprus’ division in 1974. After time for lunch (own expense), visit its medieval walled quarter to see Othello’s Tower and St Nicholas’ Cathedral. Finish with poignant views of Famagusta’s ‘ghost town’ of beach hotels, abandoned when the Greeks were forced to leave in 1974.

Highlights:

Full-day trip to Famagusta and ancient Salamis in Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus from Paphos or Limassol

Experience firsthand the different cultures of Northern Cyprus as you travel and visit the sights

Explore the ancient Greek and Roman ruins of Salamis, once Cyprus’ greatest city, overlooking the Mediterranean

Choose to swim at a beach near Salamis and enjoy free time for lunch (own expense) in Famagusta

Visit walled, old Famagusta to see Othello’s Tower and St Nicholas’ Cathedral, now a mosque

Take in views of Famagusta ‘ghost town’ with its abandoned beachfront hotels and apartment blocks frozen in time

Learn about the division of Cyprus in 1974 and the island's two distinct ways of life in one day

Details:

Start your tour with a pickup from your centrally located Paphos or Limassol hotel. Settle into your air-conditioned coach with your guide, and head eastward through picturesque countryside.

Stop for a coffee (own expense) in the village of Choirokoitia (Khirokitia), and then drive across the border into Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus at the Strovilia checkpoint.

Wind through lovely countryside to ancient Salamis, once a powerful Greek city-state. The ruins of the city overlook the Mediterranean from the east coast. Explore the sun-bleached remains of a Roman gymnasium, baths, and courtyards, and see the impressive amphitheater as your guide explains Salamis’ rise and fall.

After a guided tour, enjoy free time to explore further and perhaps swim at a nearby beach. From here, continue to Famagusta, a bustling tourist destination until Cyprus’ division in 1974. Known as Gazimağusa in Turkish, the city boasts a walled old quarter dating to the 13th century.

After free time for lunch (own expense), explore this atmospheric district. See Othello’s Tower, the medieval citadel that defended the harbor, and that may have inspired parts of Shakespeare’s play, and view the 14th-century St Nicholas’ Cathedral, now the Lala Mustafa Mosque. Check out this battle-scarred building and hear how it was damaged by the Ottoman attack in the 16th century.

Then, take in panoramic views of Famagusta’s ‘ghost town’ district, where the beachside hotels have lain eerily empty since the island was split in two.

Drive back to Greek Cyprus, where your tour ends with a drop-off at your Limassol or Paphos hotel.