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Famagusta is the capital of the district of the same name which in Greek is Ammochostos which means 'hidden in sand'. The town of Famagusta, Varosha in Greek, is now in the Turkish side of the Green Line.
After the invasion of the island in 1974, the town was fenced off and now resembles a ghost town. Before the invasion of 1974, the town was compared to Miami beach. The beaches were so beautiful, the scenery stunning and the hotels excellent.
Greek Nobel poet laureate George Seferis loved the landscape of the island so much that he wrote a book of poems entitled Imerologio Katastromatos III. Seferis also used his diplomatic position to try to help solve the terrible suffering of the island.
Byzantine Churches, Rustic Villages & Beautiful Beahes
The area is very beautiful and full of Byzantine churches, rustic villages and hundreds of windmills which make this a truly enchanting area of the island. The beaches are still beautiful and known for being the best on the island. Today many tourists stay in the nearby popular resorts of Protaras and Agia Napa.
Salamis
The ancient city of Salamis, once the capital of Cyprus in 1100BC, extends along the sea shore. For many years the ancient Roman city was buried in sand and this helped preserve it from being looted and destroyed.
Kokkinochoria (Red Villages)
If you've ever tasted Cyprus potatoes then you'll know they're the most delicious in the world and taste especially good when made as chips, roast or in salads. The fertile red earth where they're grown is in the area of Ammochostos and the villages of this area are called Kokkinochoria - red villages.
Tours from Paphos and Limassol
Travel eastwards to Famagusta, once the island's most popular tourist destination where you will view the so called "ghost town", inaccessible since the Turkish invasion of 1974. You will drive into the old town where free time will be given for a walk and a visit to Othello Tower, which guards the harbor. The tour continues to the ancient city of Salamis, with its well preserved Baths and theatre. There is also a visit of St Barnabas church and museum. There will be free time for lunch by St Nicolas gothic church, which is now a mosque.
Tours from Ayia Napa or Protaras.
Travel to the seaside town of Famagusta, once the island's most popular tourist destination, famous for its glorious sandy beaches. Travel into the old town where free time will be given to walk around and explore the area in leisure. Highlights include Othello Tower which guards the harbor and St Nicolas, a gothic church which is now a mosque. Continue your trip towards the so called "ghost town" inaccessible since the Turkish invasion of 1974. From the beach, you will be able to see the stretch of abandoned hotels. Ample time will be given for a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Northern Exposure - Famagusta, Kyrenia and BellapaisTravel eastwards to Famagusta, once the island's most popular tourist destination where you will view the so called "ghost town", inaccessible since the Turkish invasion of 1974. You will drive into the old town where free time will be given for a walk and a visit to Othello Tower, which guards the harbor. Continue along the winding route up and over the Pentadaktylos Mountains with some spectacular views, to visit the famous gothic Abbey of Bellapais. Spend time in the picturesque and historic port of Kyrenia including a tour of its medieval fortress, Kyrenia Castle, and the famous shipwreck museum. Take in the sights and sounds as you wander round the harbor area, where free time is given for exploring and lunch.
Hotels in Cyprus
Cheap Flights to Cyprus
Getting Around
Getting to Cyprus
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