Famagusta is a walled city located on the east side of Cyprus, and it is the capital of the Famagusta district. It is significant in Cyprus’ recent history, because it suffered a lot of damage during the Turkish invasion in 1974, and was partially abandoned after. Today it is still known to have a vibrant nightlife, and many archaeologically appealing sites. The ghostly feel of some parts of the city make it a very interesting place to visit.
Getting there
The closest airport to Famagusta is Lanarca, however there is no direct public transport, so you will need to take a hired car or taxi.
What to do in Famagusta
Take a stroll around the old city, where you can visit many old buildings with charming architecture. You will notice some buildings that still have cannonballs in them from the Turkish siege in 1571.
The walls around this part of the city are some of the best preserved Venetian fortifications in the Easter Mediterranean, and you will be able to walk on top of them to get some inspiring views of the city. If you walk along the walls by the harbour, you’ll eventually come to the Canbulat and Tomb and Museum, which is all about an important historical figure from Famagusta.
Alternatively, if great views are what you are after, climb to the top of the 12th-century Othello’s citadel, and you’ll be able to see around for miles.
I definitely recommend visiting the Mustafa Paşa Mosque (formerly the Cathedral of St. Nicholas), and St. George’s church, which has some beautiful frescoes. Other important landmarks are the Namik Kemal prison museum, and the remains of the Royal Palace, where early Cypriot kings and queens were crowned.
If you’re looking for sun and sand, visit the Bediz, Glapsides and Nagomi beaches. They are all great places to work on your tan or go swimming. On Glapsides beach, you can also catch Dolphin cruises. Scuba Diving is very popular in this area, and you can go on dives to see some shipwrecks in the Karpas area, if that’s your thing.
In terms of nightlife, Famagusta has plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as a popular casino in the Salamis Bay Conti Hotel.
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The closest airport to Famagusta is Lanarca, however there is no direct public transport, so you will need to take a hired car or taxi.
What to do in Famagusta
Take a stroll around the old city, where you can visit many old buildings with charming architecture. You will notice some buildings that still have cannonballs in them from the Turkish siege in 1571.
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| Ruins of St George of the Greeks Church |
Alternatively, if great views are what you are after, climb to the top of the 12th-century Othello’s citadel, and you’ll be able to see around for miles.
I definitely recommend visiting the Mustafa Paşa Mosque (formerly the Cathedral of St. Nicholas), and St. George’s church, which has some beautiful frescoes. Other important landmarks are the Namik Kemal prison museum, and the remains of the Royal Palace, where early Cypriot kings and queens were crowned.
If you’re looking for sun and sand, visit the Bediz, Glapsides and Nagomi beaches. They are all great places to work on your tan or go swimming. On Glapsides beach, you can also catch Dolphin cruises. Scuba Diving is very popular in this area, and you can go on dives to see some shipwrecks in the Karpas area, if that’s your thing.
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| Famagusta - city of ghosts in Cyprus teritory occupied by Turkey |
In terms of nightlife, Famagusta has plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as a popular casino in the Salamis Bay Conti Hotel.
