From Paphos: Famagusta, Salamis, and Varosha Walking Tour

Famagusta District, Cyprus



Explore Salamis ruins, stroll Famagusta’s old town, and walk through the haunting ghost city of Varosha—an unforgettable journey into Cyprus’s ancient and modern past.

Explore Northern Cyprus: Salamis, Famagusta, and Varosha Guided Tour

This full-day guided tour explores northern Cyprus's key historical sites, ideal for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers visiting from Famagusta or nearby.

Highlights

  • Discover the ancient city of Salamis, founded in the 12th century BC
  • Explore ruins including the theater, gymnasium, temples, and Roman baths at Salamis
  • Visit the Venetian Castle and Othello’s Tower within Famagusta’s historic walled city
  • Tour the abandoned city of Varosha, closed since 1974
  • Learn local history from an expert guide throughout the day

Description

Cross the UN buffer zone to explore some of northern Cyprus's most notable sites. Begin at Salamis, a significant archaeological area with ancient temples, a large amphitheatre, Roman baths, and a gymnasium along the coast. This site presents a detailed picture of Cyprus’s Hellenistic period.

Next, tour Famagusta’s old town, characterized by Venetian walls and historical buildings such as Othello’s Tower, the Venetian Castle, and St. Nicholas Cathedral. The preserved streets highlight centuries of cultural influence and history.

The tour concludes with a visit to Varosha, an abandoned resort frozen since 1974. Its empty streets and derelict buildings offer a unique perspective on the region's recent history.

Includes

  • Guided tours of Salamis, Famagusta Old Town, and Varosha
  • Live tour guide
  • Transport by coach
  • Entrance fees for Salamis ruins
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Excludes

  • Food and drinks

Important Information

  • Guests must carry original Passports or National Identity (ID) Cards. Only EU citizens may use ID cards to cross checkpoints; all others require passports.
  • Indian, Armenian, Syrian, Nigerian, Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal passport holders need a special visa from Turkish-occupied area authorities to cross.
  • Ukrainian refugees living in Cyprus are not allowed to re-enter the Republic of Cyprus after crossing.
  • Greek citizens must carry either a new National ID card or passport for crossing.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water for hydration.
  • A camera is recommended to capture the sites.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes Salamis ancient city ruins, Famagusta’s Venetian Castle and Othello’s Tower, and the abandoned town of Varosha in Northern Cyprus.
It is a full-day guided tour covering multiple historical locations in Northern Cyprus.
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Varosha, which has been abandoned since 1974.
An expert local guide specializing in Cypriot history leads the entire tour.
Yes, the tour focuses on key historical sites in Northern Cyprus, ideal for cultural and history travelers.
The meeting point is in Paphos; exact details are provided upon booking.
You will explore Salamis’ theater, gymnasium, temples, and Roman baths.
Yes, the tour includes visits to Famagusta’s Venetian Castle and the historic Othello’s Tower.
Yes, it is recommended to check the website for current opening hours and availability.
Yes, the tour is suitable for visitors from Famagusta and nearby areas in Cyprus.

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