Famagusta Things To Do

Famagusta is a haven for history-lovers, boasting an abundance of ancient sites, churches, cathedrals and palaces throughout its town centre. Attractions in this open-air museum include Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Othello Castle, St Barnabas Monastery, the Sea Gate and the Kertikli Baths.

 

Salamis remains one of the world's most important archaeological sites, with the famous Roman ruins, formerly the island's capital, covering a huge area just outside Famagusta. There's plenty to see at the well-preserved site, from the ancient amphitheatre still used as a music venue, to the forum and Roman baths. If you are looking for a beach holiday the area also has a lovely sandy beach which runs along the entire length of the site - with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling and scuba-diving. 

 

The beaches in the Famagusta area are mostly clean and unspoilt, and offer a tranquil base for sunbathing. Those with convenient tourist facilities include Bediz and Glapsides, whilst Nangomi, Bafra and Silver Beach offer real peace and quiet on golden sandy shores. 

 

Nature-lovers will appreciate the stunning Karpas Peninsula - a wild and remote region boasting lush pine and cypress forests, home to a wide range of endemic species of flora and fauna. There's also beautiful unspoilt beaches to discover, with deserted stretches all along the coastline, as well as traditional fishing villages dotted throughout the region, known as the island's nature reserve.   

 

If you are interested in an activity holiday the water sports available include snorkelling and scuba-diving, with tennis and swimming on offer at local hotels and apartments. Walking and hiking in the surrounding area is popular, as is mountain biking and horse riding.  

 

With the town home to a great selection of shops and bazaars, there's plenty of opportunity for browsing local handicrafts, and buying authentic gifts and souvenirs. Choose from clothing, sunglasses and handbags, or traditional lacework, copper, silvery, pottery, leather, wine and brandy.  

 

Other attractions include the now deserted Varosia, a former beach resort that has remained behind barbed wire since the Turkish invasion in 1974, and the ancient ruins at Enkomi. Travel along the coast to the pretty harbour town of Kyrenia, and head inland to visit the quaint hillside village of Bellapais and its majestic ruined abbey. Whilst on a Famagusta holiday, visitors can venture to Southern Cyprus and experience the major tourist resorts of Larnaca and Ayia Napa, for a complete change of pace.