Famagusta, North Cyprus
Steeped in its history with castles and cathedrals, Famagusta is not without charm. Great beaches and local restaurants will have you relaxing in no time.
Famagusta
Famagusta is situated on the east coast of North Cyprus, and with some of the best beaches on the island this is the ideal choice for a relaxing holiday. The capital city of Nicosia is around 60km away.
Read more about: Beaches | Things to Do | Out and About | Nearby Attractions | Famagusta Reviews
Beaches
Soft golden sand beaches link almost one after the other around the Famagusta Bay, starting with Palm Beach which adjoins the abandoned Maras Beach in Famagusta town. A little further north the public beach of Glapsides is popular with a lively atmosphere and, continuing around the bay, you will find Bediz Beach and Silver Beach. Silver Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling as it has a submerged harbour and all the beaches shelve gently into calm Mediterranean waters.
For the quietest beaches, including the lovely dune backed Nagomi Beach, head around the bay and up to the Karpaz peninsula.
Things to Do
The city of Famagusta is surrounded by ancient Venetian walls and bastions and you can admire extensive views over the harbour from the battlements at the 12th century Othello Tower. Opposite the ruins of the Venetian Palace you can visit the 13th century Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, a former Cathedral and a magnificent example of Gothic architecture.
At the southern end of Famagusta Bay, the resort of Varosha was also once a thriving tourist hot-spot but, is now known as the 'Ghost Town'. Standing still in time and uninhabited since the Turkish invasion in 1974, views to the town and it's deserted beaches provide a haunting experience. You can learn about the invasion at the Canbulat Museum located in Famagusta.
In the heart of Famagusta Bay, the ancient city of Salamis is a huge archaeological site where you can see the remains of the colonnaded gymnasium and baths, the restored amphitheatre, the water reservoir, the agora and Temple of Zeus.
Out and About
There is a wide choice of bars and restaurants along the waterfront in Famagusta and around the bay. For the liveliest nightlife, the resorts of Protaras and Ayia Napa are around 30-40 minutes away.
There is a red tour bus which runs around the city and surrounding area, which offers interesting commentary and a good opportunity to get your bearings.
Nearby Attractions
The Karpaz Peninsula is, for now at least, a picturesque and natural region with timeless rural villages and dozens of golden beaches backed by sand dunes and unspoiled landscapes.
Nearby resorts with sight-seeing attractions include Kyrenia, Nicosia and Larnaca Bay, all of which are 30 to 60 minutes drive away.
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