Famagusta: the walled city, Salamis and Varosha
Last verified 19 October 2026
North of the Green Line. Greek: Ammochostos. Turkish: Gazimağusa.
Famagusta (Ammochostos in Greek, Gazimağusa or simply Mağusa in Turkish) was once one of the richest ports in the Mediterranean, and its walled city still holds the remains of dozens of medieval churches inside a complete ring of Venetian walls. Add the ruins of ancient Salamis just up the coast and the partly reopened district of Varosha just to the south, and it is the north’s richest area for history.
The walled city
The walls. Built and rebuilt by the Lusignans and then the Venetians, who held the city from 1489. In 1570 and 1571 they withstood an Ottoman siege for almost a year before surrendering. The walls are complete, with two original gates, the Land Gate and the Sea Gate, and the Martinengo bastion in the north west corner is the most impressive stretch.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. The former Cathedral of St Nicholas, a French Gothic cathedral begun in 1298 and consecrated in 1328, where the Lusignan kings of Cyprus were also crowned kings of Jerusalem. It became a mosque after 1571. It is still a working mosque, so dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
Othello Castle. The citadel on the harbour, built by the Lusignans and strengthened by the Venetians, whose winged lion still sits above the entrance. The name comes from the tradition that it was the setting for Shakespeare’s Othello. Restored and reopened in 2015.
Beyond those, the walled city is best explored on foot: the ruined churches of St George of the Greeks and the twin churches of the Knights Templar and Hospitaller are all within a few minutes’ walk.
North of the city
Salamis. The ancient city kingdom on the coast about eight kilometres north of Famagusta, with a Roman gymnasium lined with columns, baths, and a theatre that once seated thousands. You can easily spend half a day here, and there is a beach right beside the ruins.
The Royal Tombs. A short drive inland from Salamis, chamber tombs mostly from the 8th and 7th centuries BC, where the remains of horses and chariots were found at the entrances.
St Barnabas Monastery. Built near the tomb traditionally held to be that of the apostle Barnabas, founder of the church in Cyprus. The present buildings are 18th century and now house an icon museum and an archaeological museum.
Enkomi. A Bronze Age city a couple of kilometres further west, once a major centre of the copper trade. Mainly for those with a serious interest in archaeology.
South of the city
Varosha. The fenced former resort district, partly reopened to visitors since 2020. It is free to enter and takes a few hours on a bike. Our Varosha guide covers what is open, the rules at the gate, and why the reopening is contested.
Palm Beach. The sandy beach between the walled city and Varosha, with loungers and a lifeguard in season.
Getting there
Famagusta is about 45 minutes from Ercan airport and roughly an hour from North Nicosia. From the south, the Deryneia (Derinya) crossing near Ayia Napa and Protaras is the nearest, and our crossing points guide covers it.
Entrance fees at the north’s historical sites are small and charged in Turkish lira, and they change often, so we do not quote them.
Landmarks and historical sites
- Visiting Varosha: what is open and how to see it
A practical guide to visiting Varosha in Famagusta, the fenced former resort partly reopened in 2020, with access, rules and why it is contested.
- Salamis: visiting the ancient city, history and tips
How to visit the ruins of Salamis near Famagusta: the gymnasium, baths, theatre, basilicas and agora, plus the Royal Tombs and St Barnabas.
Beaches
- The best beaches in and around Famagusta
Famagusta beaches from Palm Beach and the Varosha shore to Glapsides, Salamis and the bay up towards Boğaz, with what each is like.