Time Travel in Famagusta (Gazimağusa): A City Where History, Culture, and Nature Meet

Famagusta, located in the south of Northern Cyprus, is an island city known for its calm and quiet sea, situated on the border of the ghost town of Varosha. It is my favorite destination both for visiting Varosha and exploring the historic walled city. Some people visit Cyprus for its casinos and cheap alcohol, but my favorite reason is the sea—especially the beautiful Famagusta coastline. In recent years, the newly opened Varosha beach has also become a great alternative, as it is a continuation of the same stunning shoreline.

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Travel Guide to Famagusta: Everything You Need to Know

Transportation Information

• How to Get to Famagusta?

  • Flights: The nearest airport is Ercan Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus. From there, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use shuttle services to reach Famagusta.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the city and surrounding areas at your own pace.
  • Public Transport: There are buses and minibuses connecting major cities in Northern Cyprus, but schedules may be limited.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels provide shuttle services from the airport or other key locations. It’s best to contact your hotel in advance to check availability.

• Getting Around the City

  • Walking: The historic walled city is best explored on foot.
  • Bicycles: Some areas are bike-friendly, offering a scenic way to get around.
  • Car: Renting a car is ideal if you plan to visit places outside the city center.

Accommodation

• Where to Stay in Famagusta?
  • Hotels: A variety of hotels ranging from budget-friendly to luxury resorts.
  • Guesthouses & Pensions: More affordable and local options.
  • Airbnb: Offers unique stays, including apartments and traditional homes.

What to Pack?

• Essentials to Bring
  • Comfortable walking shoes (for exploring the historic sites)
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A camera or smartphone for capturing beautiful sights
  • Sunscreen and a hat (especially during summer)

Safety & Rules

• Things to Keep in Mind
  • Historic Sites: Follow the rules in preserved areas, as some locations have restricted access or photography limitations.
  • Varosha Area: Recently reopened sections have specific visitor regulations—be sure to check updated guidelines.

Places to Visit in Famagusta

1. Walled City of Famagusta

• Othello Castle – A medieval fortress linked to Shakespeare’s Othello.
• Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (Former St. Nicholas Cathedral) – A stunning Gothic cathedral later converted into a mosque.
• Namık Kemal Dungeon – A historic prison where the famous Turkish poet Namık Kemal was once held.

2. Salamis Ancient City

• Roman Theatre – A well-preserved amphitheater from the Roman era.
• Roman Baths & Gymnasium – Ruins of ancient thermal baths and sports facilities.
• Colonnaded Streets – Impressive Roman-era streets lined with marble columns.

3. Famagusta City Walls

• Massive Venetian-era fortifications offering panoramic views of the city and sea.

4. Palm Beach (Altınkum Beach)

• A beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

5. Varosha (Ghost Town)

• An abandoned tourist district with a fascinating yet eerie history, partially reopened to visitors. If you are interested in visiting the ghost town read my related blog page about Varosha (Kapalı Maraş).

6. St. Barnabas Monastery & Icon Museum

• A historic monastery dedicated to Cyprus' patron saint, featuring a collection of religious icons.

7. Kantara Castle

• A breathtaking hilltop castle with panoramic views of Northern Cyprus.

Traditional Cypriot Flavors

Famagusta offers a rich culinary experience with a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Some must-try traditional Cypriot dishes include:

Hellim (Halloumi) – A semi-hard, brined cheese made from sheep’s and goat’s milk, often grilled or fried.

Şeftali Kebabı – A delicious Cypriot specialty made from minced lamb or beef wrapped in caul fat and grilled to perfection.

Macun (Fruit Preserves) – Candied fruits such as quince, walnut, or bergamot, traditionally served with coffee or cold water.

Molohiya (Mallow Stew) – A flavorful, slow-cooked dish made with jute leaves, meat, and spices.

Kolokas (Taro Root Stew) – A traditional root vegetable stew cooked with meat or tomato sauce.

Pirohu (Stuffed Pasta) – Handmade pasta filled with halloumi and mint, typically served with yogurt or butter.

Kleftiko – Slow-roasted lamb, marinated with herbs and cooked in a clay oven.

Souvla – Large cuts of meat (usually lamb or pork) grilled over charcoal on skewers.

Zivania – A strong Cypriot alcoholic drink made from distilled grape pomace.

Turkish Coffee – Served in small cups, often accompanied by a sweet macun or lokum (Turkish delight).

Additionally, the island is famous for its citrus fruits, making lemon tarts and lemonades definitely worth trying.

Practical Information & Tips

• Best Time to Visit:

  • The ideal seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant, and the sea is perfect for swimming.
  • If you can tolerate high temperatures and humidity, summer is also an option.
  • If you’re not planning to swim and just want a sunny winter getaway, winter can be a peaceful time to visit.

• Exploring the City:

  • You can easily explore Famagusta on your own since it is a relatively small city.
  • If you prefer a more in-depth experience, guided tours are also available.

  • If you're planning to rent a car, keep in mind that the traffic flows in the opposite direction, similar to the UK. Public transportation operates with limited hours and runs infrequently, so if you're traveling to another city, make sure you're aware of the return times.

    
    

                                                     

The Journey to Varosha: In the Footsteps of an Abandoned City

 Why Visit Varosha (Kapalı Maraş)?

Once a glamorous resort town, Varosha (Kapalı Maraş) in Northern Cyprus remains one of the most intriguing and mysterious destinations in the Mediterranean. Abandoned since 1974, this ghost town offers a unique glimpse into the past, frozen in time with its crumbling hotels, deserted streets, and untouched beaches. Walking through its eerie yet fascinating streets, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie scene—where time has stood still, and every corner whispers stories of its former glory. Once a hotspot for celebrities and high-profile visitors, today it stands as a powerful symbol of history, conflict, and resilience. Exploring Varosha is not just a journey through an abandoned city but also an opportunity to reflect on its cultural and historical significance, making it a must-visit for those interested in history and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Varosha (Closed Maraş) was closed in 1974 following the Turkish-Greek conflict and the Cyprus Peace Operation. After the operation, the area was abandoned due to the conflict between the Turkish and Greek military forces. Subsequently, Varosha became a military zone under UN control and was closed off to the public. After this closure, the area was gradually abandoned, with nature reclaiming much of the space, leaving it to become a forgotten place. In October 2020, a limited section of Varosha was reopened to visitors. However, it remains uninhabited, with no residential areas.

Visiting Varosha is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sense of walking through a place frozen in time, with its abandoned buildings and overgrown streets, offers a rare and surreal glimpse into history. It’s a place where past and present intertwine, making it a unique and unforgettable journey.

Transportation Information

Getting to Varosha is relatively easy, with multiple options available:

• Flights: The nearest airport is Ercan International Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus, with connections from Turkey. Alternatively, you can fly to Larnaca International Airport (LCA) in the south and cross the border.
• Car Rental: Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the region. Be sure to check border crossing regulations if coming from the south.
• Public Transport & Taxis: You can take a bus or taxi from major cities like Nicosia (Lefkoşa) or Famagusta (Gazimağusa).

Entry Rules & Permissions

Since Varosha is a military-controlled zone, specific entry procedures apply:

• Visitors are only allowed in designated areas.
• A passport or ID may be required at checkpoints.
• Drones and certain types of photography are restricted.

Accommodation Options

While there are no hotels within Varosha itself, you can find accommodation in nearby cities:

• Famagusta (Gazimağusa): Closer to Varosha, with various hotels and guesthouses.
• Nicosia (Lefkoşa): Offers a wider range of accommodations, from budget-friendly stays to luxury hotels.

What to Bring?

• To make your visit comfortable, consider packing:
• Comfortable walking shoes (some areas have uneven ground)
• Water and snacks (limited facilities in the area)
• A camera (but check photography restrictions)
• Sunscreen and a hat (especially in summer)

Safety & Rules

• Stay within permitted zones and follow local regulations.
• Respect military restrictions—some areas are off-limits.
• Photography rules vary, so check for signage or ask officials before taking pictures.
• Taking photos of military checkpoints or the UN building at the entrance is prohibited.
• Always check for signage or ask officials before taking pictures.
• Avoid touching or entering abandoned buildings, as they may be unsafe.

Arrival in Varosha and First Impressions

As you approach Varosha, you can immediately feel its haunting and captivating atmosphere. The silence, broken only by the sound of the wind rustling through abandoned buildings, creates an eerie yet fascinating experience.

The first sights that greet you are crumbling hotels, deserted streets, and nature slowly reclaiming the city—trees growing through cracked sidewalks, vines creeping up the facades of once-luxurious resorts. The contrast between what Varosha used to be and what it has become is striking.

Every abandoned home and business invites you to imagine its past—the families that once lived there, the shop owners who greeted customers, the tourists who filled the hotels and beaches. The sense of loss is palpable, and it’s impossible not to feel the weight of the history and hardships this place has witnessed.

Apart from a few cafés and beach facilities, the town is still largely deserted, preserving its ghostly aura.

The overall feeling is a mix of awe and melancholy. Walking through this ghost town, you can’t help but reflect on its past glory and the events that led to its abandonment. It’s a place where time seems to have stood still, leaving behind a powerful sense of history and an emotional impact that lingers long after you leave.

Places to Visit in Varosha (Kapalı Maraş)

Abandoned Hotels and Casinos

Once a playground for the rich and famous, Varosha’s luxurious hotels and bustling casinos now stand frozen in time. Iconic landmarks such as the Argo Hotel, which hosted celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, are now abandoned, their grandeur reduced to decaying facades. Walking past these buildings, you can almost hear the echoes of the glamorous past.

Maraş Beach

Once one of the most famous beaches in the Mediterranean, Maraş Beach was a prime destination for tourists seeking sun and luxury. Today, a section of the beach is open to visitors, offering a surreal experience—pristine waters meeting a shoreline lined with ghostly, deserted buildings. While the beach no longer hosts glamorous parties, its natural beauty remains.

Avenue of Democracy & Iconic Buildings

Walking along the Avenue of Democracy, the main avenue of Varosha, you’ll come across some of its most recognizable landmarks:

• The Famous Toyota Building: A modern-looking structure in its time, now a silent witness to the past.

• The Kodak Shop: Once a bustling photography store, now a relic of an era when tourists eagerly captured their memories on film.
• 
• Barclays Bank: A reminder of the district’s once-thriving financial activity, now standing still and abandoned.

These buildings, once symbols of economic and social life, now serve as eerie monuments to a city frozen in time.

Streets and Abandoned Shops

Walking through Varosha’s empty streets, you’ll see silent homes, rusting street signs, and shops with old signage still intact. Some stores still have items inside, untouched for decades, as if the owners intended to return but never could.

Wildlife and Nature’s Return

With human activity absent for decades, nature has reclaimed much of Varosha. Trees grow through buildings, vines wrap around long-abandoned structures, and birds nest in what were once bustling shopping centers. This contrast between urban decay and natural rebirth gives Varosha a truly haunting yet fascinating atmosphere.

Limited Facilities

Although a section of Varosha was reopened in October 2020, the area remains uninhabited, with no residential zones. Visitors will find only a few cafés and limited facilities, mostly near the beach area. Beyond these small establishments, the town retains its abandoned and mysterious feel, making it a one-of-a-kind destination.

Exploring Varosha feels like stepping into a living time capsule, where history, mystery, and nature intertwine in a way rarely seen anywhere else.

Practical Information and Tips

Best Time to Visit

My recommendation would be to visit Varosha in the fall or spring. During these seasons, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it ideal for exploring the area. In fall, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures without the summer heat, while spring offers a refreshing atmosphere as nature blooms around you.

Guided Tours

While you can explore Varosha on your own, guided tours provide valuable insight into the area's history and significance. Knowledgeable guides can take you through the key landmarks, tell you the stories behind the abandoned buildings, and explain the cultural and political importance of the site.

Things to Do Nearby

If you're in the area, there are several other places worth visiting:

• Famagusta (Gazimağusa): Explore the medieval Othello Castle, the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, and the Salamis Ruins, a well-preserved ancient city.
• Nicosia (Lefkoşa): The Ledra Street crossing is a must-see, as it connects the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parts of the city. Also, visit the Cyprus Museum and the Selimiye Mosque.

Transportation Options

At the entrance of Famagusta, you can explore the area using bikes, two-wheeled scooters (electric skateboards), and electric vehicles for a fee. If you prefer walking, you can explore the area on foot and then catch an electric vehicle at the end point to cover more ground.

Food and Drink Recommendations

While Varosha itself offers limited facilities, you can find great food and drink in the nearby cities:

• Famagusta (Gazimağusa): Try the local Cypriot meze (small appetizers) at one of the traditional restaurants, or enjoy fresh seafood at Famagusta Harbour.
• Nicosia (Lefkoşa): You can taste souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), halloumi cheese, and Cypriot coffee at local cafés or restaurants. Don’t miss out on lokma, a popular sweet treat.