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.