Famagusta (Ammochostos in Greek, Gazimağusa in Turkish) is on the east coast, in the part of the island administered by the Turkish Cypriot authorities since 1974. In the fourteenth century it was one of the richest ports in the Mediterranean, and its merchants filled the walled city with churches. Many still stand, roofless or converted, inside the Venetian walls that held out for almost a year against the Ottoman siege of 1570–71.
The centrepiece is the former Cathedral of St Nicholas, a French Gothic masterpiece converted into the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. On the seafront, Othello Castle recalls Shakespeare’s play, set in “a seaport in Cyprus”. A few kilometres north lies Salamis, for centuries the island’s leading city, with a Roman gymnasium, theatre and baths spread among the dunes. Visitors from the south usually come on a day trip via the crossing points near Ayia Napa and Protaras.
Highlights
- Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque — the Gothic Cathedral of St Nicholas with a minaret on its tower.
- The Venetian walls — among the best-preserved Renaissance fortifications in the Mediterranean.
- Othello Castle — a citadel on the harbour with Shakespearean associations.
- Salamis — the gymnasium colonnade, the Roman theatre and seaside ruins.
- St Barnabas Monastery — an icon museum near Salamis.
- Varosha — the long-fenced seaside district, partly opened to visitors in recent years.
Quick facts
| Where | East coast of the island |
|---|---|
| Administration | Turkish Cypriot administration; reached from the south via crossing points |
| Currency | Turkish lira (TRY); euros often accepted |
| Airport | Larnaca (LCA), about 1 h plus the crossing |
| Ideal stay | A day trip from Ayia Napa or Protaras |
| Getting around | Walk the walled city; car, taxi or tour for Salamis |
How long to stay & where to base yourself
A day trip from Ayia Napa, Protaras or Larnaca is enough for the walled city and Salamis. Staying overnight in the north is a personal choice; if you do, the walled city has small guesthouses and there are beach hotels north of town near Salamis. Carry your passport or ID card and check current crossing rules.
