Cyprus · FAMAGUSTA, VAROSHA & THE GHOST CITY
11 reviewed
Varosha was a resort strip in 1974 and has stood empty behind wire ever since; Famagusta’s Gothic cathedral has been a mosque for five hundred years. These 11 tours cross to see both. Check departure town, what the crossing requires, and how long the day runs before you book.
Small-group mini bus tour to Famagusta ghost town from Protaras and Ayia Napa. Hotel pickup, border views, walled city walks.
“Interesting experience. Knowledgeable tour guide. George was fun with a great sense of humour which made it really enjoyable. Easy pick up and drop off. Just the right amount of time. Alan and Sara.”
From Paphos, see Salamis ruins, Famagusta walled city landmarks, and Varosha ghost town across the Green Line, with pickup and guide.
“Well worth the money! The guide was very knowledgeable and constantly gave info on everything that the bus was passing. The trip is long but in a comfortable bus and the journey to the north was very scenic. All the sites were interesting and rich in history.”
Red Bus Varosha from Ayia Napa and Protaras visits the ghost town of Famagusta with an English guide, pickup, and 2 hours to explore.
“Nice historical adventure great knowledge from guide and value for money picked up on time nice history more than just a holiday”
See Salamis ruins and Famagusta’s medieval core, then step into Varosha’s ghost town on a full-day tour from Paphos.
“Our guide Eva was very informative and knowledgeable, whilst also giving us her own personal account of what happened when the Turkish invaded. Thank you Eva for making this trip so memorable.”
Private day trip to medieval Famagusta from Kyrenia: St Barnabas, Salamis ruins, Gothic mosque, Namik Kemal prison, Varosha ghost town.
“We had an amazing day visiting the St. Barnabas monastery, the ruins in Salamis, the abandoned city of Varosha, admiring the gothic architecture in Famagusta with the lovely Sirin. Her passion for Cyprus history makes her a great guide. Totally recommend to book a day trip with her!”
Tour Cyprus’ divided story in Famagusta, then relax and swim in Blue Lagoon with snorkel gear and a chef-prepared lunch.
“Probably one of best trips . Our driver George Micheal (his real name) was very knowledgeable funny and passionate about the area, we learnt a lot about the history of the area ,not just the Turkish invasion.The boat trip afterwards was great although we didn,t see any turtles that was not the boats fault turtles are wild creatures and move around a lot. The meal on board was delicious and the crew very helpful.”
Private full-day loop from Nicosia to Varosha, Salamis, Bellapais Abbey, and Kyrenia Harbour, with entrances and A/C.
“Our guide Sirin Suha was really wonderful her knowledge of history was astounding she went the extra yard to allow us to really have a wonderful tour thank you Sirin”
Private Famagusta Ghost City tour from Larnaca: St Nicholas Cathedral, Othello’s Castle, Salamis ruins and monastery stops.
“We were fortunate enough to be able to take this tour from Limassol at extra cost. Our driver was very experienced, and although he provided much information, did not act as a guide, so we visited the locations ourselves. Given the venues this was not adverse. All the area is in the Turkish north of Cyprus so passports were necessary, and while there can be very long delays/queues at the border, this was January, so it was quiet. Although memorable it cannot for us be described as enjoyable, since the experience of visiting Varoche (now Maras) the up market area of Famagusta, and its desecration, now decaying after 57 years…”
Ayia Napa to Famagusta and Varosha in one day, with Salamis ruins, St Barnabas, Green Line crossing, and free time in old town.
“Excellent tour, you can see a large chunk of North Cyprus with abandoned areas of Famagusta (more than 50 years ago), St Barnabas (patron saint of Cyprus) shrine (bring your own candles) and Greco-Roman theatre and baths. A pleasant experience and a very friendly and helpful guide.”
Private 8-9 hour Kyrenia tour to St Barnabas icons, Salamis ruins, Famagusta walls, Varosha, and North Nicosia landmarks.
“Sedat picked us up at a hotel near our Airbnb in Alsancak and first drove us to eastern North Cyprus, on the way providing information on North Cyprus history not only from his perspective as a schoolteacher, but also as a resident who'd lived through the 1974 war. He patiently answered all our questions, no matter how arcane. He's the sort of tour guide we always hope to find. The tour itself includes lunch and all admission fees so there's no additional cost.”
Famagusta day trip from Paphos: Salamis, St Barnabas monastery, beach time in Famagusta, guided history, lunch included.
“The guide was very informative, loved hearing the history of the divide in Cyprus She really brought it to life”
