Famagusta, Salamis & Varosha Full-Day Tour from Paphos
Description
Venture to the dramatic east coast of Cyprus on this full-day Famagusta day trip from Paphos — where ancient ruins, medieval fortresses, and a haunting ghost town tell the most extraordinary story in the Mediterranean. Your first stop is the legendary ancient city of Salamis — once the most powerful city in Cyprus, founded according to myth by Teucer, the heroic archer of Homer's Iliad. Wander among grand ruins and feel the weight of centuries beneath your feet. Next, discover enchanting Famagusta Old Town — step inside the formidable Othello Castle, a 14th-century fortress immortalised by Shakespeare, and admire the breathtaking Cathedral of Saint Nicholas — a Gothic masterpiece inspired by Notre Dame, later transformed into a mosque. Walk atop the ancient city walls for sweeping panoramic views. The unforgettable finale? A glimpse of Varosha — the infamous ghost town frozen in time, a haunting reminder of Cyprus' turbulent history.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Once the greatest and most powerful city in all of Cyprus, ancient Salamis now lies dreaming under the Mediterranean sun — a vast and hauntingly beautiful landscape of marble colonnades, a grand Roman theatre, and sprawling gymnasium that whisper tales of emperors, myths, and forgotten glory. Walk among the ruins, feel the warm stone beneath your feet, and let the distant sound of waves carry you back two thousand years.
Rising dramatically from the streets of Famagusta Old Town, the magnificent 16th-century Venetian walls are among the best-preserved medieval fortifications in the entire world. Climb to the top and the past feels breathtakingly close — the coastline stretches endlessly before you, and the ancient stones beneath your feet still carry the echoes of Crusaders, Venetians, and Ottomans who once stood guard here. A view that stops time.
Small in size but enormous in history, Othello Castle is one of the most atmospheric spots in all of Cyprus. Built by the Lusignan dynasty in the 14th century and later fortified by the Venetians, this compact fortress is said to have inspired Shakespeare's most famous tragedy. Climb its sturdy towers, peer through ancient cannon slits, and let your imagination transport you to an era when this mighty stronghold guarded the gates of one of the Mediterranean's most powerful ports.
Wander into the living heart of Famagusta Old Town — where faded stone buildings carry centuries of stories, market stalls spill colour onto ancient streets, and the distant echo of church bells mingles with the buzz of everyday life. This is a place that rewards the slow traveller — every cobblestone corner hides a fragment of history, every sun-warmed doorway an invitation to pause, sit, and simply soak up the extraordinary atmosphere of one of the Mediterranean's most layered and fascinating cities.
Once one of the most glamorous resort destinations in the entire Mediterranean, Varosha now stands frozen in time — empty streets, abandoned hotels, and silent windows telling a story that words alone cannot capture. A ghost town left untouched since 1974, it offers a profound and deeply moving glimpse into Cyprus' complex and turbulent past. Stand at its edge, look in, and feel the extraordinary weight of history hanging in the air.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
*Your pickup begins 30 minutes before the official tour departure time. Please note that the pickup time and tour start time are different — your exact time and location will be confirmed in your ticket. *Hotel pickup: For most hotels in Paphos we collect directly from the reception. *Not staying at a hotel? Simply arrange a convenient meeting point with the operator after booking — we'll make it easy for you. *Please arrive 10 minutes early at your selected meeting point. *Stay reachable on the tour day for any last-minute updates.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Our vehicle seats up to 6 passengers. As the car is cosy rather than spacious, please consider your comfort needs before booking.
- All visitors must pass through borderline security.
- A valid passport or ID card is mandatory. Please note that holders of Armenian, Syrian, Nigerian, Turkmenistan, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi passports require a special visa to enter Northern Cyprus.
- Please pay attention that shoulders and knees should be covered during visiting monasteries and churches
- Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended
- The tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary while maintaining the full quality and scope of your experience.
Reviews(1)
A word of warning for anyone booking the day trip to Turkish occupied Cyprus through Jet2. This really is a FULL day trip of 12-14 hours so be prepared for a very long day. The trip itself is very informative & visits several sites on the Turkish side. A refreshment/toilet break is included on both the outward & return journeys around the Limassol area at a motorway service area type of place but I'd advise taking some food and drink with you to cover outward & return trips. I'd say it's not really suitable for young kids because of the long day.
Dear Traveler Hello Thank you very much for your feedback . It describes this tour very clearly and honestly. !!! Really is not recommended tour for families with small children. Thank you very much for visiting Famagusta with our team, we look forward to seeing you again and discovering Cyprus from a different perspective. Best Regards, EOS TOURS TEAM
