Salonica View is organising a historical and cultural tour of Famagusta, including the Walled City and the Ghost Town of Varosha.
About Our Tour
Our tour will begin in Nicosia, with an additional pick-up stop at Pascal in Larnaca. We will then continue towards the Pergamos crossing point via Pyla.
We will travel through Prastio, Pyrga, Stylloi and Engomi before reaching Famagusta.
During our visit, we will walk through the accessible area of Varosha, widely known as the “Ghost Town”, before continuing to the historic Walled City of Famagusta.
Inside the Walled City, we will have the opportunity to see some of Famagusta’s most important historical landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the impressive Venetian Walls, the remains of the Lusignan Palace, and Othello’s Tower, associated with William Shakespeare’s famous play Othello.
After our visit, there will be free time to rest before beginning our return journey to Nicosia.
A Few Words About Famagusta
Famagusta is located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, on the bay that bears its name.
The ancient city of Salamis was located in the wider Famagusta area, while the region was later associated with the names Arsinoe and Constantia.
Famagusta became internationally known as a major tourist destination, particularly between 1960 and 1974, largely due to its long golden sandy beaches.
Before 1974, the city had a population of approximately 40,000 people and was the third-largest city on the island. Until August 1974, the port of Famagusta was Cyprus’ main commercial port, while tourism was one of the city’s most important economic sectors.
Following the events of 1974 and the advance of Turkish forces, the Greek Cypriot population of the city was displaced. Many former residents and their descendants now live in the Republic-controlled areas of Cyprus and abroad.
Before 1974, Famagusta was also one of Cyprus’ leading tourism centres. Of approximately 100 hotels operating across the island at the time, around 45 were located in Famagusta.
Sites of Historical Interest
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
The Cathedral of Saint Nicholas is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Cyprus.
Built according to French Gothic architectural traditions, the cathedral was historically associated with the coronation of the Lusignan Kings of Cyprus as Kings of Jerusalem.
The cathedral originally featured religious artwork, frescoes and statues. Following the Ottoman conquest of Famagusta in 1571, it was converted into a mosque. Today, the building is known as the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque.
Othello’s Tower
Othello’s Tower forms part of the historic fortifications of Famagusta. The structure played an important role in the defence of the city and its harbour during the medieval and Venetian periods.
Its modern name is associated with William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Othello, which is partly set in Cyprus.
Venetian Walls
The impressive Venetian Walls of Famagusta are among the city’s most important historical landmarks and reflect its strategic importance during the Venetian period.
Lusignan Palace
The remains of the Lusignan Palace, also known as the Royal Palace, are an important part of Famagusta’s medieval heritage.
Lyceum of Greek Women of Famagusta
Another point of cultural and historical interest connected with Famagusta and its Greek Cypriot community.
Participation Fee
€25 per person
Payment will be made on the bus.
The price includes:
- Organisation and group escort
- Transportation by coach
What You Need to Bring
- Identity card or passport – required for crossing the checkpoint.
Your identity card or passport must not expire within the next two months.
- Personal belongings
- Snacks
- Water
Important Information
Note 1: When making your booking, please indicate which pick-up point you will be joining the bus from.
Note 2: For the smooth operation of the tour and for safety reasons, all participants are required to follow the instructions of the group leaders.
Note 3: In the event that the tour is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, it will be rescheduled for another date. Participants who are unable to attend on the new date will receive a refund. If weather conditions prevent the tour from taking place on the rescheduled date as well, the event will be cancelled and all participants will receive a refund.
Note 4: Photographs from our events may be published on our website and social media channels. By participating in a Salonica View event, you agree that photographs in which you may appear can be shared. If you do not wish to appear in published photographs, please inform us.
Note 5 – Cancellation Policy: In the event of a cancellation less than 48 hours before the tour, or in the case of a no-show, participants will be required to cover the full participation fee. This policy is in place to cover operational costs and reservations that have already been made.
Note 6: The group leaders reserve the right to adjust the stops and programme according to the available time and circumstances, while ensuring that the main points of interest are not omitted.
Booking -> ΕΔΩ
Once you have completed your booking, we will contact you approximately 6–7 days before the tour to confirm your details and participation.
General Information About Our Events
Four days before the tour, usually on Wednesday, all participants will receive an official update confirming whether the tour will take place.
Confirmation depends on:
- Reaching the required minimum number of participants
- Weather conditions
- Other organisational factors
