Our most recommended things to do in Varosha

From Larnaca: Famagusta and Salamis Tour

1. From Larnaca: Famagusta and Salamis Tour

Start with pickup from the meeting point in Larnaca and travel to the city of Famagusta. Upon arrival discover some of the most historic landmarks of the city and the surrounding areas with your expert guide. Visit the Monastery of Saint Barnabas and the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis (entrance fees are not included). Then, continue to the ancient town center of Famagusta and explore the Venetian fortifications which surround the town. Visit optionally the Gothic Church of Saint Nicolas and Othello Castle (entrance fees are not included in the price). Then, take some free time to explore the area, sightseeing, shopping, and lunch (optional, not included in price). After exploring the city, head down towards the beach area where you can see "Ghost Town" beside a long stretch of golden sand with crystal clear water. Take some free time to relax on the beach and for some swimming and visit the newly opened part of Varosha, the Ghost Town, before driving back to Larnaca.

Protaras: Family cruise with freshly cooked BBQ lunch

2. Protaras: Family cruise with freshly cooked BBQ lunch

The St Georgios has been recently refurbished and now offers a charming cruise that has everything that you will need for the perfect excursion with all the flavor and warmth of Cyprus. You really can't get anything more authentic when you realise that you are sitting on the Private Yacht of the 4th President of Cyprus, Glafcos Clarides. A genuine boat straight out of the history books. Join us and relax on this family cruise, you can meet us at the boat or we can arrange transfers from local resorts and back again. This facility is available when you book. We will leave Protaras behind us as we head towards Famagusta to view the ghost town of Varosha, and learn about what happened back in 1974 to divide this beautiful island. Then, hugging the coastline, we pass Fig Tree Bay before arriving in the Cape Greco National Park Area where you will see the Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge and the Sancta Maria Shrine. These really are instagram moments! Steering in the direction of the beautiful Blue Lagoon, we will moor the boat so that you can take a dip in the turquoise waters before we tempt your taste buds with our delicious BBQ chicken, home made chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread & Tzatziki, Cypriot Style. For our vegetarian Friends we have Moussaka, and to keep the kids happy we can prepare chicken nuggets. Our bar will be open throughout the cruise where you can purchase drinks and snacks, or you can always upgrade to our inclusive package of unlimited wine, soft drinks and fruit juice As we re-trace our tracks back to Protaras we will pop into Turtle bay where we hope you will experience the unforgettable thrill of swimming with turtles. Sailing past the picturesque coastline of Protaras you can look through the beautiful pictures that you have taken during your cruise and share the precious memories with friends and family, using the free WiFi. At the end of your cruise, we will return those with transfers back to their resorts.

From Ayia Napa: Famagusta and Salamis Coach Tour

3. From Ayia Napa: Famagusta and Salamis Coach Tour

This trip gives you the chance to visit the beautiful coastal town of Famagusta and go as near as possible to the fenced part of the town that is known all around the world as the "Ghost Town". Visit and free time in Famagusta Old Town Centre to see the Venetian Walls in the old part of the town and a visit at the Gothic church of Saint Nicolas and Othello Castle (optional extra, not included in the price) and for a lunch (optional extra). Visit optionally Monastery of Saint Barnabas, the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church and the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis. Enjoy free time at the "Golden Beach" of Famagusta and at the newly opened part of Varosha, also known as the "Ghost Town".

From Protaras: Day Trip to Famagusta and Salamis

4. From Protaras: Day Trip to Famagusta and Salamis

Get off the beaten track and visit the beautiful coastal town of Famagusta. Delve into Cyprus' rich history and culture on a full-day tour from Protaras. Following a pickup from your accommodation, head towards Famagusta. Get up close to the fenced-off part of the town, known as the Ghost Town. Then, join an optional excursion to the Monastery of Saint Barnabas and the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis. Continue the tour to Famagusta Old Town to see the famous 15th-century Venetian Walls, the Gothic Church of Saint Nicolas (optional, all the entrance fees are not included to the price), and the Othello Castle and enjoy free time for walking or lunch (optional extra, not included in the price). The last stop of the tour takes you to the beach located next to the Ghost Town. Enjoy some free time and dive into the refreshing waters after a day of sightseeing or walk in the newly opened part of Varosha, also known as the "Ghost Town". Take in scenic views of the coast with its golden sand and turquoise waters.

Paphos: Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers

5. Paphos: Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers

The first stop will be Choirokoitia for a coffee break before continuing to Strovilia check point (passports necessary) to cross the United Nations Green Line. We will arrive at the monastery of St Barnabas which has now been converted into a museum housing icons and other religious artefact. We will also see the tomb of St Barnabas. We continue to the ancient Kingdom of Salamis built in the 12th Century BC and visit the amphitheatre and gymnasium. We arrive in the city of Famagusta with its many Gothic churches and surrounded by Venetian walls. There will be time to visit the Cathedral of St Nikolaos built in 1312 and converted in 1570 into a mosque as well as free time for sightseeing, shopping, and lunch (not included). Finally, short walking to visit part of the “Ghost Town – Varosi” to see the abandoned houses and hotels which have been closed off behind wire since 1974 and admire the best sandy beaches of the island. Important: Passport or EU ID (only for EU citizens) required. There are 4 nationalities: Turkmenistan, Nigeria, Syria & Armenia cannot cross the checkpoint.

From Larnaca: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

6. From Larnaca: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

Pickup is between 07:45 - 8:05 AM from your starting point. Drive towards the Strovolia checkpoint and cross into Northern Cyprus.  A short drive close to the ghost town will help to give you an idea of the invasion of 1974. There will be some free time to explore the old town of Famagusta with the majestic Gothic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the big square, and the vibrant cafes, streets, and shops. Continue to Bellapais Abbey for and marvel at the breath-taking views over the coast of Kerynia. At Kerynia, there will be free time to visit Kerynia castle, stroll along the picturesque harbour or to enjoy lunch or coffee in one of the numerous taverns at the sea (optional extra, not included). In the afternoon, return via the checkpoint Strovilia to your starting point. You will arrive back at approximately 6:00 PM.

Protaras: Adults Only cruise with freshly cooked BBQ lunch

7. Protaras: Adults Only cruise with freshly cooked BBQ lunch

The St Georgios has been recently refurbished and now offers a charming cruise that has everything that you will need for the perfect Adults Only excursion with all the flavor and warmth of Cyprus. You really can't get anything more authentic when you realise that you are sitting on the Private Yacht of the 4th President of Cyprus, Glafcos Clarides. A genuine boat straight out of the history books. Join us and relax on this Adults Only cruise, you can meet us at the boat or we can arrange transfers from local resorts and back again. This facility is available when you book. We will leave Protaras behind us as we head towards Famagusta to view the ghost town of Varosha, and learn about what happened back in 1974 to divide this beautiful island. Then, hugging the coastline, we pass Fig Tree Bay before arriving in the Cape Greco National Park Area where you will see the Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge and the Sancta Maria Shrine. These really are instagram moments! Steering in the direction of the beautiful Blue Lagoon, we will moor the boat so that you can take a dip in the turquoise waters before we tempt your taste buds with our delicious BBQ chicken, home made chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread & Tzatziki, Cypriot Style. For our vegetarian Friends we have Moussaka, and to keep the kids happy we can prepare chicken nuggets. Our bar will be open throughout the cruise where you can purchase drinks and snacks, or you can always upgrade to our inclusive package of unlimited wine, soft drinks and fruit juice As we re-trace our tracks back to Protaras we will pop into Turtle bay where we hope you will experience the unforgettable thrill of swimming with turtles. Sailing past the picturesque coastline of Protaras you can look through the beautiful pictures that you have taken during your cruise and share the precious memories with friends and family, using the free WiFi. At the end of your cruise, we will return those with transfers back to their resorts.

Ayia Napa: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

8. Ayia Napa: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

Pickup will be between 08:10am-8:35am from the hotel/pick up point, you will drive towards the Strovilia Checkpoint. Once there you will cross the line to the occupied north, where a short drive close to the ghost town of Famagusta will give you an idea of the invasion of 1974. Whilst there some free time will be given to explore the old town of Famagusta, including the majestic Gothic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the big square, and the vibrant cafes and narrow streets. Continuing to Bellapais Abbey, you can marvel at the breathtaking views over the coast of Kerynia. Once at Kerynia, free time will be given to visit the Kerynia Castle, stroll by the picturesque harbor, or enjoy lunch or coffee in one of the numerous taverns by the sea (lunch is not included in the price). In the afternoon, return via the checkpoint Deryneia to your starting point where you will return at approximately 5:30pm-6:00pm.

From Protaras: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

9. From Protaras: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

Pickup will be at 7:40-8:05AM from your accommodation, at which point you will drive towards the Strovilia checkpoint to cross the line to the occupied north. From there, a short drive close to the Ghost Town will provide you with an idea of the invasion of 1974. All houses and hotels in this fenced sealed-off area of Famagusta cannot be entered. Free time will then be given to explore the old town of Famagusta including the majestic Gothic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the big square, and the vibrant cafes and narrow streets, complete with shops. You'll then continue to the Bellapais Abbey to visit and marvel at the breathtaking views over the coast of Kerynia. Once at Kerynia, free time will be given so that you can visit Kerynia Castle, stroll along the picturesque harbor, or enjoy lunch or coffee in one of the numerous taverns at the sea (lunch is not included in the price). In the afternoon you'll return via the checkpoint, returning to your tour starting point at 5:30-6:00PM.

From Nicosia: Famagusta and Kyrenia Circle Day Trip

10. From Nicosia: Famagusta and Kyrenia Circle Day Trip

Following pick-up from your hotel, you will head out to the northern part of Cyprus. There you will get the chance to observe the Mesaria Plain, Kyrenia Mountain and numerous villages where the Greek and Turkish used to live together before 1974. Upon arrival, you will begin by exploring Varosha, a once vibrant tourist quarter of Famagusta, but now a ghost town due to conflicts in the 1970s. Afterwards, you will head to the Famagusta City Wall, where you'll see the Saint Nicolas Cathedral, now known as the Lala Mustafa Mosque. You will then have 40 minutes of free time to explore the area and enjoy some coffee. Your tour will resume with a visit to the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis. There, you will be taken on a guided tour around the archaeological site, which includes a beautiful ancient Greek theater, marble columns, Roman baths and a gymnasium. Afterwards, you'll have the option of stopping for 45 minutes to enjoy some lunch at a nearby restaurant. You will then head back out on a 75-minute drive to Kyrenia. You'll also have the chance to stop at Iskele/Bogaz fishing harbor village for a coffee break (depending on time). At Kyrenia, you will first stop at Bellapais to see the gorgeous Bellapais Abbey, a ruined 13th-century abbey in the Five Fingers Mountains. Finally, you will have 20 minutes to explore the harbor town of Kyrenia, which is regarded as the jewel of North Cyprus.

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What people are saying about Varosha

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 2 reviews

we had a great guide, the tour was super interesting there was enough time everyone traveling with us was very punctual only the first stop should not be mentioned or the point of interest approached just looking up from the motorway service area is not enough annoying but probably not to change is the waiting time at the checkpoint,

Great experience! Eleni & Kostas were great! very informative and friendly! Price is also very good for what you get. Highly recommended. If i can be picky, maybe i would like more time in Salamis instead of in Famagusta old town. but of course this is different taste for different people. Still an overall great experience

The pickup including the transport to Salamis and Famagusta was great. Great, friendly tour guide who provides information about the place, country and people. Would I book again!

Besides the great experience in Famagusta area, our guide was amazing. Very informative and always willing to serve us. Thank you Eleni and Kostas (bus driver)