Famagusta Ghost Town Tour from Ayia Napa

Varosha: the abandoned quarter

Varosha, called Maras in Turkish, was a fashionable resort quarter of Famagusta in the 1970s, full of high-rise hotels, cafes and beaches. In 1974 its residents left and the area was fenced off, and for decades nature and time slowly took over the buildings. Part of it has been open to visitors since 2020, and travellers looking for a Famagusta ghost town tour come to walk these silent streets and see how a city can stop overnight.

Visits are only possible in a designated zone, so a guide is valuable for explaining the history and where you may walk and take photos. You see empty hotels, shopfronts and apartment blocks with plants growing through them, and the guide tells the story of the people who once lived there. Follow the guide's instructions at all times, as the area is monitored.

Famagusta old town and the Venetian walls

Behind the ghost town lies old Famagusta, a walled city once among the richest ports in the Mediterranean. The medieval Venetian walls are about 3 kilometres long and still surround the old town, with bastions and a moat. Inside is a maze of ruined churches and mosques that shows how many cultures met here, and the free time on this tour lets you explore at your own pace.

The most striking building is the former Saint Nicholas Cathedral, a Gothic church built by the Lusignan kings that was later turned into a mosque and is now known as the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Its west front looks like a French cathedral and a minaret at the same time. Travellers who search for what to see in Famagusta will find this building, the walls and the harbour the main sights.

The Deryneia crossing and identity documents

The tour leaves government-controlled Cyprus through the Deryneia checkpoint, the crossing that leads to the Famagusta area. Crossing rules are strict, and you must bring an original passport or, for citizens of the European Union, an original national identity card. Photocopies and driving licences are not accepted, and the crossing takes time, so patience is part of the day.

Entry rules depend on nationality, and some nationalities need extra permission or visas, so please contact us before booking if you are unsure. The guide manages the formalities with you and the driver, but the responsibility for valid documents is yours. Do not carry prohibited items and follow all instructions at the checkpoint.

Small-group tour from Ayia Napa

A small-group format with a maximum of 8 people means more comfort in the vehicle and a more personal tour. Pickup is from your hotel in Ayia Napa or Protaras at around 07:45, so you can plan a full day around the trip afterwards. The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, and the guide explains the history during the drive as well as on foot.

Entry to archaeological sites, food and drinks and swimming are not included, so bring some cash for a coffee or a snack in the old town. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, because there is a lot of walking in the open air. If you want a longer day with Salamis and Saint Barnabas Monastery, look at our full-day Famagusta and Salamis tour.