Day Tour to Famagusta, Ghost Town & Ancient Salamis

Experience the Best of Cyprus with the Day Tour to Famagusta, Ghost Town & Ancient Salamis

This day-long adventure from Paphos costs $65.28 per person and lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours. It offers a detailed exploration of Cyprus’ history, culture, and geopolitics through visits to Salamis, Famagusta’s historic old town, and the famous ghost town of Varosha. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5-star review from 19 participants, and has been praised for its knowledgeable guide and thought-provoking stops.

The tour includes hotel pickup, a mobile ticket, and covers all admission fees for the sites. It’s suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as some sites involve walking and uneven terrain. While the day is long, the pace is well-managed, offering a meaningful glimpse into Cyprus’ layered history and current issues.

Key Points

• Price of $65.28 per person for an 11-hour guided experience
• Includes visits to Salamis, Famagusta, and Varosha ghost town
• Guided by Eva, known for her personal stories and expertise
• All site fees covered, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Tour departs at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup available in Paphos
• Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels

Crossing the UN Buffer Zone into Northern Cyprus

This tour begins with hotel pickups in Paphos, ensuring convenience for participants. It then crosses the UN buffer zone, a significant geopolitical checkpoint that separates the southern and northern parts of Cyprus. This crossing involves showing passports at Strovilia, highlighting the tour’s unique access to Northern Cyprus sites.

The crossing is straightforward but an important part of the journey, providing context about the island’s division. The overall logistics are smooth, with a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle making the long day manageable.

Visiting the Ancient City of Salamis: Roman and Byzantine Marvels

The highlight for many is the Salamis archaeological site, where the ruins of a city from the 12th century BC reveal Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine influences. Visitors explore ruined temples, a large theatre, and a sprawling gymnasium. The site’s expansive ruins are perfect for history enthusiasts, with well-preserved mosaics and architecture that tell stories of Salamis’ past grandeur.

The visit lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing plenty of time to stroll among the remains and absorb the history. The admission is included, making the experience both enriching and straightforward.

Famagusta’s Old Town and Medieval Highlights

Next, the tour heads to Famagusta’s old town, a hub of medieval architecture and history. The St. Nicholas Cathedral, now the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, showcases stunning Gothic architecture. The visit offers insight into the city’s layered history, from its medieval days to its modern transformation.

Participants have about 2 hours and 30 minutes in Famagusta for exploring, including optional time for lunch (not included). The town’s streets, fortified walls, and religious sites offer a glimpse of its ancient importance and ongoing cultural significance.

Walking Through the Haunting Ghost Town of Varosha

The most poignant part of the tour involves a guided walk through Varosha, the abandoned resort town that has remained fenced off since 1974. Led by knowledgeable guides, this 45-minute tour reveals streets filled with abandoned hotels and homes, frozen in time. It presents a sobering look at Cyprus’ division and the impact of the Turkish invasion.

End the visit at the famous Constantia Beach, where the contrast between the town’s ghostly silence and the calm sea underscores the complex history of the region.

Practicalities of the Tour: Pacing, Group Size, and Comfort

The tour operates with a max of 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group size for meaningful interaction. The itinerary is paced well, with short breaks at each site to prevent fatigue. The coach features air conditioning, making the long hours more pleasant, especially during the Cyprus summer.

A moderate physical fitness level is recommended since exploring the ruins and walking through Varosha require some effort. The tour does not include lunch or coffee, but stops for quick breaks are built into the schedule.

The Personal Touch: Insightful Guide Eva

Participants frequently praise Eva, the guide, for her knowledge and personal stories. Her firsthand accounts of the Turkish invasion add emotional depth to the experience, making the history more relatable. Reviewers describe her as emotional, informative, and engaging, which elevates the overall tour.

Her stories provide context and a human face to the complex history of Cyprus, making the long day both educational and emotionally compelling.

Logistics and Meeting Details

The tour starts at 8:00 am in Paphos. Pickup is offered from hotels, adding convenience. The journey includes a quick coffee break in Choirokoitia and other short stops, with return to Paphos in the late afternoon. The entire experience covers all fees and taxes, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the trip.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This comprehensive day trip combines archaeological exploration, historical insight, and current geopolitical understanding. The inclusion of Strovilia crossing and the visit to Varosha makes the tour distinctly Cyprus, offering insights that are not available on standard sightseeing trips.

The value for money is evident, considering the full-day itinerary, expert guide, and site admissions included. It’s particularly suited for travelers interested in history, culture, and current affairs, who want a meaningful, structured day without the hassle of planning multiple visits.

The Ideal Attendee for This Cyprus Tour

This tour appeals most to history buffs, those curious about Cyprus’ division, and travellers with moderate fitness levels willing to spend a full day exploring. It’s well-suited to adults and older teens who appreciate guided storytelling and educational experiences.

While the tour is long, the pacing and guide’s expertise make it manageable and deeply rewarding. It offers a balanced mix of archaeological sites and emotionally charged history, making it a strong choice for meaningful travel.

Final Thoughts on the Famagusta, Ghost Town & Salamis Tour

This 11-hour guided tour in Cyprus provides a comprehensive look at the island’s ancient and modern history. The highlight is the chance to walk through Varosha, a haunting reminder of Cyprus’ geopolitical conflicts, paired with visits to Salamis’ ruins and Famagusta’s medieval old town.

The expert guidance of Eva and the well-organized itinerary make this experience both educational and moving. While the day is long, the value for money and depth of insight make it worthwhile for those interested in Cyprus’ past and present.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour cost?
All admission fees to sites, transportation, and air-conditioned coach are included in the $65.28 price.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
It is recommended for those with moderate physical fitness, as some walking is involved at ruins and Varosha.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and coffee/tea are not included. There are brief stops for quick breaks, but participants are advised to bring snacks or plan for lunch during free time.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour offers hotel pickup in Paphos, making the start convenient for most travelers staying in the area.

What makes this tour unique?
The crossing into Northern Cyprus and the guided walk through Varosha provide experiences rarely available on standard tours, making this a compelling choice for those interested in Cyprus’ divided history.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, Eva is highly praised for her expertise and personal stories, which add emotional depth to the experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility for planning.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable footwear is recommended, given the walking involved. Bring passport for crossing the checkpoint, and consider sunscreen and water for the day.

How is the pacing of the tour?
The schedule is carefully balanced with short stops and adequate time at each site, making the long day manageable for most.

This tour offers a meaningful exploration of Cyprus’ history, from ancient ruins to a poignant ghost town, all led by a guide who shares both facts and personal insight. It’s an enriching day trip for those eager to understand the island’s complex story.