Attractions Nearby Famagusta, Day Trips and Excursions

(Famagusta, Cyprus)

There are many beaches and coastal attractions around Famagusta, particularly to the north and west of the city. If you are holidaying in Famagusta and planning day trips, then do consider hiring a taxi and exploring the regional attractions, such as Ancient Enkomi, Ancient Salamis and Bogaz.

Tourists from Famagusta also choose to head southwards, to check out the exceptional resorts of Ayia Napa and Larnaca, both of which are famed for their superb beaches, nightlife and epic water park attractions. Also consider excursions to Kantara Castle and the village of Iskele (Trikomo), amongst other destinations.

Ancient Salamis

Reputed to be the premier archaeological attraction of Cyprus, Ancient Salamis is one excursion not to be missed at any cost. Ancient Salamis is just 9 km / 6 miles from Famagusta and is a vast site, so you should be sure to leave at least half a day to explore it properly. One of the original city kingdoms of Cyprus, Ancient Salamis is known to date back to the 11th century and was completely independent of the controlling Assyrians of that time. Arriving visitors will immediately notice a surprising number of walls and columns standing and in a very good state of repair. As you walk around the attractions of Ancient Salamis, look out for the exercise ground, complete with gymnasium and swimming pools, the baths and their innovative heating system, mosaics and fragments of frescoes. The amphitheatre is especially notable, as is the Roman Villa, the Kambanopetra Basilica and the Basilica of Agios Epifanios. Do be sure to bring a hat and plenty to drink, since this is a sunny spot with no shade whatsoever. After your time here, you may like to relax on the adjoining sandy beach, or go for a quick dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
Open hours: daily, June to mid-September - 08:00 to 19:00; mid-September to May - 09:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:45
Admission: free

Ayia Napa (Agia Napa / Aya Napa)

When Famagusta's beach strip of Varosia was fenced off with barbed wire in 1974, the lifestyle of the small fishing village of Ayia Napa began to see something of an influx of tourists. Now an incredibly popular beach resort, Ayia Napa is the party capital of Cyprus and attracts huge numbers of package holiday makers each year, who come here to sunbathe by day, and hit the superb nightclubs by night. The outlying Water World attraction is reputedly the best water park on the whole of Cyprus and offers a great way to cool down, while history buffs may like to check out the Monastery of Ayia Napa before heading to the Thalassa Municipal Museum of the Sea.

Iskele (Trikomo)

If you are driving to the Kantara Castle, you may well like to stop off at the village of Iskele en route. Although there aren't many decent attractions in Iskele, the Icon Museum is a major draw card here. Housed in the beautiful, historic Panagia Theotokou church, the Icon Museum is home to an impressive collection of religious paintings (icons), which date from the 12th century onwards.

Ancient Enkomi

If you head in a westerly direction from the Necropolis of Salamis (Royal Tombs), it won't take you long until you reach the stunning ruins of the city of Ancient Enkomi. Although Ancient Enkomi has origins as far back as 1800 BC, the remains indicate that much of the activity took place during the Bronze Age, between 1650 and 1050 BC. Following the silting up of its busy harbour and the arrival of the Mycenaeans on Cyprus, Enkomi was soon abandoned and it is widely believed that its last residents founded Salamis. The attractions of Ancient Enkomi are fairly spread out and hard to recognise, and so it is essential that you collect a map upon your arrival.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Bogaz

Located approximately 24 km / 15 miles to the north of Famagusta, the charming fishing village of Bogaz stands just before the Karpas (Kirpasa) Peninsula. The small harbourfront of Bogaz is where the main attractions reside. Just a short walk to the south of the harbour is a popular beach, with lines of sun loungers and straw parasols making this stretch feel a little touristy. Interestingly, a large proportion of the holiday makers in Bogaz tend to be made up of both Germans and Russians.

Larnaca (Larnaka)

A charming and rather rugged seaside city, Larnaka lies to the south-west of Famagusta and features a particularly exotic and tropical character, with mature palm trees a plenty. Larnaca's main promenade is lined with bars and eateries and is very much central to the resort's tourism industry. The old Turkish quarter exudes a different character and is a labyrinth of narrow streets, featuring traditional whitewashed houses, antiques shops and art studios. Although the beaches of Larnaca don't quite compare to those of Ayia Napa, being grey and hard-packed, they are quite reasonable, with McKenzie Beach being the best by far.