Walled City & Othello Castle: Wander through Famagusta’s old walled city, entering via its colossal gates to find yourself surrounded by towering Venetian fortifications. The Othello Castle, a 14th-century stronghold guarding the harbor, is steeped in legend.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (St. Nicholas Cathedral): In the heart of the old town stands a Gothic masterpiece turned mosque. Built between 1298–1312 as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (where Lusignan kings once crowned themselves Kings of Jerusalem), it showcases magnificent medieval architecture reminiscent of France’s great cathedrals.
Ancient Salamis Ruins & St. Barnabas Monastery: Just north of the city lie the expansive ruins of Salamis, an ancient Greek and Roman metropolis. You can stroll among toppled marble columns, a large Roman theater, bathhouses, and mosaic floors.
Varosha Ghost Town: On Famagusta’s southern beachfront sits Varosha (Maraş in Turkish), the famous sealed-off quarter often called the Famagusta ghost town. Once a glamorous resort area with modern high-rise hotels like the grand Sunrise Hotel
Today, you can observe Varosha’s skyline of empty hotels from nearby viewpoints or even enter a few reopened sections on guided visits. Walking along Palm Beach beside Varosha’s barbed-wire fence is both beautiful and haunting, offering a rare glimpse at a modern ruin.
Beaches & Coastal Nature: Famagusta’s coast boasts golden sands and clear turquoise waters. Locals love Glapsides Beach and Silver Beach (near Salamis) for their calm shallows, while Palm Beach lets you swim with a view of Varosha’s silent skyline.
