Tour to Famagusta-Ancient Salamis and Ghost Town from Paphos

Exploring Cyprus’s East Coast: A Journey Through Time and Abandoned Places

If you’re visiting Paphos and craving a full-day adventure that combines ancient ruins, medieval castles, and a mysterious ghost town, this tour to Famagusta, Salamis, and beyond might just be your perfect match. It’s a comprehensive trip that takes you across borders (with passport in hand), giving a layered perspective of Cyprus’s complex history, vibrant past, and haunting present.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances culture with stunning landscapes and thought-provoking sights. The guide’s insights, especially on sites like Othello Castle and the ruins of Salamis, help bring these places to life. A possible consideration is the long duration of around 12-14 hours, which might be tiring for some, especially if you’re traveling with small children or prefer shorter excursions.

This tour really suits history buffs, photo enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Cyprus’s divided narrative. If you’re after a structured, well-organized day that offers authentic sights and stories, then this combined trip is worth considering.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Famagusta, Salamis, Othello Castle, and the ghost town
• Experienced guide providing insightful commentary on each site
• Visits include both ancient ruins and modern history, with some sites free to explore
• Cost-effective at approximately $92 per person for a full day of sightseeing
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, simplifying logistics
• Important border crossing with passport/security checks, so plan accordingly

Unpacking the Full-Day Tour: What to Expect

This tour, led by EOS TOURS, is designed to give you a broad yet detailed perspective on Cyprus’s eastern side. It’s a mix of historical sites, scenic views, and poignant reminders of the island’s turbulent past. The typical start time of 8:30 am means an early rise, but it’s well worth the effort for the depth of experience packed into roughly nine hours.

First Stop: The Ruins of Salamis

Our journey begins with Salamis, one of the most significant ancient cities on the island. Known as a “museum complex,” Salamis offers a sprawling collection of ruins, tombs, and remnants of a once-thriving metropolis. For history lovers, it’s like walking through an open-air museum, where every stone whispers stories of kings, noblemen, and perhaps even Homeric heroes.

While the admission isn’t included, travelers often comment on the impressive scale of the site. One reviewer mentions, “It’s a real museum complex, and you can see many ruins and tombs of the ancient inhabitants,” emphasizing how this archaeological site transports you back centuries.

Famagusta Old Town and Walls

Next, you’ll visit Famagusta’s well-preserved city walls. These fortress walls encircle the old town, and you’re free to walk around the entire perimeter—an excellent opportunity for panoramic photos. The walls are a reminder of the city’s medieval importance, and walking along them provides a sense of how Cyprus’s history has been shaped by countless invasions and defenses.

While the admission to the city walls is free, the guide enriches the experience with stories about the city’s strategic importance. The old town itself offers charming streets and a glimpse into Cypriot life, making it a worthwhile stop for exploring on your own or grabbing a quick snack.

Othello Castle: Shakespeare’s Cyprus Connection

Perhaps the most iconic stop is Othello Castle, built during the 14th century by the Lusignan dynasty. Located near the harbor, this fortress is famous not only for its historical significance but also because it’s associated with Shakespeare’s Othello, although the connection is more literary than literal.

The castle’s Venetian defenses and strategic position make it an interesting visit, especially if you enjoy medieval architecture. The guide explains the castle’s history and its link to the Venetian efforts to protect the port. The admission is not included, but many find the ruins and views over the harbor worth the short visit. One reviewer notes, “We loved the way the guide explained the castle’s role in Cyprus’s history,” adding depth to the visit.

Free Time for Lunch and Exploration

After a busy morning, you’ll have around 1 hour and 20 minutes for lunch and personal sightseeing. This is your chance to walk around Famagusta’s streets, grab a local meal, or simply soak in the atmosphere. Since no specific lunch options are provided, bringing snacks or exploring local eateries is recommended.

The Ghost Town of Varosha

The afternoon is reserved for the famous “ghost town” of Varosha, which has been abandoned since 1974. This site is perhaps one of the most poignant symbols of Cyprus’s division—an empty, eerie landscape frozen in time. Walking through Varosha offers a stark reminder of the island’s recent history, with abandoned hotels, shops, and homes creating a surreal atmosphere.

The free passage through this area allows for contemplative exploration, and many visitors find it both haunting and deeply moving. A reviewer describes it as “an eerie sight,” emphasizing how powerful this visual history lesson can be.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour is priced at about $92 per person, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and the services of an experienced guide. The group size is capped at 6 travelers, meaning a more intimate and personalized experience—excellent for those who dislike large crowds.

However, note that entrance fees to Salamis and Othello Castle are not included, so you should budget extra if you wish to explore these sites more thoroughly. The tour offers flexibility for lunch and rest, allowing you to tailor the day according to your energy levels.

Given the border crossing into the Turkish-occupied north, passport or ID card is necessary, and travelers should be prepared for security checks. It’s also important to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries, where shoulders and knees should be covered.

The long duration (approximately 12 hours) might be tiring, especially for families with small children. As one reviewer pointed out, “It’s a very full day of 12-14 hours,” so plan accordingly for meals and rest.

What Travelers Say

A reviewer from Tripadvisor sums it up practically: “The trip itself is very informative and visits several sites on the Turkish side,” highlighting the tour’s educational value. They also caution that it’s a long day, so stamina and patience are key.

Another mention that this isn’t ideal for small children emphasizes the need to consider your pace and interests. The guide, though not named, is described as knowledgeable, helping make sense of the complex history of each site visited.

The Value for Your Money

At just under $100, this tour offers a lot—a comprehensive package with well-organized stops, insightful commentary, and the convenience of hotel pickup. While you’ll need to pay extra for some site entrances, the overall experience justifies the cost for those wanting to understand Cyprus from a historical and cultural perspective.

What really adds value is the combination of guided storytelling, flexible free time, and access to some of Cyprus’s most evocative locations. The inclusion of the ghost town and ruins makes the trip memorable and meaningful.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers with an interest in history, archaeology, and contemporary Cyprus’s divided identity. It’s perfect for those who appreciate detailed storytelling and don’t mind a full day of sightseeing. If you’re after a leisurely, short trip, this might be too long; but if you want a deep dive into Cyprus’s past, it’s a strong choice.

The Sum Up

This Famagusta, Salamis, and ghost town tour provides a rare glimpse into both ancient and recent history, wrapped in a well-organized, engaging package. The stops are thoughtfully chosen, with opportunities for photos, exploration, and reflection. The experience’s depth and authenticity are enhanced by the knowledgeable guide and the intimate group size.

While the length of the day may be demanding, the variety of sights and stories makes it worthwhile for those eager to understand Cyprus’s layered history. The inclusion of the eerie Varosha adds a haunting touch, leaving visitors with powerful visual memories.

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines archaeology, history, and a touch of the surreal, this tour from Paphos is a valuable investment. It’s particularly suited for history lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting to see the more complex, divided side of Cyprus beyond the typical beaches.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simpler for travelers staying in Paphos.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts about 9 hours, from 8:30 am start to evening return, with some sites including approximately 20-25 minutes of exploration.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to Salamis and Othello Castle are not included, so budget extra if you plan to explore these sites more thoroughly.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Modest clothing is required when visiting churches and monasteries, with shoulders and knees covered.

Can children join?
While most travelers can participate, the long hours and walking distance may not suit very young children or families seeking a shorter trip.

Do I need a passport?
Yes, passports or ID cards are necessary for border crossing into Northern Cyprus. Be prepared for security checks.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The combination of ancient ruins, medieval castles, and the haunting ghost town provides a layered understanding of Cyprus’s history, making it a memorable experience.

In short, this full-day tour offers a deeply educational and visually compelling journey across Cyprus’s east coast. It’s a thoughtful choice for those interested in history and culture, ready for a full day of exploration in a small-group setting.