From Paphos: Famagusta with Salamis and Varosha ‘Ghost Town’

Exploring Cyprus’s Hidden Corners: A Detailed Look at the Famagusta, Salamis, and Varosha Tour from Paphos

If you’re visiting Paphos and craving a day full of history, striking scenery, and a touch of mystery, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a trip across the UN-patrolled border into northern Cyprus, visiting some of the island’s most talked-about sites like the ancient Salamis ruins and the haunting Varosha ghost town.

We’ve read plenty of reviews and looked at the full itinerary to piece together what this experience offers. What stands out? The knowledgeable guides who bring the history alive, and the chance to see the famous abandoned town—a snapshot of a time frozen in history. One thing to keep in mind is that, for some, the schedule feels quite packed, and the free time at Varosha might be shorter than expected.

This tour is best suited for travelers interested in history, culture, and iconic sights, especially those eager to see a piece of Cyprus’s divided past. It’s also a good pick if you want a guided experience that covers several key locations without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets yourself. Just be prepared for a full 9-hour day and the need for comfortable shoes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Salamis, Famagusta, and Varosha in one day
• Guided experience with informative commentary about Cyprus’s history
• Includes all entrance fees, ensuring smooth visits to Salamis and Othello Tower
• Long day’s travel with around 3 hours of free time for lunch and exploration
• Transport is air-conditioned, and pickup/drop-off is included at numerous locations
• Reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and storytelling, making history engaging

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The day begins with pickup from one of over 60 hotel options around Paphos, which is a real plus because it saves you from figuring out transport. The coach ride is roughly 105 minutes to the first stop, giving you time to settle in and get a glimpse of the Cypriot countryside. Once you arrive, the adventure kicks off with a visit to the Salamis Archaeological Site, one of the most impressive ancient ruins you’ll see on the island.

Visiting Salamis Ruins

We loved the way the tour guides bring Salamis to life with stories about its history as a capital of Cyprus for over a thousand years. The site is sprawling and packed with columns, ruins, and remnants of an ancient Greek city, overlooking the Mediterranean. The views alone are worth the visit, but what makes it special is the chance to walk around such a significant archaeological area with a knowledgeable guide explaining what you’re seeing.

Some reviews highlight how “the ruins of Salamis were amazing,” which we agree with. You get about 45 minutes of guided exploration here, which is enough to get a good sense of the place without feeling rushed. The site is large, so comfortable shoes are a must, and it’s best to wear sunscreen if the weather is sunny.

Famagusta and Its Historic Sites

Next, you’ll head into the city of Famagusta, where two stops are on the agenda: the Saint Nicholas Cathedral and the Othello Tower. These sites are rich with history and are quite striking in their architecture and stories. The cathedral, which once served as a Catholic church, now stands as a reminder of the region’s complex past.

You’ll also get some free time for lunch or to explore the old town at your pace, giving you a chance to soak in the atmosphere. One reviewer noted that the schedule allows for “a couple of hours for lunch and wandering around sights,” which can be a relaxing break amid a busy day.

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The Ghost Town of Varosha

Perhaps the most talked-about part of this tour is the visit to Varosha, the abandoned resort district. This area was once a lively holiday spot but has been deserted since the Turkish invasion in 1974. Behind barbed wire, it remains frozen in time—buildings overtaken by nature, streets eerily quiet, yet strangely fascinating.

Guided walks in Varosha are about an hour long, giving you a glimpse into this ghostly landscape. Many reviews mention how impactful and “quite sad” it is to see a once-bustling place so abruptly left behind. If you’re into photography or just interested in recent history, this site offers a unique perspective.

Final Stops and Return

After exploring Famagusta and Varosha, you’ll have a final 1.5-hour break for more sightseeing, coffee, or just relaxing before the coach heads back to Paphos. The return journey is similarly long, giving you a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.

What Makes This Tour Worth Considering?

Value for money is a key point here, especially since all entrance fees are included, and the transportation is comfortable and air-conditioned. The guide’s storytelling and local insights are frequently praised (some reviewers called them “fantastic” and “friendly and entertaining”), which significantly enriches the experience.

That said, the schedule is quite full, and some travelers mentioned wishing for more free time at Varosha to explore independently or to hop on bikes or scooters. If you’re someone who loves unstructured wandering, this might feel a bit rushed, especially considering the limited time at each site.

The day’s length may be a consideration for families or travelers with mobility issues, as it’s a 9-hour tour with a fair amount of walking and long coach rides. Also, since the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, it’s best to plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy history, archaeology, and visiting iconic sites, this tour offers a convenient way to see some of the most meaningful locations in northern Cyprus. The stories behind the ruins, the ghost town, and the city walls add depth to the visit.

It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer guided experiences—they’ll appreciate the expert commentary and structured itinerary that takes the guesswork out of planning.

However, if you’re after a more relaxed, flexible day with lots of free exploration, you might find the schedule a bit tight, and the limited time at Varosha could be frustrating.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Paphos offers a well-rounded glimpse into northern Cyprus’s history, architecture, and the recent past with a guided approach that’s educational and engaging. The highlights—Salamis, Famagusta, and the ghost town—are compelling sites that tell stories of ancient civilizations, cultural change, and political division.

The experience is particularly suited for those who love learning on the go and want to see key locations without the hassle of organizing transport or guides themselves. The reviews show that guides are well-regarded, and the sites are as striking as you’d hope.

While the schedule is packed, the included entrance fees, comfortable transport, and expert guides make this a convenient choice for a full day of sightseeing. If you’re prepared for a long day and eager to see some of Cyprus’s most iconic sights, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from over 60 hotel options in Paphos, and drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled time.

How long is the travel time to the sites?
The coach ride to Salamis and Famagusta is about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, so be prepared for some long stretches on the bus.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for Salamis and Othello Tower are covered, so you won’t need to pay extra on the day.

How much free time do I get at each site?
You’ll have approximately 45 minutes at Salamis, around 3 hours in Famagusta (including free time for lunch), and 1 hour at Varosha. The schedule is quite packed, so plan to make the most of each stop.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s long hours and walking requirements mean it might be better suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a camera, and some cash for souvenirs or extra snacks. Sunscreen and hats are also recommended for sunny days.

This tour offers a fascinating look at Cyprus’s recent and ancient history, perfect if you want a guided, hassle-free experience that hits multiple highlights in one day. Just keep in mind the schedule’s pace and consider your own comfort with long days on the road.

You can check availability for your dates here: