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Famagusta

Famagusta, Ammochostos, Cyprus

Famagusta, located in the Ammóchostos district of Cyprus, is a charming city that beckons travelers with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Steeped in centuries of history, Famagusta offers …

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Famagusta.

Top Hotels in Famagusta

Top Flights to Famagusta

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Famagusta.

Tours

Explore Ancient Salamis Ruins

Discover the ancient city of Salamis, boasting well-preserved ruins that reflect the rich history and culture of Cyprus.

Famagusta City Walking Tour

Stroll through the old town of Famagusta, witnessing historical landmarks and vibrant local life.

Shopping

Traditional Bazaar Shopping

Experience authentic Cypriot shopping at the Famagusta Bazaar, offering local crafts and souvenirs.

Outdoor

Kantara Castle Hike

Take a challenging hike to Kantara Castle and experience breathtaking views over the coastline and inland Cyprus.

Ayia Napa Sea Caves Exploration

Explore natural sea caves formed by erosion, a perfect site for photography and adventure.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Famagusta.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

Not Available

Languages

Turkish, Turkish, Greek

Average weather

Famagusta

Jan

16°7°

Feb

17°7°

Mar

19°8°

Apr

23°11°

May

27°15°

Jun

31°19°

Jul

34°22°

Aug

34°22°

Sep

31°19°

Oct

27°16°

Nov

22°12°

Dec

18°9°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Famagusta.

What people love

Famagusta, located in the district of Ammóchostos in Cyprus, offers several pros for travelers looking to explore this beautiful area:

Rich history: Famagusta is a city steeped in history, with well-preserved ancient ruins, medieval city walls, and historic landmarks such as the Othello Castle and the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the city's past and learning about its significance in Cyprus's history.
Stunning beaches: Famagusta boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus, with crystal-clear waters and golden sand. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, or engage in water sports activities like windsurfing and jet skiing.
Cultural diversity: Famagusta's unique location near the border of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus gives it a diverse cultural atmosphere, blending Greek and Turkish influences. Visitors can experience a mix of cuisines, traditions, and languages in this vibrant city.
Vibrant nightlife: Famagusta is known for its lively nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants offering entertainment options for visitors. Whether you're looking for a quiet evening at a seaside taverna or a night of dancing at a beachfront club, Famagusta has something for everyone.
Shopping and dining: The city offers a range of shopping opportunities, from bustling markets selling local crafts and souvenirs to modern malls with international brands. Visitors can also enjoy delicious Cypriot cuisine at traditional tavernas or sample international dishes at upscale restaurants.

Overall, Famagusta has a lot to offer travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, outdoor activities, nightlife, and dining options. It is a destination worth exploring for those looking to experience the beauty and charm of Cyprus.

What to know

Traveling to Famagusta, located in Famagusta, Ammóchostos, Cyprus, may have some cons that travelers should be aware of. Some potential cons of traveling to Famagusta include:

Political Situation: Famagusta is a city located in a politically sensitive area due to the ongoing division of Cyprus between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. Travelers should be aware of the political situation and any potential risks or restrictions that may affect their visit.
Restricted Access: Parts of Famagusta, particularly the Varosha district, are restricted and under military control. This area has been abandoned since the 1974 conflict and entry is prohibited for visitors. Travelers should respect these restrictions and avoid attempting to enter restricted areas.
Limited Infrastructure: Famagusta may have limited infrastructure in certain areas, especially those affected by the division of Cyprus. This could impact services such as transportation, accommodations, and amenities available to travelers.
Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, travelers may encounter a language barrier in more remote or local areas of Famagusta. It can be helpful to have some basic knowledge of Greek or Turkish phrases to facilitate communication.
Seasonal Crowds: Famagusta is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. Travelers should be prepared for crowds, long lines at attractions, and higher prices during peak tourist seasons.
Health and Safety Concerns: Like any travel destination, travelers should be aware of general health and safety concerns in Famagusta, such as petty crime, road safety, and potential health risks. It is advisable to take necessary precautions and stay informed about local conditions.

It is essential for travelers to research and stay updated on the current situation in Famagusta before planning a trip. Consulting official travel advisories and seeking local advice can help mitigate potential risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Famagusta, known as Ammóchostos in Greek, is a city on the east coast of Cyprus, with a rich and varied history shaped by its strategic location and its role as a significant port city in the Eastern Mediterranean. Here's a detailed history of Famagusta:

Ancient and Medieval History

Foundation and Early History: The area around Famagusta has been inhabited since ancient times. The city itself was established around the 3rd century BC, originally as a small fishing village known as Arsinoe, named after Arsinoe II of Egypt.
Medieval Flourishing: Famagusta rose to prominence in the medieval period, particularly after the fall of Acre in 1291 when many Christian refugees and merchants moved to Cyprus. It became a bustling trade hub due to its favorable location and deep harbor.
Lusignan Period: The Lusignans, a Frankish dynasty, ruled Cyprus from 1192 to 1489. During this period, Famagusta flourished, attracting merchants from all over the Mediterranean. The city became extremely wealthy, as evidenced by the numerous Gothic churches and cathedrals that were built during this time.

Venetian and Ottoman Periods

Venetian Rule: In 1489, Cyprus came under Venetian control. Famagusta was heavily fortified by the Venetians, who built extensive walls and bastions to protect the city from the Ottoman Empire. This period saw the construction of significant fortifications, including the citadel known as the Othello Castle.
Ottoman Siege and Rule: In 1570-1571, the Ottomans besieged Famagusta. The city held out for almost a year under the command of Marco Antonio Bragadin, but finally fell in 1571. The Ottomans ruled Cyprus until the British took over in 1878. Under Ottoman rule, the city’s importance declined, and it became a sleepy provincial town.

British Rule and Modern Era

British Administration: When the British took control of Cyprus in 1878, Famagusta began to modernize. The British developed the port, which became one of the most important in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Independence and Division: Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960. Famagusta became a popular tourist destination in the 1960s and early 1970s, renowned for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

The Cyprus Conflict and the Varosha Abandonment

1974 Turkish Invasion: In July 1974, following a coup by Greek Cypriot nationalists who wanted to unite Cyprus with Greece, Turkey invaded Cyprus. Famagusta was captured by Turkish forces, leading to the displacement of its Greek Cypriot population.
Abandonment of Varosha: The Varosha district of Famagusta, once a glitzy tourist area, was abandoned during the invasion and has remained fenced off and uninhabited since then. It has become a symbol of the island’s division.

Recent Developments

Reopening of Varosha: In recent years, parts of Varosha have been reopened to visitors under Turkish Cypriot control, sparking controversy and ongoing political tensions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Important Landmarks

Othello Castle: A significant fortress attributed to the Venetians, named after Shakespeare's play, which is set in a Venetian-ruled Cyprus.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque: Originally the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, it was converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule. It is a fine example of Gothic architecture.
Walls of Famagusta: The medieval walls, built by the Venetians, are a well-preserved example of military architecture.

Historical Figures

Marco Antonio Bragadin: The Venetian commander who heroically defended Famagusta during the Ottoman siege.
Lala Mustafa Pasha: The Ottoman general who led the successful siege of Famagusta.

Famagusta's history is a tapestry of cultural influences, reflecting the city's significance as a crossroads of civilizations in the Mediterranean.