Famagusta

Once a quintessential Mediterranean seaside resort and one of North Cyprus’ busiest tourist towns, the sandy beaches of Famagusta were left deserted in 1974, when the island was divided. With Famagusta falling under Turkish rule, the Greek occupants fled en-masse, leaving an eerie ghost town and many of the seafront hotels, shops and restaurants still lie empty today. 
Not all of Famagusta has been abandoned though and strolling around the walled old quarter offers a glimpse into the town’s former glory. Dating back to the 13th century, the historic area is home to a number of key landmarks, including the medieval citadel of Othello’s Tower and the battle-worn St Nicholas’ Cathedral, now the Lala Mustafa Mosque.

Practical Info

Famagusta is located on the southeast coast of North Cyprus, around 65 km east of Nicosia.