Salamis — Famagusta. Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Cyprus (from Ayia Napa)
About this experience
This tour will introduce you to the history of Cyprus, traveling through time: ancient times will be revealed in the city of Salamis, the Middle Ages in the fortress and old town of Famagusta, and 20th-century events in the ghost town district Varosha. I will tell you about two significant cities in the evolution of the island, their peaks and declines, battles, cultures, their inhabitants, and the conflict of the people that led to the division of Cyprus.
What to Expect
- Ancient Times. Salamis - a city founded in the 13th century BC by the hero of the Trojan War, Teucer. I will tell you why Teucer, being a resident of another island, came to Cyprus and built a city here. You will learn the history of ancient Salamis: about the heyday of international trade and the city's significant influence on the entire island, followed by its destruction, which led its inhabitants to resettle in Famagusta. The ancient part of the city was buried in the sands for almost a millennium and therefore has survived to this day in good condition.
- Medieval Times. Famagusta. I will tell you how the fishing village of Famagusta transformed into one of the richest centers of the Christian world and one of the largest Mediterranean ports. About the heroic resistance to the outnumbering Turkish invaders, the era of Turkish rule, and much more.
- Recent History. Varosha. You will learn about the conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots in 1974, which was followed by the division of the island into Northern and Southern parts. I will also tell you about the luxurious past of the abandoned Varosha quarter, which until 1974 was a world-famous tourist center and is now a 'buffer zone,' sealed off by Turkish forces and guarded by UN troops.
As a result, you will discover the events that accompanied the development of the island from ancient times to the present day, see the valuable heritage of all epochs, gain a better understanding not only of the history of Cyprus and its inhabitants, but also of its political system and modern international status. And, of course, you will have the most vivid impressions from this rich journey through time!
Route
- Ruins of the ancient city of Salamis
- Medieval fortress of Famagusta
- Old town of Famagusta (Gothic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, and optionally: Othello Castle)
- Ghost town district Varosha (with swimming at the legendary beach of Famagusta)
Organizational Details
- If you only want to visit the recently opened ghost town district Varosha, the tour will be shorter and cost 50€ less
- You need to bring your passport for the tour
- Additional expenses: entrance tickets to Othello Castle (adults 3€, children free); entrance tickets to Salamis (adults 3€, children free)
- Upon request, the tour can also be conducted in English
Transfer
- Transfer is included in the price (2011 Toyota Vitz with air conditioning)
- The price is for transfer from Ayia Napa, Protaras, Paralimni, and Famagusta itself (Northern Cyprus)
- Additional transfer fees apply for:
- from Iskele (Northern Cyprus) - 40€
- from Larnaca and other settlements between Larnaca and Ayia Napa - 50€
- from Nicosia or Kyrenia (Girne) - 100€ - We do not provide transfers from Limassol and Paphos; travelers from these cities can reach Ayia Napa, Protaras, or Larnaca on their own, and we will organize the tour with an additional fee at the above-mentioned prices
The tour will be led by me or another guide from our team.
