Famagusta Sights: Closed Varosha, the Old Town and Salamis

Famagusta combines the partially reopened route through closed Varosha, a walled old town dense with history, and a cluster of ancient sites just to the north — making it one of the most visited areas in North Cyprus. The details below are drawn from verified sources; fees and hours change seasonally, so you're also pointed to the official page for the current schedule.

Closed Varosha (Kapalı Maraş)

Varosha was a fully closed military zone from 1974 until 2020. In October 2020, a partial reopening took place: a specific street and seafront route was opened to visitors for walking and cycling.

• Where you can go — You may only stay on the marked open route (the Democracy/Kennedy Avenue and signposted seafront axis); stepping off it — into side streets, buildings, or gardens — is not permitted and can lead to prosecution.
• Buildings and drones are off-limits — Because the area remains under military status, entering abandoned buildings and flying an unauthorized drone are both strictly prohibited.
• No vehicles — The open route is for pedestrians and bicycles only; visitor vehicles are not admitted.
• Getting around — Walk, or rent a bicycle from one of the municipality's rental points inside; a 2-hour rental runs roughly 40-50 TL, card only, no cash.
• Entry fee — Pedestrian entry is free; carrying ID or a passport is required.
• Hours — Open daily 08:00-17:00; no new entries after 17:00, and the area is cleared of visitors at that point.
• Photography — Taking photos in the open areas is allowed; stay on the marked route while doing so.
• Status of the area — The status of the region is a matter of international negotiation; this guide focuses only on visitor practicalities.

The walled old town

Famagusta's Venetian-era walled old town offers a dense, walkable historic core.

• Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque — Formerly St. Nicholas Cathedral, still an active place of worship. See our religious tourism guide for visiting details and dress etiquette.
• Sinan Pasha Mosque — Another historic mosque within the old town.
• Venetian (Del Proveditore) Palace ruins — Remnants of a Venetian-era building still standing in the old town.
• Martinengo Bastion and Land Gate — the bastion and land entrance at the wall's northwestern corner.
• Sea Gate — the historic gate and bastion opening onto the harbour.
• St. Francis Church, SS. Peter & Paul Church, and the Templar-Hospitaller churches — other historic church buildings still standing within the old town (per Famagusta Municipality's official list).
• Namık Kemal Dungeon — Falls under EEMD's smaller-site fee group (full ticket 100 TL, student ticket 50 TL) and can be closed on weekends and public holidays — plan accordingly.
• A walk along the ramparts — Walking along the top of the city walls gives a broad view over the old town.
• Othello Castle — Open to visitors; its restoration phases are complete and it hosts events such as the Famagusta Culture, Arts and Tourism Festival.
• Canbulat Museum — Closed for restoration, with no confirmed reopening date; check EEMD's announcements for updates.

Salamis, St. Barnabas and the ancient sites

Just north of Famagusta, several significant ancient sites fall under the EEMD fee schedule:

• Salamis Ancient Site — One of the region's largest ancient settlements, with the remains of a gymnasium and theatre; full ticket 150 TL, student ticket 50 TL, with last entry in summer at 18:00.
• St. Barnabas Monastery — Home to the Icon and Archaeology Museum (full ticket 150 TL, student 50 TL); see our religious tourism guide for its religious significance.
• Royal Tombs — Ancient burial monuments near Salamis.
• Kantara Castle — Part of the castle route along the İskele–Boğaz line.

All of these sites fall under the Department of Antiquities and Museums (EEMD) hours and fee schedule. A valid student ID is required for the student discount; the Turkish MüzeKart is not accepted. Because the schedule changes seasonally and sites in the smaller-site group can close on weekends, check EEMD's official visiting-hours page before you go.

The İskele-Boğaz area

Just north of Famagusta, along the İskele-Boğaz line, İskele Municipality's official tourism page lists the following sites:

• İskele Icon Museum (the former Panayia Theotokou Church, 12th century) — according to the municipality's page, it has been used as a museum since 1991. However, EEMD's list shows the "New İskele Icon Museum" as closed — this contradiction is unresolved. If it's locked when you arrive, ask at the İskele Municipality Culture House or tourism office; entry is usually free or by small donation. Don't confuse this site with the Archangelos Michael Icon Museum in Kyrenia, which reopened in February 2026 after 10 years closed — the two are separate buildings.
• Ayios Yakavos (St. James) Chapel — restored and converted into a tourist information office in 2009.
• Buluşa Monastery (Ağıllar) — next to it stands a preserved monumental cypress tree, roughly a century old.
• Nature Information Centre — run by the Department of Environmental Protection; showcases the limestone flora of the Haravdi area and its endemic plant and bird species.
• Anavatan Park.

Beaches

• Glapsides — Close to the city, reported to have free access.
• Palm Beach — Runs along the edge of closed Varosha.
• Bafra–İskele stretch (Long Beach) — A wider stretch of coastline just outside Famagusta.

Before you go: a short checklist

• Varosha is open daily 08:00-17:00; bring ID/passport, pedestrian entry is free, and bicycle rental is card only.
• Stay on the marked open route in Varosha — don't enter buildings, drive in, or fly drones.
• Try not to plan a weekend visit to smaller museums like the Namık Kemal Dungeon.
• Othello Castle is open to visitors; the Canbulat Museum remains closed for restoration.
• Check current fees and hours for EEMD sites like Salamis and St. Barnabas (150 TL full / 50 TL student) on EEMD's official page before you go.
• If the İskele Icon Museum is locked, ask at the İskele Municipality Culture House or tourism office — and don't confuse it with Kyrenia's Archangelos Michael Icon Museum.

Fees and hours change seasonally; always confirm current details with the relevant official source before visiting.