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; for anything that changes seasonally, such as fees and hours, you're pointed to the official page rather than given a fixed figure.

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; stepping off it — into side streets or buildings — is not permitted.
• Buildings and drones are off-limits — Because the area remains under military status, entering abandoned buildings and flying drones are both strictly prohibited.
• Getting around — The open route can be walked or cycled; bicycle and golf-cart rental points are available nearby.
• Entry fee — Reported to be free.
• Hours — News sources put opening hours at roughly 08:00–17:00, but these can change. Confirm current hours locally or at the entrance before you go.
• Photography — Taking photos in the open areas is reported to be 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 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 and the Canbulat Museum — Both are closed for restoration; check EEMD's announcements for a reopening date.

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.
• St. Barnabas Monastery — Home to the Icon and Archaeology Museum; 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. 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, so confirm the current status with EEMD or locally.
• 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

• Confirm current opening hours for closed Varosha before heading out.
• Stay on the marked open route in Varosha — don't enter buildings or fly drones.
• Try not to plan a weekend visit to smaller museums like the Namık Kemal Dungeon.
• Remember Othello Castle and the Canbulat Museum are currently closed.
• Check current fees and hours for EEMD sites like Salamis and St. Barnabas on EEMD's official page before you go.

Fees and hours change seasonally; this guide deliberately avoids fixed amounts. Always confirm current details with the relevant official source before visiting.