Famagusta City Tour with Salamis & Varosha from Limassol

Walk through three centuries of Cyprus in one day: ancient temples, medieval walls, and a resort frozen in time.

This full-day tour from Limassol takes you north to three distinct sites: the classical ruins and theatre of Salamis, the Venetian-walled old town of Famagusta with its castle and Gothic cathedral, and Varosha, a beach resort abandoned for over 50 years. The guide is English-speaking, entry fees and transport are included, and hotel pickup is arranged. You'll need a valid passport or ID to cross the checkpoint into the northern part of Cyprus, and only holders of EU, UK, Icelandic, Norwegian or Swiss passports can make this crossing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Salamis, Famagusta, and Varosha

• Visit ancient Salamis ruins
• Free time for lunch
• Tour Famagusta old town
• Walk through Varosha ghost town

The experience

How do you see three different eras of Cyprus without renting a car or navigating checkpoints on your own? This tour handles the logistics: pickup from your Limassol hotel, transport across the checkpoint into the northern territory, and an English-speaking guide who walks you through each site. The day runs about eight and a half hours, starting with Salamis, where you'll wander through ruined temples and explore the partially restored ancient theatre. After free time for lunch, you move on to Famagusta's old town, where Venetian defensive walls still stand intact around the narrow streets. Your guide points out the castle and the Gothic cathedral, now a mosque, showing how the city layered different periods on top of each other.

The final stop is Varosha, the surreal part. This was a thriving beach resort until it was abandoned more than 50 years ago. You'll walk streets lined with crumbling facades, rusted shutters and broken windows: the buildings still there but emptied out, nature reclaiming the pavement. It's the kind of place that stays with you because it's so visibly frozen. Full insurance cover is included for the northern area, and all admission fees are paid upfront, so there are no surprises at the gates.

One practical note: you'll need to bring your passport or ID card to cross the checkpoint. If you're traveling with children under 18 without both parents, you'll need to provide extra documentation beforehand: a letter of authorization from the missing parent and supporting documents like a birth certificate. The operator will contact you within 48 hours of booking to confirm your exact pickup time and location.

What’s included

• Transport from your Limassol hotel to all three sites and back.
• admission fees to Salamis, Famagusta and Varosha.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• full insurance cover in the northern area.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 28 Nov

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Destination Services Cyprus

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Limassol hotel means you don't need a car or a rental to reach these northern sites, and the guide handles the checkpoint crossing so you can focus on the history instead of the logistics.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What exactly will I see at Salamis?

Salamis is an ancient classical city where you'll explore ruined temples and a partially restored theatre. The site spans the remains of buildings and structures from that period, and you'll have time to walk through the main areas with your guide before moving on to the next stop.

Can I visit Varosha if I'm not from an EU country?

No. Only passport holders from EU member states, the UK, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are permitted to cross the Strovillia checkpoint into the northern part of Cyprus where Varosha is located. If your passport is from another country, you won't be able to join this tour.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included. You'll have free time in Famagusta to find a meal on your own before the walking tour of Varosha begins.

What does the Venetian old town of Famagusta look like?

Famagusta's old town is enclosed by intact defensive walls built by the Venetians centuries ago. Inside, you'll see the castle and a Gothic cathedral that was converted into a mosque. The guide will show you these landmarks and explain the history layered into the narrow streets.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the meeting point?

No. Hotel pickup from Limassol is included in the tour price. When you book, the operator will contact you to confirm your exact pickup time and location, so check your email within 48 hours of booking.