Famagusta & Salamis Day Trip from Paphos with Varosha Walk

Summary

Cross Cyprus’ dividing line to lost cities, medieval walls and silent Varosha streets

You’ll cross Cyprus’ border from Paphos to Northern Cyprus on this day trip, exploring Salamis’ ancient stones, wandering Famagusta’s medieval heart with a local guide, tasting real Cypriot-Turkish flavors (lunch optional), and walking through Varosha’s haunting ghost city streets. The mix of history and present-day mystery lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely finished our coffees at the little roadside stop near Choirokitia when our guide Maria started gathering passports — I always get nervous about borders, but she just laughed and said it’s routine. The bus felt quiet as we rolled up to the Strovilia checkpoint. There’s this odd hush when you cross into Northern Cyprus, like even the air changes a bit. I kept peeking out at the flat fields and then suddenly there were ruins — Salamis just sort of appears out of nowhere. Standing in that ancient theatre (Maria said it once held 15,000 people — wild), you can still hear echoes if you close your eyes. The marble was cool under my hand, and someone nearby whispered about gladiators. It’s strange what sticks with you.

Famagusta’s old town is all tangled lanes and stone walls that look like they’ve seen everything. We wandered past the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (it used to be St. Nikolaos Cathedral — you can see both stories in the arches). There’s a fig tree in the courtyard that’s older than some countries; our guide joked it probably remembers better days. Lunch was optional but honestly, skipping those Cypriot-Turkish meze would’ve been a crime — I tried something called hellim, squeaky cheese grilled till golden, and now I crave it every time I smell charcoal.

I didn’t know what to expect from Varosha. Walking those empty streets felt heavy — hotels crumbling behind fences, sun-bleached signs for discos and ice cream parlors nobody visits anymore. Maria told us about families who left everything overnight in 1974; you could almost feel their absence in the silence. Even now, thinking back on it, there’s this ache mixed with curiosity — how does a whole city just pause? We headed back to Paphos as dusk crept in, everyone quieter than before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore ancient cities and coastal towns

• Coffee break at Choirokitia
• Pass Strovilia checkpoint
• Visit Salamis ancient city
• Walking tour of Famagusta Old Town
• Enjoy traditional Cypriot-Turkish lunch
• Guided walking tour of Varosha Ghost City

Top questions

Do I need my passport for this Famagusta & Salamis day trip?

Yes, all participants must bring their EU ID or passport to cross into Northern Cyprus.

Is lunch included on the tour?

No, lunch is not included but there’s an optional traditional meal in Famagusta highly recommended by guides.

How long is the drive from Paphos to Famagusta?

The journey includes a coffee stop and border crossing; expect several hours each way by coach.

Can everyone cross the checkpoint into Northern Cyprus?

No, citizens of Turkmenistan, Nigeria, Syria & Armenia cannot cross; handwritten Greek IDs are also not accepted.

Are entrance fees for Salamis included?

Yes, entry fees for Salamis ruins are included in your tour price.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

No, it is not recommended for persons with mobility issues due to uneven ground and walking distances.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Paphos?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from central Paphos hotels are provided.

What will I see in Varosha Ghost City?

You’ll walk past abandoned hotels and deserted streets frozen since 1974 — it’s a very atmospheric experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Paphos hotels by air-conditioned coach with a licensed local guide and professional driver. All entrance fees for sites like Salamis are covered; lunch is not included but you’ll have time to enjoy traditional dishes at your own pace before returning in the evening.