Private Famagusta & Kyrenia Day Tour from Nicosia: Roman Ruins & Ghost Town

Summary

Discover Cyprus History: Salamis, Bellapais & Varosha Tour

If you want to see Cyprus beyond postcards—ghost towns, ancient ruins, real local life—this tour packs it all in with a friendly guide who knows every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me as we rolled into Varosha was the silence—just this odd hush hanging over empty hotels and sun-bleached balconies. Our guide told us stories about how this whole area turned into a ghost town after 1974. You can still see faded signs for old cafés and beach clubs, but not a soul around. It’s strange, almost surreal, walking past buildings where time just stopped. The sea breeze carries a salty tang, and sometimes you catch the faint creak of a loose shutter in the wind.

We wandered next to the heart of Famagusta, where St Nicholas Cathedral stands tall with its pointed arches and weathered stone lions out front. Inside, it’s cool and dim—our guide explained how it became Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque during Ottoman times. I noticed the way sunlight filtered through high windows, catching dust motes in the air. There’s always someone selling fresh simit outside; I grabbed one for a snack while we listened to stories about medieval sieges.

After a short drive north, we reached the ancient city of Salamis. Our accredited guide met us at the ticket booth—he knew every shortcut through the ruins. We climbed up crumbling steps to the old gymnasium and peeked into what used to be Roman baths (still smells faintly of damp stone). The theater’s huge; you can almost picture gladiators waiting behind those arches. If you’re into history or just like poking around old stones, this place is gold.

Lunch was in Bellapais village—tiny streets lined with orange trees and cats darting between tables at little restaurants. The monastery sits above everything; our guide pointed out carvings on the columns that most people miss if they’re not looking closely. I took my coffee at a spot called Kybele Café—views down to Kyrenia are unreal on a clear day.

The last stop was Kyrenia harbor. We had half an hour to wander along the water—fishing boats bobbing gently, locals chatting over backgammon outside tavernas. There’s always someone selling homemade lemonade by the castle wall; I couldn’t resist trying some before heading back to Nicosia.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Famagusta and Kyrenia Highlights

• Visit ghost town area
• Tour St Nicholas Cathedral
• Explore Salamis ruins
• Visit Bellapais Monastery and village
• See Kyrenia harbor

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or elderly travelers?

Yes! The pace is relaxed and our guide adjusts for all ages. Just let us know if you have special needs—we’ll make sure everyone’s comfortable.

Do I need my passport for this trip?

Yes, please bring your current valid passport on the day of travel—it’s required when crossing between areas in Cyprus.

How much time do we spend at each stop?

You’ll get plenty of time at each main site: about 30 minutes at Kyrenia harbor and enough time elsewhere for photos, exploring, or grabbing snacks.

Are entrance fees included?

All entrance fees are covered in your tour price—no hidden costs on the day!

What’s included

Your private driver-guide picks you up from your Nicosia hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. All entrance fees are included, plus fuel surcharge and drop-off back at your hotel when we’re done exploring.