Get to know some of the occupied northern part of Cyprus' most intriguing spots – the old town of Famagusta and the ‘ghost town' of Varosha. Afterwards, you'll have time to chill out on Constantia Beach. Stavroula, one of our expert local guides, says ‘This trip is a family-friendly option with a mix of culture and beach time. Travel distances are short, and all ages will enjoy swimming at a lovely sandy beach where tourism in Cyprus began.'
Your tour begins with a visit to the history-steeped city of Famagusta, which was once one of the wealthiest cities in the Mediterranean. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of the old town, which is enclosed by impressive Venetian walls that have survived centuries of conflict. As you wander through the narrow streets and alleys, you'll encounter a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks, including the Gothic St Nicholas Cathedral, which has been converted into a mosque, and the 14th-century Othello's Tower – said to have inspired Shakespeare's play of the same name.
After exploring Famagusta, we'll make our way to the nearby ‘ghost town' of Varosha, which was once a thriving seaside resort but has been abandoned and remained frozen in time since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Finally, we'll round off with some well-deserved relaxation time on Constantia Beach. This appealing stretch of sand and pebbles offers stirring views of the surrounding coastline, and makes a great place to soak up the sun.
