Famagusta and Salamis Excursion From Ayia Napa, Protaras, Larnaca

Exploring Cyprus’ rich historical tapestry has never been easier. The Famagusta and Salamis Excursion offers an immersive 8-hour journey from Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Larnaca, showcasing the island’s captivating past. Travelers will uncover the serene Monastery of St. Barnabas, marvel at the ancient ruins of Salamis, and discover the haunting Varosha ghost town. With professional guidance, air-conditioned transport, and essential inclusions, this excursion provides a unique opportunity to explore Cyprus’ complex history. Whether you’re a history buff or seeking a memorable cultural experience, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the island’s remarkable heritage.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Protaras.

Key Points

• This 8-hour excursion explores historic landmarks in Cyprus, including the Monastery of St. Barnabas, ancient ruins of Salamis, and the Varosha ghost town.
• The tour departs from Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Larnaca, offering an option for 4 hours of free time in Famagusta.
• Highlights include the Byzantine-style icons and the tomb of St. Barnabas, as well as the impressive marble columns and Roman baths of the Salamis site.
• The historic center of Famagusta features the Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral and the abandoned Varosha quarter, providing insights into Cyprus’ complex history.
• The tour includes entrance fees, professional guide, transportation, and other inclusions, with a straightforward pricing structure and flexible cancellation policy.

Tour Overview

The Famagusta and Salamis Excursion is an 8-hour tour that takes visitors on a journey through the historic landmarks of Cyprus.

Departing from Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Larnaca, the tour is operated by MTS GLOBE CYPRUS LTD and includes air-conditioned coach transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Highlights of the excursion include exploring the Monastery of St. Barnabas, the ancient ruins of Salamis, and the abandoned "ghost town" of Varosha.

With a rating of 4.4 out of 29 reviews, the tour provides a rundown of Cyprus’ rich cultural heritage and offers the option to focus solely on Famagusta for four hours of free time.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a visit to the Monastery of St. Barnabas, where travelers can explore the Icon Museum and see the tomb of the saint.

Next, they’ll discover the ancient ruins of Salamis, wandering through the impressive marble columns, Greek theater, and Roman baths that remain.

Afterward, the group will have free time to explore the historic center of Famagusta, including the Gothic church of St. Nicolas.

The highlight of the day is a visit to Varosha, the eerie "ghost town" abandoned since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Travelers also have the option to spend more time in Famagusta itself, with four hours of free exploration.

Monastery of St. Barnabas

Travelers visiting the Famagusta and Salamis Excursion will first explore the Monastery of St. Barnabas. Founded in the 5th century, the monastery houses an impressive icon museum and the tomb of St. Barnabas himself.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate Byzantine-style icons and learn about the monastery’s rich history. The site offers a glimpse into Cyprus’ religious heritage, providing a serene start to the day’s adventure.

After the monastery visit, the tour continues to the ancient ruins of Salamis, allowing travelers to enjoy the island’s captivating past before exploring the historic city of Famagusta.

Salamis Archaeological Site

After visiting the Monastery of St. Barnabas, the excursion continues to the renowned Salamis archaeological site.

Situated just outside Famagusta, Salamis was a thriving ancient Greek city-state and later a Roman metropolis. Visitors can explore the impressive marble columns, the grand Greek theater, and the well-preserved Roman baths.

The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history:

• Stroll through the ancient ruins and imagine the city in its heyday
• Marvel at the scale and craftsmanship of the architectural remnants
• Gain insights into the daily life and cultural practices of the site’s former inhabitants

With its captivating blend of history and archaeology, the Salamis excursion is a highlight of the Famagusta tour.

Historic Center of Famagusta

Following the historic exploration of Salamis, the excursion takes visitors to the heart of Famagusta’s old town.

The highlight is the Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral, an impressive 14th-century structure frozen in time since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Visitors can wander through the empty streets of the abandoned Varosha quarter, known as the "ghost town." This once-thriving seaside resort lies in eerie decay, offering a poignant glimpse into the island’s tumultuous past.

With ample free time, travelers can discover Famagusta’s medieval walls, marketplaces, and charming cafes at their own pace.

Though haunting, the visit provides valuable insight into Cyprus’ complex history and the lasting impacts of conflict.

Varosha Ghost Town

Typically, the excursion includes a visit to the eerie Varosha quarter, once a thriving seaside resort that’s been abandoned since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Visitors can peer through the wire fences at the decaying buildings, a haunting reminder of the island’s tumultuous past.

Varosha offers a unique, if somber, glimpse into history:

• Formerly a popular tourist destination, it was abruptly evacuated and left to decay when Turkish troops entered the city.

• The once-lively streets and hotels now stand empty, frozen in time.

• Venturing too close is prohibited, but the ghostly atmosphere is palpable from a distance.

Pricing and Inclusions

The excursion’s pricing and inclusions are straightforward. Entrance fees for the Monastery of St. Barnabas and the Salamis archaeological site cost €6 per person. The tour price covers a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, drinks, lunch, and gratuities. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Feature	Details
Entrance Fees	€6 per person
Inclusions	– Professional guide – Hotel pickup/drop-off – Drinks – Lunch – Gratuities
Cancellation Policy	Free up to 24 hours before
Extra Costs	None mentioned

Important Considerations

Travelers should keep in mind a few important details when booking this excursion.

Firstly, meeting points and pickup times may vary, so participants should closely review the information provided one day prior to the tour.

Plus, a valid passport or EU identity card is required, as the tour ventures into areas that were impacted by the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Finally, the excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.

With a maximum group size of 50 travelers, it’s essential to book early to secure a spot on this unique exploration of Cyprus’s historical sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Sites Individually Instead of the Tour?

Yes, you can visit the sites individually instead of taking the tour. Many of the locations, such as the Monastery of St. Barnabas and the Salamis archaeological site, are open to the public and can be explored independently.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in multiple languages besides English, including German, French, and Russian. Travelers can check with the provider, MTS GLOBE CYPRUS LTD, for the available language options when booking the excursion.

Are Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies if notified in advance. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, and the guide will ensure the participant’s needs are met during the excursion.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps. While the provider can’t accommodate all disabilities, they encourage travelers to discuss any needs in advance to determine if the tour is a good fit.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. However, it’s not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though those with mobility issues may face some challenges.

Sum Up

The Famagusta and Salamis Excursion offers a captivating journey through Cyprus’s rich history. Exploring the Monastery of St. Barnabas, ancient ruins of Salamis, and the haunting Varosha ghost town, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the island’s complex past. With professional guidance, comfortable transportation, and essential inclusions, this excursion provides an immersive experience that showcases the unique cultural tapestry of Cyprus.