From Paphos: Famagusta, Salamis, and Varosha Walking Tour

Traveling through Cyprus offers a fascinating mix of ancient history and modern ghost stories. This 11-hour tour from Paphos to the north takes you across the UN buffer zone into the Nicosia District, where you’ll explore everything from 4,000-year-old ruins to a deserted city frozen in time since 1974. It’s a journey that promises both eye-opening sights and plenty of stories, making it perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, or anyone interested in understanding Cyprus’s complex past.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances structured guided visits with enough free time to soak in the atmosphere. The inclusion of the Salamis ruins, with its impressive theatre and gymnasium, offers a tangible link to the island’s ancient past. Plus, walking through the ghost town of Varosha is a rare chance to see a place that remains untouched by time — a haunting reminder of Cyprus’s modern history.

One consideration for travelers is the long day of travel and lots of walking. It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or anyone who prefers a more relaxed pace. That said, if you’re eager to pack in several key sights in one day, this tour offers excellent value and a rundown of the north’s most compelling attractions.

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, adventurers eager for a mix of ruins and modern history, and those who appreciate guided storytelling. It suits travelers who enjoy learning on the go and aren’t fazed by a full schedule.

Key Points

• Historical depth: Covers ancient Salamis ruins, Famagusta’s old town, and the ghostly Varosha.
• Comprehensive itinerary: Combines ruins, city walks, and a ghost town tour in one day.
• Expert guide: Guides are knowledgeable and enhance the experience with stories and context.
• Long day but rewarding: Nearly 11 hours of sightseeing, so be prepared for a full schedule.
• Crossing the border: Includes crossing the UN buffer zone, adding an authentic element to the trip.
• Value for money: Includes transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours, making it a good deal for seeing multiple highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Pickup and Journey into the North

The tour begins with pickup from multiple locations in Paphos — you’ll have the flexibility to choose your closest hotel or pickup spot. The bus/coach journey is approximately one hour, offering a comfortable ride while you see the countryside transition from the south to the north of Cyprus.

Transportation is generally rated as smooth, with many travelers noting the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. Given the duration of the day, the coach becomes your mobile base for the extensive sightseeing, allowing you to relax and prepare for the next stops.

Salamis Ruins: Walking into 12th Century BC

The highlight of the day is the guided tour of the Salamis ancient city, built around the 12th century BC. This sprawling site offers a surprisingly well-preserved glimpse into Cypriot life thousands of years ago. You’ll see ruined temples, an amphitheater that once hosted performances, and a gymnasium where athletes trained for the ancient games.

Many visitors mention that the ruins are surprisingly extensive, with a mile-long stretch along the coast, providing excellent photo opportunities. The guide explains the significance of each site, helping you visualize what life was like so long ago.

One reviewer appreciated the “wonderful stories” provided throughout, noting that it made the ruins come alive beyond just stones on the ground. While some parts are more accessible than others, overall, the site is a fascinating walk through time.

Famagusta Old Town: Venetian Charm and Ottoman Traces

Next, the tour takes you into the walled city of Famagusta, a place where Venetian architecture meets Ottoman influences. Highlights include the Venetian Castle, which offers commanding views over the city, and Othello’s Tower, linked to Shakespeare’s play but with a long history of its own.

You’ll wander around St. Nicholas Cathedral, converted into a mosque, offering a glimpse into the layered religious history of the area. Your guide shares stories of Famagusta’s rise as a trading port, its conquest, and subsequent decline, giving you a richer understanding of why this city is so layered.

Many visitors find Famagusta’s old town charming, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively cafés. The guided walk helps you appreciate the architecture and history, while free time allows you to explore at your own pace and perhaps grab a coffee or souvenir.

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The Haunting Ghost City of Varosha

The most dramatic part of the tour is the walk through Varosha, the ghost city that has been sealed off since the Turkish invasion in 1974. Barbed wire fences, abandoned hotels, and empty streets create a surreal scene that feels frozen in time.

Walking through Varosha, you’ll see the once-bustling holiday resorts now left to decay. Many travelers describe it as “haunting” and “eerily beautiful.” Your guide provides context, explaining the political history behind its abandonment and what recent developments mean for the future.

This part of the tour is about 45 minutes long, giving you enough time to absorb the atmosphere, take photographs, and reflect on the modern history of Cyprus.

Return and Reflection

After exploring Varosha, the bus heads back to Paphos, a journey of about 2.5 hours. Many travelers comment on how the long ride allows time to process the sights or nap before arriving back at your accommodation.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation: The bus/coach is comfortable, and the day’s long travel is made easier by the scenic countryside views.
Guides: Guides are generally praised for their knowledgeable storytelling and ability to make history engaging.
Duration: The full day lasts about 11 hours, so plan to start early and wear comfortable shoes.
Cost: The tour includes entrance fees for Salamis and hotel pickup/drop-off, offering good value considering the number of sights covered.
What to Bring: Passport or ID for border crossing, comfortable shoes, water, camera, and sun protection.
Not Suitable For: Those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as there’s a fair amount of walking and uneven terrain.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers interested in history, archaeology, and modern political stories. If you’re eager to see ancient ruins and learn about Cyprus’s complex modern history, this trip will satisfy your curiosity. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy guided storytelling, as the guides provide a lot of context and personal insights.

However, keep in mind it’s a full-day commitment with a fair amount of walking and bus time. If you prefer leisurely sightseeing or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider shorter, less intensive options.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price, this tour delivers a comprehensive snapshot of Cyprus’s diverse past and present. Visiting from Paphos, you get to see some of the island’s most iconic sites in a single day — from the majestic ruins of Salamis to the old town of Famagusta and the striking eeriness of Varosha.

The guided element ensures you’ll gain a deeper understanding, making the experience both educational and memorable. The mix of ancient relics and modern ghost towns provides a vivid contrast that’s hard to find elsewhere.

This tour is particularly valuable for travelers craving an immersive, well-rounded glimpse into both the historic and contemporary stories of Cyprus. If you’re ready for a full day of exploration and storytelling, this trip offers remarkable value and a chance to step into Cyprus’s layered history.

FAQ

Do I need a passport or ID card to join this tour?
Yes, you need your passport or ID card to cross the UN buffer zone into the northern part of Cyprus.

How much walking should I expect?
There will be quite a bit of walking, especially at Salamis and Famagusta. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so it’s a good idea to bring water and perhaps some snacks, especially for the long day.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s designed for those able to handle a full day of walking and bus travel. Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What are the pickup options?
There are 47 pickup locations in Paphos, including major hotels and resorts for your convenience.

How long is the stop at each site?
Expect about an hour at Salamis, two hours in Famagusta, and 45 minutes in Varosha, with breaks between sites.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the guide available in languages other than English?
This tour is offered in English only, so be sure you’re comfortable with that language for storytelling.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded, insightful look at Cyprus’s ancient sites and recent history. It’s a robust option for explorers who want to see a lot in one day, with knowledgeable guides and stunning sights making it a worthwhile addition to your Cyprus itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: