Famagusta (Gazimağusa): The nearby medieval port city that rose to prominence as Salamis fell. Within its impressive Venetian walls, you'll find a treasure trove of history, most notably the stunning Gothic Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (formerly St. Nicholas Cathedral). The city is also famously known for the "ghost town" of Varosha (Maraş), a former luxury resort district now frozen in time since 1974.
Together, they form a unique destination where you can walk through a grand Roman city in the morning and explore a fortified medieval port in the afternoon, witnessing over two millennia of history in a single day.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque: Located in Famagusta, Cyprus, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture that dates back to the 14th century. Originally built as a cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas, it was converted into a mosque in the 16th century following the Ottoman conquest. The intricate stone carvings and majestic arches reflect its rich history and cultural significance. Today, it stands as a of the diverse heritage of Cyprus, attracting visitors who admire its beauty and historical importance.
Salamis Antique City: Located on the eastern coast of North Cyprus is a remarkable archaeological site that dates back the 11th century BC. Once a thriving city, it showcases stunning ruins including a majestic amphitheater, intricate mosaics, and ancient temples. Visitors can explore the remnants of its rich history, which reflect the diverse cultures that influenced the region over centuries. visit to Salamis offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of architecture.
Namık Kemal Dungeon: The historic walls and labyrinthine streets of Famagusta are not just made of stone; they also house places where ideas were imprisoned, but where spirits never lost their belief in freedom. This site is the cell where Namık Kemal, one of the most important figures of Turkish literature and modern thought, spent part of his years in exile.
Known as the poet of homeland and freedom, Namık Kemal was imprisoned in the dungeons of this castle for his ideas. Yet, his story is testament that walls cannot chain freedom. It is said that within this small cell, perhaps from behind the iron bars, he wrote one of his most immortal works, the play "Vatan Yahut Silistre" (Homeland or Silistra).
Visiting this site is not just about seeing a prison cell; it is about feeling the resilient spirit of a genius who played a critical role in shaping a nation's identity. This story of Famagusta extends far beyond stones and ruins; here, you witness how the power of an idea can breach even the thickest walls. The grandeur of Salamis and the strength of the Venetian walls, together with the quiet yet profound significance of Namık Kemal's cell, reveal the deeply layered and poignant nature of this land's history.
Othello Castle (Othello Kalesi): Standing guard at the entrance to Famagusta's vibrant port is a fortress that seems to leap from the pages of literature. This is Othello Castle, whose name is forever linked to William Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece. While the story of the Moorish general is a work of fiction, the castle's connection to it is powerfully tangible.
The fortress itself is a magnificent example of military architecture, initially built by the Lusignans in the 14th century and later strengthened by the Venetians to defend the city from Ottoman attacks. As you walk through its formidable gates and across the grassy courtyard, you can explore the ramparts, towers, and the iconic Venetian lion emblem carved proudly above the entrance.
It was during the Venetian era that the castle's governor was Christoforo Moro, a figure whose name and position are believed to have inspired Shakespeare's tragic tale of passion, jealousy, and betrayal. Within these very walls, you can descend into the cool, dark chambers that once served as barracks and storage for ammunition, feeling the weight of history and legend intertwined.
A visit to Othello Castle is a journey into a world where fact and fiction collide. It is a place where you can trace the footsteps of Venetian soldiers, imagine the echoes of Shakespearean drama, and enjoy breathtaking views of the modern port from the same battlements that once defended a medieval kingdom. It adds yet another rich, narrative layer to the incredible historical tapestry of the Famagusta region.
Golden Beach (Altınkum Plajı): Stretching along the Karpaz Peninsula east of Famagusta, Golden Beach is a pristine sanctuary of nature and one of the Mediterranean's most cherished treasures. This magnificent, untouched coastline stretches for kilometres, offering a vision of serene beauty that feels worlds away from the bustling historical centres.
As its name promises, the beach is renowned for its incredibly fine, soft sand that shines with a golden hue under the sun, lapped by crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters. Its exceptional natural state makes it a vital nesting ground for loggerhead and green sea turtles (caretta caretta and chelonia mydas), who return year after year to lay their eggs in the protected sands.
A day at Golden Beach is an experience of pure, unspoiled tranquillity. Unlike developed resort beaches, here you will find no sunbeds, umbrellas, or bustling facilities—just the vast expanse of sand, sea, and sky. It is the perfect destination for those seeking to walk for miles, swim in peaceful waters, and simply reconnect with nature in its most authentic form. The only companions you are likely to have are the occasional wild donkeys that roam freely in this protected area.
A visit to Golden Beach provides a stunning natural counterpoint to the historical depth of Salamis and Famagusta. It completes the picture of Northern Cyprus, revealing an island of profound history, compelling legends, and breathtaking, protected natural beauty.
Varosha (Kapalı Maraş): A short distance from the vibrant life of Famagusta city center lies one of the most unique and poignant sites in the world: the district of Varosha. Once the glamorous playground of the international jet set in the 1960s and early 1970s, famed for its luxurious hotels and pristine beaches, this area now exists as a "ghost town," frozen in time since 1974.
Access to the district was strictly prohibited for decades, leaving its buildings to the elements. Today, while certain sections have been carefully opened to the public as part of a controlled reopening, the core of Varosha remains a silent time capsule. Walking along its perimeter, you can see the haunting silhouettes of derelict high-rise hotels, abandoned homes, and empty streets where nature has slowly reclaimed the concrete.
The experience of witnessing Varosha is profound and evocative. It stands as a powerful, tangible symbol of the island's complex history—a place where memories of past glamour coexist with present-day silence. It prompts quiet reflection on time, conflict, and loss, offering a stark contrast to the ancient ruins of Salamis and the lived-in history of Famagusta's walled city. Varosha is not a traditional tourist attraction, but a unique and sobering chapter in the ongoing story of Cyprus.