Gazimağusa (Famagusta): Yapılacaklar, Kuzey Kıbrıs (2026)

Famagusta (Gazimağusa): Things to Do, North Cyprus (2026)

Famagusta, known in Turkish as Gazimağusa, is a historic port city on the east coast of North Cyprus. It is best known for its Venetian walled old city, the Gothic Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and Othello's Tower, with the ancient ruins of Salamis and quiet sandy beaches nearby. It makes a strong base for the eastern side of the island.

Famagusta, or Gazimağusa in Turkish, sits on the east coast of North Cyprus and holds some of the island's richest history. Once one of the wealthiest ports in the eastern Mediterranean, it left behind a remarkable concentration of medieval churches, Gothic architecture and massive fortifications, most of it packed inside the old walled city.

The walled city is the heart of a visit. Venetian walls enclose narrow streets lined with cafés, shops and the ruins of medieval churches, and at the centre stands the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, a 14th-century Gothic cathedral converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest. Nearby, Othello's Tower guards the old harbour, a Crusader-era fortification linked by literary tradition to Shakespeare's play. The old city rewards slow wandering on foot, with bastions, gates and church ruins at almost every turn.

Famagusta suits history-minded travellers and works well as a base for the eastern side of the island. Just north lie the ancient ruins of Salamis, and the city is within easy reach of the beaches along the coast and the wilder Karpaz Peninsula beyond. It offers a more Levantine, less resort-driven feel than Kyrenia.

Things to do

Famagusta's old city packs a lot into a compact, walkable area. The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, originally the Cathedral of St Nicholas, is the standout piece of Gothic architecture. Othello's Tower guards the harbour, and the Venetian walls, with bastions such as the Martinengo and the Ravelin at the Land Gate, can be explored on foot. Ruined churches, most memorably St George of the Greeks, are scattered through the streets. A short drive north brings you to the ancient city of Salamis, with its Roman theatre, gymnasium and baths, and the nearby monastery of St Barnabas. The listings below cover these and more.

Where to stay

Famagusta offers a mix of city hotels near the walled old town and larger beach resorts strung along the coast to the north, several with pools, spas and casinos. Staying in or near the old city puts the historic sights on your doorstep, while the coastal resorts suit those wanting a beach base with more facilities. Prices range from budget to premium and rise in high summer.

Where to eat

Dining in Famagusta leans towards traditional Cypriot and Turkish cooking, from meze and grills to fresh seafood, with cafés and patisseries tucked among the old city streets. The walled city is an easy place to pause for lunch between sights, while the coastal areas offer seaside dining in the warmer months. Expect everything from a simple café stop to a full meze spread across the price bands below.

Beaches

The coast around Famagusta has some of the quieter, sandier beaches in North Cyprus. Glapsides, a short drive north on the coast road, is the closest easy swimming spot, with soft sand and a beach restaurant in season. Palm Beach sits near the old walls, and further stretches lie below the Salamis ruins, making it easy to combine a swim with a morning of history. A hire car makes reaching them straightforward.

Getting there

Most visitors arrive at Ercan Airport, roughly 30 to 45 minutes from Famagusta by road. A hire car is the most practical way to explore, since Salamis, the beaches and the wider east coast are spread out and awkward to reach otherwise. Taxis are available, and the walled old city is comfortably explored on foot once you are there. Some visitors also arrive via the south of the island and drive across.

Best time to visit

Spring, from April to June, and autumn, in September and October, are the most comfortable times to visit, pairing warm days with pleasant sea temperatures, and they suit long walks around the old city and Salamis without the peak heat. High summer is hot and busiest, though the beaches stay warm well into autumn. Winters are mild and quiet, better for sightseeing than beach days.

Places to visit in Famagusta (Gazimağusa)

Frequently asked questions

Is Famagusta worth visiting?

Yes. Famagusta has one of the best-preserved walled old cities in the region, with Gothic churches, Venetian fortifications and the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, plus the ancient ruins of Salamis and quiet beaches nearby.

Famagusta or Gazimağusa, what is the difference?

They are the same city. Famagusta is the English name and Gazimağusa is the Turkish name. You may also see the shorter form Mağusa on local signs.

How many days do you need in Famagusta?

A full day covers the walled city and its main sights. Two days lets you add Salamis, St Barnabas and time on the nearby beaches at a relaxed pace.

What is Famagusta known for?

Its Venetian walled old city, the Gothic Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Othello's Tower, the many ruined medieval churches, and the ancient ruins of Salamis just to the north.

How far is Salamis from Famagusta?

Salamis lies a short drive north of Famagusta, easily reached by car in well under half an hour, and it combines naturally with a visit to the walled city.