From Paphos: Famagusta, Salamis, and Varosha Walking Tour

Exploring Cyprus’s Hidden Treasures from Paphos

This 11-hour guided tour from Paphos offers a captivating journey through both the ancient and modern sides of Cyprus. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore the Salamis ruins, stroll through the old town of Famagusta, and walk through the eerily deserted Varosha. The price, which includes transportation, entrance fees, and guided commentary, makes it a great value for anyone eager to understand Cyprus beyond the typical beaches.

Two aspects stand out. First, the depth of historical sites—from the 12th-century BC ruins to Venetian fortifications—gives you a layered sense of Cyprus’s past. Second, the opportunity to walk through Varosha, a city frozen in time since 1974, offers a rare glimpse into recent history that you can’t find elsewhere.

A potential drawback is the long day of travel and walking, which might be tiring for some. The itinerary is packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility considerations, this might be a challenge.

This tour suits history buffs, photographers, and those curious about Cyprus’s modern history who can handle a full day on the move. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an immersive experience, especially if they enjoy guided insights and authentic sights rather than just beaches or resorts.

Key Points

• In-Depth History: Visit Salamis, Famagusta, and Varosha, each with unique stories.
• Authentic Experience: Guided tours mean you get local insights and context.
• Rich Visuals: Ruins, medieval castles, and a ghost city provide stunning photo opportunities.
• Full-Day Adventure: Expect around 11 hours of exploration, including travel and walking.
• Practical Focus: Hotel pickup and drop-off maximize convenience, with entrance fees included.
• Limited for Mobility: Not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Cyprus’s Layers: A Day in the Life of a History Enthusiast

This tour is designed for those eager to see Cyprus’s past come alive. Starting with hotel pickup, the journey begins early with a coach ride that sets the tone for a day packed with stories, sights, and surprises. The first major stop is Salamis, an ancient city that dates back to the 12th century BC. The ruins here, including a Roman theater, gymnasium, and temples, are spread along a mile of shoreline. We loved the way our guide explained how these ruins tell the story of a city that once thrived as a bustling port.

The Salamis ruins aren’t just a collection of stones; they’re a portal into the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Walking among the crumbling columns and cracked mosaics, it’s easy to imagine what life was like two millennia ago. The site’s proximity to the sea offers lovely views and photo opportunities, especially of the expansive ruins stretching along the coast.

After a hearty walk through Salamis, the tour continues inland to Famagusta Old Town. Here, the Venetian Castle and Othello’s Tower dominate the skyline, both offering a tangible sense of the city’s strategic importance during medieval times. Inside the old town, the St. Nicholas Cathedral (now a mosque) stands as a reminder of the area’s layered religious history. Our guide expertly related stories about the city’s complex past, making history feel alive rather than just dates and facts.

The highlight for many is the visit to Varosha, a ghost town sealed off since 1974. Walking through its deserted streets, surrounded by abandoned hotels and shops, we felt the weight of recent history. It’s a powerful reminder of Cyprus’s turbulent times. The guide explained how Varosha was once a thriving holiday resort, and now it’s a haunting snapshot frozen in time, sealed behind barbed wire. Many reviews mention how this stop is both fascinating and sobering, offering a rare glimpse into a city that’s been silent for decades.

The coach ride between sites is well-paced, with a brief stop in Khirokitia for a 30-minute break. This prehistoric settlement, though not detailed in the provided info, likely adds another layer of history, giving a sense of the island’s ancient roots.

The day wraps up with a final coach ride back to Paphos, giving you time to reflect on what you’ve seen. Throughout, the guided commentary enriches the experience, helping you understand the significance of each site. Many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides who bring stories and context that you simply can’t get from guidebooks alone.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

While the price covers transportation, entrance fees, and guide services, it’s the authenticity and storytelling that truly elevate this experience. You’re not just ticking boxes; you’re walking through history and witnessing the modern scars of conflict and change.

The Salamis Ruins offer a tangible connection to ancient Cyprus, with well-preserved structures that allow you to imagine a once-vibrant city. The Famagusta Old Town provides a layered history—Venetian, Ottoman, and modern—set amidst atmospheric narrow streets. Meanwhile, Varosha presents a stark, poignant contrast: a modern city frozen in time, offering a glimpse of what once was.

The guided nature of the tour ensures you won’t get lost or overwhelmed. Your guide Michael or Maria (if you’re lucky enough to have a personable guide) shares insights, anecdotes, and context that make each site meaningful. Many reviews mention how they appreciated the professionalism and enthusiasm of the guides, which turns a long day into an engaging experience.

The time spent at each site varies, ranging from about an hour at Salamis to two hours exploring Famagusta, with enough flexibility for some free time. The walk through Varosha lasts about 45 minutes, enough to absorb the haunting atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Travel Tips

This tour is well-suited for history lovers and photography enthusiasts, but be prepared for a full day. The long hours in the coach mean you should bring snacks, water, and a good pair of walking shoes. The tour recommends comfortable shoes because of the amount of walking involved, especially on uneven or ancient surfaces.

The hotel pickup from over 40 locations in Paphos simplifies logistics, but check your specific pickup point when booking. The tour provides entrance fees for Salamis, but food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan to buy lunch in Famagusta.

Since this tour crosses the UN buffer zone, don’t forget your passport or ID card. The guide will explain the checkpoint process, which is part of the experience. The full-day schedule from about 8:00 or 9:00 am to around 7:00 pm** means you’ll need stamina, but you’ll also gain a comprehensive view of Cyprus’s layered history.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who crave deep historical context, enjoy guided storytelling, and want to see a side of Cyprus that few travelers experience. Because of the amount of walking and the length of the day, it’s best suited for those comfortable with full days on their feet.

It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who aren’t deterred by a long day or a bit of travel time. It’s also a good choice for photographers eager to capture ruins, city walls, and haunting ghost towns. But if you have mobility issues or prefer a slower pace with less walking, you might find this tour a bit demanding.

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FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is educational and visually interesting, the long hours and walking might be tiring for young children. It’s best for older kids who can handle a full day on their feet.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID for crossing the checkpoint, comfortable walking shoes, water, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the sights.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy lunch during the free time in Famagusta.

Is there free time at any site?
Yes, there’s some free time in Famagusta to explore, shop, or relax, depending on your interests.

How many pickup locations are there?
There are over 40 pickup locations in Paphos, making it convenient to join the tour from your hotel or nearby.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

This tour offers a compelling look into Cyprus’s layered history and modern stories. It’s for curious travelers who love to walk, listen, and see firsthand the sights that define this island’s complex identity. If you’re up for a full day of exploration and storytelling, it’s hard to go wrong.

You can check availability for your dates here: