Famagusta
Famagusta in Cyprus is one of the best examples of mediaeval architecture in the eastern Mediterranean and, in its present state of maintenance, is identical to that of the old cities of Carcassone and Dubrovnik. A day spent in Famagusta will disclose the history of Cyprus in a nutshell. The Old Town of Famagusta holds much interest for holidaymakers visiting Famagusta and this is a good place to begin sightseeing. The new town of Famagusta (also known as Marash or Varosha) lies just to the south of the walled old-city of Famagusta. The city is easily close to some splendid sandy beaches, such as the Bediz, Glapsides and Nagomi beaches. The sandy stretch next to the Palm Beach Hotel draws the largest crowds of backpackers and beach-goers.
Once the Tourists land in Famagusta, they are advised to visit the office of the North Cyprus Tourism Organization (NCTO) on the Istiklal Caddesi, in the White Tower and next to the Land Gate. The MCTO offers comprehensive Cypriot tourist information, along with a free ‘City Plan of Gazimagusa’, which comes in both English and Turkish.
Famagusta Information
- Location: Famagusta District
- Population: approximately 35,000
- Language: Greek and Turkish
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: EET (UTC+2)
- Country dialling code: +357
- Country dialling code: +90 / +90 392 if calling from the Republic of Cyprus (North), +357 (South)
- Telephone area code: 23
History:
Some historians say that Famagusta was founded by King Ptolemy Philadelphus of Egypt in 285 B.C. It is believed that the city occupies the site of ancient town of Arsinoë. Famagusta prospered through the destruction of the city of Salamis, the former capital of the island. Famagusta is actually two towns rolled into one. when Ottoman siege engines lay beyond its walls, The ancient walled city of Famagusta is much as it was over five hundred years ago. The modern day town of Varosha now lies in the buffer zone between North and South Cyprus. Famagusta was the richest city on earth Seven hundred years ago; famed throughout the world for its commercial glory. From the twelfth century, Famagusta was the seat of a Latin diocese and had residential bishops till the end of the sixteenth. The city is protected by fortifications which surround the town and the citadel castle guarding the harbor, the best in Cyprus.
Under Venetian rule, Famagusta’s economy boomed, fed by trade routes that spanned the globe from England to India. Indeed, the city was so well known that Shakespeare chose it as the setting for his play Othello. Famagusta’s booming economy in medieval times spurred growth in new buildings, many of which can be seen today, including: the Cathedral of St Nicolas, numerous houses and the remains of the fortified citadel. Regrettably, the fortifications weren’t as robust as they could have been as the city was captured by the Ottomans in the sixteenth century.
The celebrated travel writer Colin Thubron once referred to Famagusta as a ‘prince of walled cities’. However, the shell of the walled city only survives today; a remarkable frontage which promises more than it delivers. The city center has been recently renovated and retains much of its historical appeal. Otherwise those looking for a taste of Famagusta’s medieval past should look the ancient bazaar in the heart of the old town or visit the Venetian fortifications.
Weather
Warmest in: March
Coldest in: December
Wettest in: March
Driest in: December
Most tourists choose to enjoy a Cypriot holiday at Famagusta during the busy summer season, when the weather is reliably sun-drenched, and the climate hot. Daytime temperatures between May and September, around Famagusta regularly drift close to 30°C often peaking in July and August at more than 35°C / 95°F
The summer climate is also unavoidably dry and rainy weather is almost unheard of. In fact if it does rain in Famagusta, then the showers are rarely more than a little sprinkling. Although the summer months are perfect for basking in the sun and swimming, the climate can feel rather humid at times. Calm summer evenings at Famagusta mean that enjoying a drink or meal in the open-air is routine, and the best outdoor eateries come with inspiring coastal views.
During spring and autumn, An increasing number of holidaymakers are now choosing to visit Famagusta as temperatures are warm, the weather is still quite sunny, and the air feels more ‘fresh’ and less humid.
How to get to Famagusta?
Visitors cannot enter directly into Famagusta from the southern part of Cyprus. However, they must cross the Green Line into the north and the best place is from the Strovilia crossing near Agios Nikolaos, which is located inside the British sovereign military base area. Alternatively, they can cross the border in Nicosia and then take a bus to Famagusta Which are operated by Itimat and are available every half hour.
As the town is small, it’s possible to travel on foot and be very careful not to accidentally cross into areas quarantined by the Turkish army and the UN, as doing so risks arrest. Bicycles and Taxis are a better (and safer) option for the independent traveler and are widely available
Cuisine
There are several restaurants both in the modern city and the old town. Restaurants in the old town are generally located around the Namık Kemal Square. Kebab fans can visit D&B Cafe which offers good pizzas as well as kebabs. Aspava located across the street also offers good Kebabs. Ginko Restaurant and Monk’s Inn Bistro & Bar are enjoyable and offer a limited but well-prepared menu including hot and cold sandwiches. Hamam Inn on the other side of the Namık Kemal Square has a good view of the medieval cathedral, Es Café where visitors can enjoy nice chat with friends over refreshing Cypriot lemonade. Most restaurants and bars in the modern town are located on the “Salamis Road”, heading from the monument at the entrance to the city towards Salamis.
Many bars are also located on Salamis Road. These bars on the main road are hectic on summer nights with local people. Palm Beach (Famagusta Quayside) has become very popular over the years since the restoration of the area. There are a number of cafés and restaurants to choose from offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Shopping in Famagusta
The visitors to Famagusta can find a wide range of consumer goods and many of the popular imported brand names are readily available and can be found in local supermarkets. Fresh local produce can be purchased from various markets and small stores and there is wide selection of wines and spirits at very low costs. There are also a variety of shops from clothing and gifts to home stores. Most of the shops can be found along Salamis Road. Instead, the Old Town (inside the walls) have a number of dedicated souvenir shops for those looking for handcrafted items or Cypriot lacework namely Lefkara to give away as gifts.
Bazaar shops in the city has amazing collections of souvenirs, handicrafts , household implements, Turkish pottery, tiles, silk, cushion covers, scarves and ornaments. There are a limited number of junk and antique dealers with a stock of old copper and household ware.
Famagusta Beaches
The wide sweeping Famagusta Bay occupies almost all the eastern coast of North Cyprus, and has long attracted European holidaymakers. This area has numerous lovely beaches, and most Famagusta beaches offer some water sports. Some of the beaches are owned by hotels who charge an entrance fee to use the beach.
Glapsides
This is basically North Cyprus’s equivalent of Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa and it is Voted second-best beach in North Cyprus, after Karpas Golden Beach. The area gets crowded in the summer and there is usually a DJ at the bar during peak summer season who plays until late.
Silver Beach
Next to the ruins of Salamis, Silver Beach makes a nice day trip to come and relax here after visiting Salamis. This is one of the best Cyprus beaches for snorkeling, as visitors are able to explore the old harbor of Salamis which is now underwater.
Bafra Beach
This is a quiet sandy beach which is much quieter than Glapsides. There are two nearby hotels are being built so the peace and quiet may not last too long.
Famagusta Nightlife
Star hotels in the city are the main centres for nightlife in the town and the Bilfer Palm Beach Hotel, South of the city is the last hotel before the UN buffer zone and ghost town of Varosha. The hotel offers a casino and disco, plus restaurants and bars. About 10 km north of Famagusta, The Salamis Bay Conti Hotel is a large hotel complex and offers three restaurants and several bars, and a big casino. The Moon over the Water bistro and bar boast great views across the sea and has a more informal atmosphere with a sea view. Eastern Mediterranean University campus on Ismet Inonu Bulvari also has various bars and cafés.
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