Welcome to Famagusta

Famagusta district - known as 'Ammochostos' in Greek - is the easternmost administrative region in the Republic of Cyprus.  The town known as Famagusta - also known as the “ghost town” since its 1974 occupation by Turkish forces - lies in the occupied area of Northern Cyprus. Once the most popular resort in Cyprus, Famagusta now lies deserted - and the free (non-occupied) district of Famagusta holds claim to have the best beaches in the Republic of Cyprus.

Incorporating the towns of Paralimni, Protaras and Agia Napa together with villages in the surrounding area, the Famagusta municipality/region is famous not only for it’s beaches but also market gardening. The countryside surrounding Paralimni has rich red fertile soil and is famous for its picturesque windmills - used to draw water from underground aquifers to irrigate the surrounding land. This region is the main potato producing area on the island, and is known as 'Kokkinochoria' - which means 'red soil villages'. The fertile earth supports two seasons' crops each year and brings fresh meaning to savouring goodness from the humble potato!

Before the rise of tourism, the rich agricultural land surrounding Paralimni was the main source of its wealth. Since the Turkish occupation of Ammochostos in 1974, Paralimni has grown and assumed the role of administrative centre for the district, raising its profile as a regional centre of retail and commercial activity. It is within a few kilometres or roughly five minutes drive time from the sandy beaches of Kapparis that stretch along the south-eastern coastline of Cyprus towards Pernera and Protaras with its famous Fig Tree Bay and 'buzz' of people enjoying themselves during the long, hot summer months.

Nearby Konnos Bay is a truly tranquil, beautiful location for swimming and diving - or simply watching the world go by from the hillside overlooking the beach and the passing pleasure cruisers from Agia Napa plying the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Further south, the rugged promontory of Cape Greco (Cavo Grekko) projects majestically into the sea at the south-eastern tip of the regional land mass. Renowned for its beautiful sunsets, Cape Greco is a National Forest Park and occupies an area of 390 ha with a natural trail that is an experience not to be missed.

One of the most famous resorts associated with Cyprus is Agia Napa. The charming mediaeval Venetian-era monastery in the town centre is dedicated to the patron saint of the town 'Agia Napa', which is Greek for 'Saint Napa'.

Once a tiny fishing village with a picturesque harbour and mediaeval monastery at its heart, this expanding resort town has become a by-word for Mediterranean nightlife and a truly cosmopolitan mix of restaurants, bars and cafes open until the early hours. This modern perception of the town rests cheek by jowl with more ancient and traditional aspects of Cypriot life in the area.

'Our Lady of the Forests' stands in the middle of the 'village', surrounded by a huge wall. Its 16th century church is partly underground and carved into the rock. The hostel west of the church belongs to the World Council of Churches and the ancient sycamore tree in front of the south gate is believed to be over 600 years old.

Wherever you go and whatever you do, there's no need to worry about getting back to your hotel, rental villa or apartment. Taxis seem to be on standby wherever you are 24 hours a day and most drivers speak excellent English!

Away from the 'scene', Agia Napa has a great deal to offer visitors more inclined towards 'calmer' pursuits such as sunbathing on the sandy beach adjoining the harbour - or perhaps flexing their muscles whilst paragliding. There is an excellent coastal walkway that takes you from the harbour towards Nissi Beach - a healthy way to soak up the sun, feel the fresh sea breeze and work up an appetite. As a popular holiday resort, Agia Napa has a good mix of essential gastronomic and diverse retail therapy for the visitor hankering after their intake of McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Chinese and Indian restaurants - plus souvenir shops, boutiques, jewelers, opticians and pharmacies.

For those with aquatic tendencies the Water world Water Park on the edge of town, close to Agia Thekla, provides an endless opportunity to experience the thrills and spills of water rides based on the theme of ancient Greece. This operates during the extended summer season in common with other main attractions such as the Sling Shot in the amusement park close to the town centre off Nissi Avenue. This is a ride that literally propels you upwards into the open air having started at the bottom of a 'volcano '. The operators of this ride very thoughtfully provide a video of the occasion!

At the risk of overstating the obvious, Cyprus is characterised by sharp contrasts in the attraction it offers visitors. Although Agia Napa and the other coastal resorts are an understandable magnet for visitors - including those from less benign climates in northern Europe such as the UK, Russia, Germany and Sweden - the character of the countryside changes just a few kilometres from the main tourist centres. When you visit the region you should not miss the fishing shelter of Potamos Liopetri and the inland villages. Dherynia, Sotira, Liopetri, Frenaros and Potamos Liopetri are also interesting for their handicrafts, churches and traditional celebrations, and well worth a visit.

Being at the eastern edge of Cyprus, Famagusta with its towns and villages is not far from anywhere, with a drive time of approximately 30 minutes from Larnaca International Airport to Agia Napa. For the convenience of being able to simply land, complete a few forms and drive off in your rental car straight to your holiday accommodation in Cyprus, visit: www.hestia-holidays.com/carhire

The excellent motorway network links the airport to all major towns and cities on the island - Larnaca, Limassol & Troodos, Paphos, Nicosia - and the Agia Napa / Paralimni / Protaras area in eastern Famagusta.