Famagusta.
Flight from TLV
1h 2m
Best season
מאי–אוק
Avg temp
26°
Currency
₺ TRY · 1=₪0.063
Time zone
זהה לת״א
Language
טורקית; אנגלית נפוצה באזורי התיירות
Plug
G · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לביקור קצר; הכניסה לצפון קפריסין נעשית דרך מעבר גבול ויש לבדוק מראש תנאי רכב וביטוח
Safety
יעד תיירותי רגוע בדרך כלל; אין להיכנס לשטחים צבאיים או לאזורים סגורים בוורושה, ויש לעקוב אחר אזהרות המסע הישראליות
Overview
🇨🇾Famagusta
🇨🇾Cyprus
Famagusta combines Venetian walls, turquoise beaches and a Mediterranean holiday with a character unlike the rest of Cyprus. Enter the old city through the Land Gate, walk between the former St. Nicholas Cathedral, now Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, and Othello’s Tower, then unwind at Glapsides or Long Beach. Israelis mainly come for a summer break mixing sea, resort hotels and casinos, often adding a guided viewpoint or permitted visit around Varosha, the haunting former resort quarter. The practical route from Israel is a flight to Larnaca followed by an arranged crossing north, with appropriate vehicle insurance.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Famagusta
Each area and who it suits best.
Ayia Napa Town Centre
Around Ayia Napa Square and Louka Louka Street, bars, clubs and restaurants are all within walking distance, alongside hotels such as Napa Plaza. Nissi Beach and the Sculpture Park are a short drive away, but July and August nights are noisy, crowded and less suitable for families with small children.
Nissi Beach and Landa Beach
Nissi Avenue links Nissi Beach Resort, Adams Beach and Vassos Nissi Plage with two of the area's most popular beaches. Nissi offers shallow water, music and daytime parties, while Landa is calmer. Summer prices are higher than in the center, and evening traffic toward Ayia Napa Square can be slow.
Makronissos and Ayia Thekla
West of Ayia Napa are Makronissos Beach, the ancient tombs and Ayia Thekla's quiet seafront, with villas and apartments near the new marina. It is a comfortable base for families with a car seeking parking, a kitchen and less party-oriented beaches. There is little nightlife within walking distance, and central Ayia Napa is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
Protaras, Fig Tree Bay Strip
Along Protaras Avenue, between Sunrise Beach and Fig Tree Bay, hotels such as Capo Bay sit close to restaurants, supermarkets and family evening shows. The beach works well for children, and the promenade is excellent at sunset. In July and August this is one of the district's busiest and most expensive areas, with a distinctly resort-oriented atmosphere.
Pernera
Around Kalamies Beach, Pernera Bay and the promenade toward Protaras are hotels such as Golden Coast Beach Hotel and many family apartments. The coves are relatively sheltered, and prices can be lower than around Fig Tree Bay. Evening choices are more limited, while Ayia Napa and Cape Greco are easier to reach by car or bus.
Konnos Bay and Cape Greco
The road between Ayia Napa and Protaras overlooks Konnos Bay and skirts Cape Greco National Forest Park, with Grecian Park Hotel as the landmark address. Guests can swim in the bay and hike toward the Sea Caves and Kamára tou Koráka before tour groups arrive. The scenery is superb and nights are quiet, but without a car you will depend on taxis and prices are high.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Famagusta
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
18°
10°
Recommended
פבר
17°
7°
Recommended
מרץ
21°
11°
Recommended
אפר
24°
13°
Excellent
מאי
27°
17°
Excellent
יונ
33°
22°
Hot
יול
36°
25°
Hot
אוג
35°
24°
Hot
ספט
33°
22°
Hot
אוק
29°
18°
Excellent
נוב
24°
15°
Excellent
דצמ
19°
11°
Recommended
Most pleasant weather: אפר · מאי · אוק · נוב
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק. July and August are the Israeli peak because of the school holiday, warm sea and reliably sunny weather, although prices and crowds rise. May, June, September and the Sukkot period offer pleasant beaches, fewer crowds and better value.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Famagusta · Open-Meteo
This week in Famagusta
Measured in Famagusta
26°
Partly cloudy
Next 7 days
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Things to do
Things to do in Famagusta
On the map
Famagusta on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
What's nearby
Suggested plan
A perfect Famagusta itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Easygoing Ayia Napa
After landing in Larnaca and checking in, begin at Ayia Napa Monastery and the central square before the evening crowds build. Walk to the harbor and Limanaki Beach, and if time allows visit the Thalassa Municipal Museum. Around sunset, explore the Sculpture Park on the clifftop. In the evening, return to the harbor restaurants, or head to Louka Louka Street and the square if nightlife is part of the trip.
- 2
Day 2
Nissi, Landa and Makronissos
Reach Nissi Beach before 09:00 to secure parking and space in the calmer section; younger travelers may prefer the area near the music and water sports. At midday, move to Landa Beach for a picnic or a light meal along Nissi Avenue. Continue to Makronissos Beach in the afternoon and visit the nearby Hellenistic tombs. Finish with sunset at Ayia Napa Marina or along the Ayia Thekla seafront.
- 3
Day 3
Cape Greco and Konnos Bay
Leave by 08:00 for Cape Greco National Forest Park, ahead of the heat and tour buses, stopping at the viewpoints and Kamára tou Koráka. Continue to the Sea Caves and Cyclops Cave on a route suited to your fitness level and sea conditions, without cliff jumping. At midday, descend to Konnos Bay for a swim and a light meal near Grecian Park Hotel. Return to a Cape Greco viewpoint during golden hour, but do not remain on unlit trails without a flashlight.
- 4
Day 4
Protaras and Pernera
Start early at Fig Tree Bay, swimming toward the tiny islet only in calm water and within your ability. Continue along the promenade to Sunrise Beach, or drive north to Kalamies Beach and the blue-and-white Agios Nikolaos Church. For lunch, buy supplies at a supermarket or choose a suitable dish along Protaras Avenue according to your own kosher requirements. In the evening, attend the Magic Dancing Waters show or stroll along the Pernera promenade.
- 5
Day 5
Water park or cruise
Families can devote the day to WaterWorld Themed Waterpark, arriving at opening time to enjoy the slides before queues build; bring hats and check height restrictions in advance. Couples and groups can instead take a morning cruise from Ayia Napa Harbor past the Sea Caves, Cape Greco and Blue Lagoon, with swimming stops. Do not rely on kosher food aboard and bring a sealed meal. Spend the evening around the promenade and harbor for souvenirs, ice cream and casual shopping.
- 6
Day 6
Paralimni and the Kokkinochoria Villages
Before the flight, spend half a day in Paralimni, the local center beyond the hotel strip, walking around Agios Georgios Square and the shopping streets. For practical purchases, visit Metro, Kokkinos and local shops, but do not expect major outlet malls. With a car, continue to Deryneia for views toward the closed-off Varosha area and the Famagusta Cultural Centre, subject to opening hours. Return to Larnaca at least three hours before departure, particularly during busy summer periods.
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Budget
How much does Famagusta cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪450-1,200 (summer: ₪1,500+)
4-5 night package
₪1,900-4,500 per person
Mid-range hotel night
₪420-850 per room
Five-star hotel night
₪850-1,800 per room
Restaurant meal
₪65-130 per person
Local beer
₪15-26
Coffee
₪10-18
Short taxi ride
₪45-80
Rental car per day
₪120-260 (before insurance)
Umbrella and sunbeds
about ₪30 per set
Sea caves cruise
₪85-180 per person
Daily budget
₪350-700 per person
Family, five nights
₪8,500-16,500 for four
Good to know
Good to know before Famagusta
Getting around
From the airport
Most Israeli travelers land at Larnaca: a prebooked taxi to Ayia Napa costs about ₪190-260 and takes 40-50 minutes, while Protaras costs ₪230-310 and takes roughly 50-65 minutes. A prebooked shared shuttle is generally ₪65-110 per person, though multiple hotel drops lengthen the journey. There is no train; intercity buses from Larnaca, sometimes requiring a connection, cost about ₪25-45 in total and take 90-150 minutes. Bolt operates around Larnaca, but for the long trip east availability and pricing are not always better than a reserved transfer.
Need a car?
A car is unnecessary for a beach holiday in central Ayia Napa, Nissi Beach or Protaras: OSEA buses connect the beaches, Cape Greco and resort towns, with taxis filling the nighttime gap. For families staying in Ayia Thekla or Pernera, and for travelers planning Cape Greco, villages and shopping in Paralimni, a car saves considerable time. Driving is on the left, so anyone uncomfortable with that should book transfers and rely on buses.
Tips
Download the Pame app before traveling for bus information, and ask taxis to use the meter or agree on a fixed fare in advance. Parking around Nissi Beach and Fig Tree Bay can fill by 09:30 in summer, while at Cape Greco vehicles must not be left where they obstruct the road. Rental cars normally have red license plates, and travelers should check whether insurance covers tires, glass and the excess.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Chabad Ayia Napa is the main address for Israeli travelers in the area, near Ayia Napa's tourist center; exact activities and location can change seasonally, so registration and direct confirmation before arrival are essential. During the tourist season it generally offers Shabbat and holiday meals, traveler assistance and sometimes minyanim when attendance permits. There is no permanent Chabad operation in Protaras or the northern part of the district that visitors should rely on without advance confirmation.
Kosher food
A kosher restaurant associated with Chabad operates in Ayia Napa during the tourist season, but opening hours and supervision can change, so verify certification and reserve in advance. Protaras has no reliable selection of kosher restaurants, so observant travelers often book a kitchenette, bring products from Israel and buy produce and sealed goods at Lidl, Metro and Kokkinos. Do not assume a vegetarian dish in a local restaurant is kosher, particularly because of shared kitchens.
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Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
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You get
6.26
1 TRY
₪0.06
100 TRY
₪6.26
1,000 TRY
₪62.6
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 13 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Famagusta 🇨🇾
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לביקור קצר; הכניסה לצפון קפריסין נעשית דרך מעבר גבול ויש לבדוק מראש תנאי רכב וביטוח
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Famagusta
- 💳The currency in the north is the Turkish lira, although euros are sometimes accepted in Famagusta; pay by card or use a Türkiye İş Bankası ATM, and always decline conversion into Israeli shekels at the terminal.
- 🚗A Larnaca rental car is not necessarily permitted to cross north, and basic border insurance usually does not cover damage to the vehicle itself, so obtain written approval from the rental company or cross at Deryneia and arrange a driver on the other side.
- 🛂Carry your physical passport at the Deryneia crossing and check current entry and insurance guidance shortly before travelling, as Famagusta is in northern Cyprus and procedures can change.
- 🏨For an easy base with beaches, restaurants, and nightlife, Israelis generally prefer Protaras or Ayia Napa, while a night in Famagusta suits travellers who want early access to Salamis and the city walls without a long transfer.
- ⏰Reach Salamis at opening time and Varosha at least two hours before closing, as admission hours vary by season and access can end early with little flexibility.
- 🕌At Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the former Gothic cathedral, remove your shoes, cover shoulders and knees, and avoid entering during prayer times.
- 🍽️Famagusta has no dependable year-round selection of kosher restaurants, so kosher travellers should arrange supplies through Chabad Larnaca or seasonal Chabad services in Ayia Napa, remembering that even vegetarian dishes such as gözleme are prepared in non-kosher kitchens.
- 🎰If you continue to a casino such as Grand Sapphire City in Famagusta, bring your passport, dress smart casual, and set a firm budget; for bars and clubs, return to Nissi Avenue in Ayia Napa.
- ☀️In July and August, the walls, Salamis, and Varosha offer almost no shade, so carry a hat, two litres of water per person, and closed shoes, and use 13:00 to 16:00 for the beach rather than city walking.
- 📱A Cyprus eSIM does not always work in the north, and your phone may connect to a Turkish network at expensive roaming rates, so download offline maps and confirm that your plan explicitly includes northern Cyprus.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"Famagusta is a place of contrasts that is almost impossible to feel indifferent about: stone lanes inside the walls, the clear water at Glapsides Beach, and the time-frozen buildings of Varosha. I love starting near Othello Castle in the morning, walking along Namık Kemal Street, and ending with sunset facing Palm Beach. Israelis fall for it because one day can combine an ancient city, almost Caribbean-looking water, and a historical story that is still unfolding. This is not a polished resort town, but a fascinating destination that rewards an open mind and careful planning."
Loves
My local secret is to reach Glapsides Beach at around 9:00 on a weekday, before the music and local families arrive, and take a lounger directly beside the shallow water. At about 11:30, I continue to the old city for a cheese-and-spinach gözleme near Namık Kemal Square, while the lanes are still comfortable for walking.
Skip
The most common mistake is joining a rushed Varosha tour that allows little more than a photograph from the bus near Palm Beach. It is far better to enter during the official opening hours and explore on foot or by bicycle, while respecting signs and photography restrictions.
Boutique pick
I begin at 8:00 among the columns and mosaics of Salamis, before the heat and tour groups arrive, and at 10:30 enter old Famagusta through the Land Gate for Othello Castle, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, and coffee on Namık Kemal Square. After a light lunch, I devote 15:00 to 17:30 to the quiet and affecting walk through Varosha. I finish with a swim and sunset at Palm Beach, or a short ride to Glapsides when the sea is calm.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Famagusta
"We wandered through Famagusta’s old-city lanes and churches and climbed Othello Castle just as the afternoon light softened. The next day we viewed Varosha from Palm Beach, one of the most powerful and intriguing experiences of our Cyprus trip."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 3 nights · September
"The children raced between the columns and mosaics of Salamis as if they had entered an adventure film, while we finally had time to take in the history. In the afternoon we moved to Glapsides Beach, where the shallow water and soft sand were ideal for the family."
Michal and Uri, Modi'in
Family with children · 4 nights · July
"We started the evening with a beer at Monks Inn inside Famagusta’s old city and continued to the casino at Salamis Bay Conti. It is not Ayia Napa in terms of clubbing, but the mix of local atmosphere, sea and casino worked brilliantly for us."
Roy, Daniel and Shahar, Beersheba
Friends · 3 nights · August
"We spent a relaxed morning at Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and along Famagusta’s walls, without huge groups or any rush. Afterwards we stopped for coffee and baklava at Petek Pastanesi and felt we had discovered a different, far more intriguing side of Cyprus."
Rachel and Yossi, Haifa
Older couple · 2 nights · May
FAQ
Common questions about Famagusta
Do Israelis need a visa for Famagusta?
Israelis do not need to arrange a visa in advance for a tourist visit to Cyprus, and the recommended route to Famagusta is via Larnaca and the Deryneia checkpoint with a valid passport. Entering through Ercan Airport in the north may create complications with the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Famagusta, and how long is the flight?
Famagusta has no active airport and no direct flights; fly from Tel Aviv to Larnaca in about one hour, followed by a 50 to 70-minute drive via the Deryneia checkpoint. There are no direct flights from Israel to Ercan, and reaching it requires a connection in Turkey.
When is the best time to visit Famagusta, and what should I pack?
The most pleasant periods in Famagusta are May–June and September–October, while July–August is peak season with warm water, crowds and intense heat; pack swimwear, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for Salamis and the old-city walls. Add a light layer for spring and autumn evenings.
How many days do you need in Famagusta, and what should you combine it with?
Two to three nights are enough in Famagusta for the old city, Varosha, Salamis and the beaches without rushing. For a longer trip, combine it with Ayia Napa and Cape Greco to the south, or Nicosia and Kyrenia if continuing through the north.
How do you get around Famagusta, and is it worth renting a car?
A car is the easiest way to travel around Famagusta between the old city, Salamis, Glapsides and Palm Beach, but a rental from the south requires the company’s permission and separate insurance at the northern checkpoint. The old city is walkable, and for short taxi rides it is wise to agree on the fare in advance.
How much does a holiday in Famagusta cost?
A three-night Famagusta trip usually costs about ₪2,500–4,500 per person, including a direct flight to Larnaca, a good hotel, transport and meals; an upscale beachfront hotel on a July or August weekend can push the total above ₪5,000. Accommodation and dining in the north are generally cheaper than in Ayia Napa.
Is Famagusta safe for Israeli travelers?
Famagusta is generally calm in its tourist areas, but it lies in northern Cyprus, so check current travel advisories, insurance coverage and checkpoint rules before traveling. Do not enter military or restricted sections of Varosha, and keep your passport with you when crossing.
What should you not miss in Famagusta, and is it better for families or couples?
Famagusta essentials include the walled old city, Othello Castle, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the ruins of Salamis and the view of Varosha from Palm Beach. Families especially enjoy Salamis and the shallow water at Glapsides Beach, while couples tend to prefer a beachfront hotel, an evening walk within the walls and sunset at Palm Beach.
What is the nightlife like in Famagusta, and are there casinos?
Nightlife in Famagusta is smaller and more student-oriented than in Ayia Napa, with pubs such as Monks Inn and venues around the university and beaches. Northern hotel casinos include those at Salamis Bay Conti and Arkin Palm Beach, but the city does not have the same concentration of clubs and gambling as Kyrenia.
Are there kosher food and a Chabad house in Famagusta?
Famagusta currently has no reliable permanent network of certified kosher restaurants or an active Chabad house, so kosher travelers should bring supplies or arrange kosher food in Larnaca, where Chabad operates. Do not treat a vegetarian label as a substitute for kosher certification, particularly at northern hotels.