Famagusta: city walls, Othello Castle and Salamis

Famagusta (Gazimağusa), on the east coast, is a city where history is layered upon history. The walled old town and the ancient city of Salamis just to the north easily fill a day.

The walled town

The Venetian walls still encircle the old town almost completely. Inside, Gothic church ruins, narrow streets and small cafés await. Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (formerly the Cathedral of St. Nicholas) is the city's most impressive building.

Othello Castle

Overlooking the harbour, the castle is associated with Shakespeare's "Othello". In summer, the castle and its surroundings occasionally host open-air performances.

Ancient Salamis

A few kilometres north of the city, Salamis — with its theatre, gymnasium and mosaics — is among the island's most important ancient sites. Concerts and plays in the ancient theatre make for an unforgettable experience.

• Visit Salamis before the hottest hours; the site is large with little shade.
• Finish the day with dinner and music inside the walls.