The best beaches in and around Famagusta
Last verified 19 October 2026
Famagusta (Ammochostos, Gazimağusa) sits on a long, gently curving bay of soft sand on the east coast. The water here is mostly shallow for a good distance out, which makes it one of the easier stretches of the island for small children. The beaches run south from the city along the old Varosha seafront and north past Salamis towards Boğaz (Bogazi). Most are public, and several have sunbeds, showers and a beach bar in summer.
In and next to the city
Palm Beach. Just south of central Famagusta on the coast road, this is the main town beach. Wide, soft sand follows the curve of the bay and the seabed slopes gently, so it suits families. In season there are umbrellas and loungers to rent, toilets and changing rooms nearby, and a lifeguard during opening hours. Part of the beach is private to the hotel behind it, but the public stretch is open to all. Parking is near the entrance.
Varosha beachfront. South of Palm Beach is the seafront of Varosha (Maraş), the fenced former resort district, part of which has been open to visitors since 2020. Entry is free. You can walk or cycle the beachfront and some cleared streets behind it, and sunloungers are rented along the reopened stretch in summer. Stay on marked paths and out of the empty buildings, which are unsafe. Drones are banned, and you must not photograph the military or police posts on the perimeter. The open area and the rules change, so check on arrival. Our Varosha guide has more.
North towards Salamis
Glapsides. About five and a half kilometres north of Famagusta on the Salamis road, a long, wide municipal beach with free entry and free parking. The water stays shallow for around 150 metres before it reaches swimming depth. There are showers, toilets and changing rooms by the main entrance, and loungers with shades for a small fee. In summer it is popular with students and local families, and the beach bar gets lively at weekends.
Golden Bay. Just north of Glapsides, a sandy beach used by the nearby university and by caravan campers.
Salamis beach. Beside the ancient city of Salamis, about eight or nine kilometres north of Famagusta, a wide public beach of soft sand with a gently sloping seabed. The remains of the old harbour lie just offshore and you can snorkel out over the walls. Facilities by the ruins are basic, usually a single kiosk. The beach is reached separately from the archaeological site, which has its own entrance and charges a small fee, paid in Turkish lira.
Up the bay to Boğaz
Salamis Bay and Koca Reis. North of the ruins, about 12 kilometres from Famagusta, the shore is lined with hotel beaches that offer water sports and sunbeds, and Koca Reis beach lies along the same stretch.
Boğaz. About 25 kilometres north of Famagusta, the small fishing harbour of Boğaz has a beach beside the port. It is on the main road to the Karpas peninsula, so it makes an easy swimming stop on the way.
Long Beach. The well known Long Beach lies a little south of Boğaz, near İskele (Trikomo) town, and is covered in our İskele beaches guide.
Practical
Sun and heat. From June to September the bay gets very hot and there is little natural shade. Rent a shade or bring one.
Sea safety. The shallow shelf is gentle, but it can be a long walk out to swimming depth. Swim where there is a lifeguard with young children and follow the flags.
Crossing and hire cars. If you are staying in the south, see our guide to border crossing points and taking a hire car across the border before you set out.
Seasonal details. Rental prices, beach bar hours and events change from season to season, so check locally. See the best time to visit Cyprus.