Famagusta District

The free (unoccupied) Famagusta (Ammochostos) District is the smallest portion of the total Ammochostos District, and it encompasses the Ayia Napa and Paralimni Municipalities.

This eastern corner of Cyprus has many golden sandy beaches with rugged headlands while inland the soil is deep red in colour and windmills abound. This area remains the market garden of Cyprus and is the main “Cyprus potato “producing area. This region is known as “Kokkinochoria” which means “red soil villages.”

Places of Interest

Ayia Napa
Once a small fishing village, this is now the most popular summer resort on the island, but in the winter months a much quieter and peaceful district couldn’t be found with the crystal clear waters beyond the golden sandy beaches and the tranquil walks.

The mediaeval Ayia Napa monastery, which was completed by the Venetians just before the Turkish occupation of 1570 is well preserved and stands in the middle of the village square and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Forests. It is surrounded by a high wall and within is a 16th century church cut into the rock which is partially underground. Outside the south gate is an ancient Sycamore tree, believed to be 600 years old.

Ayia Mavri church next to the town hall has a chapel dedicated to a 3rd century female martyr, and next to the chapel is a rock known as the Pillar of Ayia Mavri.


Cape Greko
Cape Greko is on the extreme eastern tip of the Ayia Napa Municipality, with its hidden beaches and rugged limestone headlands, arches and caves overlooking the beautiful blue seas its many picturesque nature trails, just the place to watch the sun go down.
 

Frenaros
The village of Frenaros has its own small Byzantine churches. Two of them, the Ayios Andronikos and the Archangelos Michail date back to the 12th century. The church of Ayia Marina has some interesting frescoes painted by different artists.


Deryneia
This village overlooks the occupied “ghost” city of Famagusta, with views from the “Famagusta Viewpoints” from which one can view the once most popular holiday resort in Cyprus. Since April 2003 when Turkish Cypriots’ partially lifted travel restrictions it is now possible to get a closer view of Famagusta. With the possibility that one day Famagusta may be reopened this area will be a gold mine of an investment.

Deryneia village boasts three interesting churches, the small domed 17th century church of Ayios Georghios, the 15th century Ayia Marina church and a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary with excellent 17th century icons.


Liopetri
Traditional Cypriot basket making continues to this day in Liopetri. There is a 16th century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a 15th century church Ayios Andronikos, with an octagonal dome, and the remains of murals in the apse.


Paralimni
With the Turkish military occupation of Famagusta in 1974, this small white-washed town of 6000 inhabitants, is now the main administrative town of the district housing the Famagusta District Office, Police Divisional Headquarters, Law Courts, etc.,

The twin aisled vaulted church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panayia) which also houses a small Byzantine museum, is decorated with unusual 18th century porcelain plates. The church, parts of which belong to the 13th century, houses a small ecclesiastical museum. Other interesting churches can also be found in this area.


Potamos Liopetriou
A picturesque fishing refuge. The remains of a Venetian Watch Tower are nearby. The French poet, Arthur Rimband, worked in this area in the 1880’s.


Protaras
Up until the early 1980’s Fig Tree Bay, which is known today as Protaras was only visited by local inhabitants, and consisted of the golden sandy beach with a taverna at each end, and a small island in the crystal clear water of the bay.

Today Protaras consists of many popular hotels, restaurants, tavernas and bars. It has become a most popular holiday place for families.

On the hillside overlooking Protaras is the picturesque church of Ayios Elias, some 100 steps above the Protaras Public Gardens. From here you will have a most spectacular view of Protaras and surrounding area.


Sotira
At the east entrance to this village is the partially ruined church of Ayios Mamas, which was built around the 12th century, and later rebuilt in the 16th century. Most of the surviving frescoes date from the 16th century.

About 1 ½ km to the west of the village is the 16th century cruciform church of Panayia Chordakiotissa, whose dome has been restored, and the church of Ayios Georgios an early Christian basilica with three aisles.


Museums

Marine Life Museum - In Ayia Napa next to Ayia Mavri and Municipal Open Air Theatre. Open 9am – 2pm, 3pm – 6pm Mon & Thurs, 9am – 2pm Tues & Sat.
Cyprus’s first museum of past and present marine life includes a reconstruction of the sea bed from the age of Dinosaurs, covering the Triassic and Cretaceous Periods.


Achyronas Folk Art Museum – In Liopetri
An unusual collection of basket work for which Liopetri is known, also on display is a collection of pottery, embroidery and metalwork.


Museum of the 1955-59 Liberation Struggle – In Sotira
Photographs, documents and memorabilia of the struggle against British rule which led to Cyprus Independence in 1960.


Byzantine Art Museum – In Sotira
A unique collection of icons and mosaics.


Deryneia Folk Art Museum – In Deryneia
This is a traditional old Cypriot house filled with authentic household implements, and outside farm implements as once used.