Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
North of Famagusta before Salamis, this shallow sandy beach is perfect for swimming and
snorkelling, whereby you can explore the submerged harbour of the ancient city.
Bediz Beach
BEACH
Just past Salamis, this soft-sand beach offers all amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas,
showers and a restaurant-bar. If it's hot and you plan to see the ruins, take a swim here af-
terwards.
Bafra Beach
BEACH
This signposted public beach is 10km beyond Boğaz (Bogazi); turn right towards Bafra
Bay. The beach is sandy with clear water and basic facilities.
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Getting Around
The area is best seen with your own car, but most sites are close enough together for taxis
to be affordable.
Cycling is another good option, but you will need your own bike as there aren't any
good bike-hire places in Famagusta.
Minibuses between Famagusta and Yenierenköy (Yiallousa) can drop you off at the
Salamis turn off and at Boğaz, but they run infrequently.
Ancient Salamis
Ancient Salamis
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
(Salamis Yolu; adult/student 9/3TL;
h
9am-8pm Apr-Oct, to 5pm Nov-Mar)
According to legend, Salamis was founded around 1180 BC by Teucer (Teukros), son of
Telamon, King of Salamina, on the Greek mainland. Brother to the hero Ajax, he was un-
able to return home from the Trojan War after failing to avenge his brother's death.
Today the vast, scattered remnants of this ancient kingdom, 9km north of Famagusta on
the seaward side of the Famagusta-Boğaz highway, are one of the island's premier ar-
chaeological sites.
After its legendary beginnings, Salamis later came under Assyrian rule; the first recor-
ded mention of it is on an Assyrian stele dated to 709 BC.
After a land and sea battle between the Greeks and the Persians in 450 BC the city (and
island) submitted. The city remained under Persian control until the great patriot king
Evagoras fought for and obtained independence. During his reign Salamis flourished. It
