Famagusta (region) Attractions Ammókhostos (eparkhía)

Protaras is the second biggest resort in the Famagusta area. It has grown in the past 10 years to be a major tourist center, although it is still fairly deserted in the winter months.Fig Tree Bay beach was much of the reason for the development of Protaras.Next to Nissi Beach, this is the most popular beach on the island and it is the favorite with locals. The beach is marked by a fig tree which, according to local legend, was brought by invaders in the 17th century.There is a small island a few hundred meters from the beach, which many swimmers visit to explore. Those who do venture there should take shoes because the island is made up of very sharp rocks.The beach also has numerous water-sports facilities and cafes.Protaras has many hotels and hotel apartments, and the main road is lined with restaurants and tourist shops.

Dherinia village is the closest village to the Turkish-occupied city of Famagusta.Visitors can look through telescopes at the deserted ghost town of Famagusta in the Turkish occupied area.The village has three interesting churches, dating from the 15th and 17th centuries.Although Dherinia has three churches, Ayios Georghios, Ayia Marina and Panayia, which has fine 17th century icons, the village is most famous for its proximity to the Turkish-occupied areas.Rallies calling for the withdrawal of Turkish troops are held frequently here and in 1996, it was here that Turkish troops killed two men during such a rally, sparking an international outcry.

Paralimni is the biggest village in the Famagusta region. Although most of the surrounding villages and resort areas are deserted during the winter months, Paralimni prospers and attracts many tourists. Since the Turkish military occupation of Famagusta in 1974, this small town has become the temporary administrative center of the district.The twin-aisled vaulted church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panagia) is decorated with unusual 18th century porcelain plates. The church, parts of which belong to the 13th century, houses a small ecclesiastical museum.

Liopetri or Potamos Liopetriou is a picturesque fishing refuge. Nearby are the remains of a Venetian Watch Tower. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud worked in this area in the 1880s.There is a 16th century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a 15th century church of Agios Andronikos, with an octagonal dome and murals. Liopetri is a potato growing village and still carries on the traditional craft of basket-making.

Between Agia Napa and Protaras, on the most southeast point of the island, is Cape Greco.You can travel to the top of the cape on a newly paved road. The peak affords spectacular views of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea.It is also possible to swim among the caves at the bottom of the cape. The spot is very popular with deep-sea fishermen, scuba divers and snorklers.

At Sotira there is a partly ruined church of Agios Mamas, which was built in the 12th and rebuilt in the 16th century. Most of the surviving frescoes date from then. About 15km to the west is the church of Agios Georgios, an early Christian basilica.

The village of Frenaros has two small Byzantine churches, Agios Andronikos and the Archangelos Michail that date back to the 12th century. The church of Agia Marina has some interesting frescoes painted by different artists.