Salamis in Northern Cyprus: what to see, how to get there, entrance fee

Salamis (Salamin) is an archaeological park near Famagusta in Northern Cyprus. By car, the drive from Famagusta usually takes about 20 minutes. Entrance fee: adults — 50 TL, students — 20 TL; plan to spend a few hours exploring.

• Briefly about Salamis
• History and why the ruins are well preserved
• What to see
• How to get there
• Entrance fees
• Location on the map
• Frequently asked questions

Briefly about Salamis

Salamis, also known as Salamin, is one of the key attractions from the ancient period in Northern Cyprus. It is located just a few kilometers north of Famagusta.

History and why the ruins are well preserved

The site has been well preserved largely because active excavations only began in the mid-20th century. Today, it is a fairly large archaeological park, and a visit requires several hours.

According to legend, the city was founded after the Trojan War by one of its heroes — the archer Teucer. Over time, the polis became an important port and cultural center of the region. At the height of its development, it was the largest settlement of the Hellenistic era on the island.

What to see

Wars, and especially earthquakes, contributed to the gradual destruction of the city, but even today the scale of the buildings is impressive. Visitors usually highlight the gymnasium, Roman baths, amphitheater, and the central square with columns.

How to get there

Getting there without a car is easy — just take a bus or dolmuş from Famagusta to İskele (or vice versa) and get off at the ruins complex. By car, the journey from Famagusta usually takes about 20 minutes, avoiding traffic in the city center.

• If you don’t have a car, you can rent one through an online aggregator or directly from one of the rental companies in Northern Cyprus.

Entrance fees

Ticket prices:

• Adult: 50 TL
• Students: 20 TL

Rates and discounts may change, so it’s wise to check the current conditions on-site when planning your visit.

Location on the map

For navigation, it’s convenient to open the location in maps

Frequently asked questions

How much time should I allocate for Salamis?

Generally, visiting the main sites of the archaeological park takes a few hours, especially if you want to walk leisurely and take photo breaks.

Can I reach Salamis without a car?

Yes. Usually, visitors take a bus or dolmuş on the Famagusta — İskele route (or vice versa) and get off at the ruins complex.

How much is the entrance to Salamis?

The article lists prices: adult ticket — 50 TL, student ticket — 20 TL. On-site conditions may differ if rates have been updated.

What is considered "must-see" in Salamis?

Most often, visitors highlight the gymnasium, Roman baths, amphitheater, and the central square with columns.

Is Salamis located in Famagusta?

No, the ruins are located near Famagusta in Northern Cyprus — just a few kilometers north of the city.