The historic city of Ammochostos (Famagusta) on the east coast is under the occupation of the Turkish Army since August 15, 1974. About 38.800 Greek Cypriot inhabitants were forced to flee their city and take refuge in the rest of free Cyprus. Today, besides the Turkish Cypriot inhabitants of the old city quarters, Turkish Cypriots from the government-controlled area of Cyprus and Turkish settlers from Turkey reside in the city. A large portion of the modern city - Varosha - has been left a ghost town by the occupation authorities.
In the same area, but in the government controlled part lies the most popular tourist resort of the island - Ayia Napa. The golden sandy beaches of the Ayia Napa district gently embrace the eastern corner of the island.
The popular holiday resorts of Ayia Napa and Paralimni have been called an absolute paradise for anyone who loves the sea and water sports. The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbor at the heart of the village and the windmills and small churches in the surrounding villages, which spread out to the area of Paralimni and Protaras.
Ayia Napa, once a small fishing village, boasts a superb Venetian decorated monastery with central octagonal fountain. It lends character and substance to a village that's better known to holidaymakers for its colorful shops, tavernas, discos and bars. A small Marine Life Museum presents exhibits of past and present marine fauna. The focal point of the resort is the small harbor, where the tavernas specialize in fresh fish harvested by the vibrant fishing vessels.
The charming medieval monastery dedicate to 'Our Lady of the Forests' stands in the middle of the village surrounded by a big wall. Its 16th century church is partly underground and cut into the rock. The ancient sycamore in front of the south gate is believed to be over 600 year old.