The historic city of Ammochostos, now known as Famagusta, is on the east coast and has been occupied by the Turkish Army from 15th August 1974. About 39,000 Greek Cypriot inhabitants were forced to flee and take refuge in the area of free Cyprus.

Today, the Turkish Cypriot inhabitants of the old city, Turkish Cypriots from the government-controlled area of Cyprus and settlers from Turkey, reside in the city, but the modern city of Varosha, has been left a ghost town by the occupation authorities with very few inhabitants.

In the same area within the government controlled region, lies the most popular tourist resort of the island of Ayia Napa. The golden sandy beaches of the Ayia Napa district gently embrace the eastern corner of the island. The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbour in the heart of the village; the windmills and small churches in the surrounding villages spreading out to Paralimni and Protaras.

Ayia Napa, once a small fishing village, boasts of a superb Venetian monastery dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Forests' has a central octagonal fountain offering cultural character to the village. The 16th century church is partly underground and cut into the rock and the ancient sycamore in front of its south gate is believed to be over 600 years old. A small Marine Life Museum presents exhibits of past and present marine fauna.