Famagusta district - known as 'Ammochostos' in Greek - is the easternmost administrative region in the Republic of Cyprus.  The town of Famagusta - also known as the “ghost town” since its 1974 occupation by Turkish forces - lies in the occupied area of Northern Cyprus. Once the most popular resort in Cyprus, the town of Famagusta now lies deserted. The free (non-occupied) district of Famagusta holds claim to have the best beaches in the Republic of Cyprus - and the benefits of an economy based on the growth of a buoyant tourism and leisure market. 

Before the rise of tourism, the rich agricultural land surrounding Paralimni was the main source of its wealth. Since the Turkish occupation of Ammochostos, Paralimni has grown and assumed the role of administrative centre for the district, raising its profile as a regional focus of retail and commercial activity. It is within a few kilometres (roughly five minutes drive time) from the spectacular sandy beaches of Kapparis that stretch along the south-eastern coastline of Cyprus towards Pernera and Protaras (with its famous Fig Tree Bay). Nearby Konnos Bay is a truly tranquil, beautiful location for swimming and diving - or simply watching the world go by from the hillside overlooking the secluded beach and the passing pleasure cruisers.

Further south, the rugged promontory of Cape Greco (Cavo Grekko) projects majestically into the sea at the south-eastern tip of the regional land mass. Renowned for its beautiful sunsets, Cape Greco is a National Forest Park and occupies an area of 390 ha with a natural trail that is an experience not to be missed.

Although regions such as Paphos and Limassol have historically been more favoured by inward investors for holiday homes or permanent residency, Famagusta is now assuming a higher profile as a location providing excellent value for money - particularly in the market for premium real estate.

The attraction and presence of the prestigious, coveted European 'Blue Flag' status for many beaches in the area makes the wider region ripe for consideration as a destination for permanent living or property acquisition within a longer term investment strategy.

Recent development of quality coastal settlements in locations such as Agia Thekla has seen a rare opportunity to acquire frontline Mediterranean luxury villas on an island where such opportunities are few and far between.  Likewise, the elevated hinterland surrounding Agia Napa and the coastal approaches to Protaras on the eastern seaboard offer choices of location unlike anywhere else on the market - if privacy with accessibility to amenities and airport connections are critical factors in making an informed decision.

One of the most famous resorts associated with Cyprus - and Famagusta - is Agia Napa. The town takes its name from the charming mediaeval Venetian-era monastery in the town centre dedicated to its patron saint 'Agia Napa', which is Greek for 'Saint Napa'. Once a tiny fishing village with a picturesque harbour and mediaeval monastery at its heart, this expanding resort town has become a by-word for Mediterranean nightlife with a 'buzz' and a truly cosmopolitan mix of restaurants, bars and cafes. This modern incarnation of the town sits alongside what is essentially a place where people live and work within the strong traditions of Cypriot life as it has been lived for centuries.

It is perhaps a mild understatement to suggest that Famagusta is a place of contrasts. Although Agia Napa and the other coastal resorts are an understandable magnet for visitors and those searching for a permanent or holiday home - including people from less benign climates such as the UK, Russia, Germany and Sweden - the character of the countryside changes just a few kilometres from the main tourist centre.

Accepting that everyone has a different definition of what moulds and shapes their ideal of a luxury - or exclusive - lifestyle, the answer may lie in one of the charming inland villages, where time and space to pursue one's personal interests in a custom-built villa may be the option awaiting discovery. The essence of Famagusta is its Cypriot authenticity - and this is nowhe­re more to be found than in traditional villages such as Dherynia, Sotira, Liopetri and Frenaros.

As with the rest of Cyprus, most parts of the Famagusta region are within easy reach of Larnaca International Airport, little more than thirty minutes away using the excellent motorway network that connects with the main towns and villages across the island.