The Ayia Napa district is known to Greek Cypriots as the 'Free Famagusta District', a reference to the fact that a large part of the area, including most of the town of Famagusta, has been under Turkish occupation since 1974. During the second phase of the Turkish invasion (14 August 1974), the town was completely evacuated by its population. Unlike other parts of occupied Cyprus, the Turkish army sealed off the town of Famagusta immediately after its capture and no-one has been allowed to enter since then. Thirty-three years on, and despite international resolutions that call for the return of the rightful owners to their homes and properties, Famagusta remains a ghost town. There are several “viewing points” at Dherynia from where you can see into the deserted town with the aid of binoculars and telescopes. 
   The surprise relaxation of restrictions on Greek Cypriots visiting the occupied areas in April 2003 means that the people of Famagusta can get a little closer to the closed town but, at the time of writing, this area is still out of bounds for visitors of any nationality.