The golden sandy beaches of the Famagusta district, Iying in the government controlled area, stretch out in the eastern corner of the island. The popular holiday making centres of Ayia Napa and Paralimni, have been called a veritable paradise for anyone who loves the sea and water sports.

The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbour of Ayia Napa, and the medieval monastery in the heart of the village, the wind mills and small churches in the surrounding villages, which spread out in the area of Paralimni and Protaras.

This region, which is the main potato-producing area on the island, is known as "Kokkinochoria" which means "red-soil villages", Indeed, the soil of the whole area is deep red in colour, due to a very high metal oxide content.

The villages of this area are equally known for their folk-poets, who are in fact regarded as the best on the island.