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Varosha (Ghost Town)
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Varosha, once the glamorous quarter of Famagusta and a world-class tourist destination in the early 1970s, is now one of the most famous 'ghost towns' on the planet. Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, the district was fenced off and declared a restricted military zone, forcing its Greek Cypriot inhabitants to flee and leaving the area uninhabited for nearly five decades. The high-rise hotels, luxury villas, and commercial boulevards have since been reclaimed by nature and decay, creating a surreal landscape of crumbling facades and overgrown vegetation. For years, access was strictly forbidden, but since late 2020, parts of the city have been controversially opened to visitors and tourists. This opening allows people to walk or cycle through the abandoned streets, witnessing the frozen remnants of a spirited lifestyle that was abruptly halted. Varosha remains a poignant and controversial symbol of the Cyprus problem and the ongoing division of the island.
- Location: Cyprus
- Nearby: Paralimni (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 42 | 23 | 13 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 15 | 30 | 71 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Varosha is a military restricted area that is officially not open to the public. You can view the ghost town from lookout points along the fence that surrounds the area.
Typical hours
As the area is closed, there are no visiting hours. The lookout points are accessible 24/7, best during daylight.
Photography
Photography from the lookout points is allowed, but photographing military personnel or the barrier installations is prohibited. Use a telephoto lens to capture details of the abandoned buildings.
Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to visit the lookout points and take photos. If you also want to explore the surrounding Famagusta area, take an hour.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk along the Famagusta beach promenade or a visit to the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Both are a short drive away.
Getting there
Varosha is located on the outskirts of Famagusta and is easily reached by car or taxi. Parking is available near the lookout points along the coastal road.
Insider tip
Visit the lookout points in the late afternoon when the light dramatically illuminates the abandoned buildings. Respect the restricted area and do not enter, as it is illegal.
Geography
Facts
- Before 1974, Varosha was the most important tourism hub in Cyprus.
- Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton used to holiday here.
- UN Resolution 550 calls for the area to be placed under UN administration.
- Since October 2020, Demokratias Avenue has been partially reopened to visitors.
- The buildings are in a state of advanced decay and many are structurally unsound.
- Guided bicycle tours are available for tourists in the newly opened zones.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Varosha (Ghost Town) (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Varosha today?
Certain streets have been open to pedestrians and cyclists since 2020.
Why is Varosha called a ghost city?
Because it has been abandoned since the 1974 Turkish invasion, and time seems to have stood still there.
Are you allowed to enter the buildings?
No, entering the dilapidated buildings is strictly forbidden and dangerous.
Are there guided tours available?
You can rent bicycles at the entrance to explore the extensive area on your own.
Is there a beach in Varosha?
Yes, a section of the famous beach has also been made accessible to visitors.
Varosha (Ghost Town): where is it located?
Varosha (Ghost Town) is located in Cyprus.
Varosha (Ghost Town): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Varosha (Ghost Town): why is it worth visiting?
Varosha, once the glamorous quarter of Famagusta and a world-class tourist destination in the early 1970s, is now one of the most famous 'ghost towns' on the planet.
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