Varosha: The Mysterious Abandoned City of Cyprus

Welcome to Famagusta: A Tale of Two Cities

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Ever wanted to visit a city that looks like a set from a post-apocalyptic movie—minus the zombies (hopefully)? Well, let me introduce you to Varosha, the ghost town of Cyprus.

Once the playground of Hollywood elites like Sophia Loren and Richard Burton, this abandoned resort now resembles a real-life Chernobyl, minus the radiation (again, hopefully). With its crumbling hotels, overgrown streets, and eerie silence, Varosha is both a historical relic and a lesson in what happens when paradise is put on pause for half a century.

Getting to Famagusta: The Adventure Begins

Our journey starts in Nicosia, in the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. We catch a dolmuş (a Turkish-style minibus) from the MLS Bus Terminal. One hour and 120 Turkish Lira later, we arrive in Famagusta (or Gazimağusa, depending on who you ask), a city dripping in medieval history, Venetian charm, and, of course, the looming shadow of its ghostly neighbor, Varosha.

Famagusta’s Venetian walls are a sight to behold—massive fortifications built to keep the Ottomans out (spoiler: it didn’t work). Strolling through the old city, we pass ruins that have seen knights, conquerors, and time itself try to claim them. St. Nicholas Cathedral, now a mosque, stands as a Gothic masterpiece, while Othello’s Tower reminds us that Shakespeare’s tragic Moor was (probably) not a big fan of Cyprus.

But let’s be real—we’re here for Varosha.

Varosha: Cyprus' Abandoned Paradise

Walking towards Varosha feels like stepping into a parallel universe. Imagine Ibiza in its prime, then imagine everyone suddenly vanishing, leaving behind empty streets, deserted buildings, and an eerie silence. That’s Varosha.

Once one of the most luxurious beach resorts in the Mediterranean, it was abandoned overnight during the Turkish invasion of 1974. Greek Cypriot residents fled, Turkish forces sealed it off, and for nearly 50 years, time stood still.

Recently, the Turkish authorities have reopened parts of Varosha to visitors, allowing us to wander through its frozen-in-time streets. But don’t expect a guided tour—this is more of a "look, but don’t touch" kind of experience. Most buildings are dangerously unstable, with signs warning of imminent collapse (because nothing says “vacation” like dodging falling concrete).

A Walk Through Time: What You'll See in Varosha

• Crumbling Hotels & Storefronts: Once buzzing with tourists, these grand structures now stand as eerie shells of their former selves.
• Overgrown Streets: Nature is reclaiming the city—trees growing through buildings, vines swallowing balconies. Mother Nature always wins.
• Palm Beach: Despite the decay, the beach is still stunning, with crystal-clear water inviting those who dare to take a dip.
• The Ghostly Silence: Unlike other tourist spots, Varosha doesn’t have the usual chatter of souvenir vendors or cafes. Just the wind, the waves, and the whispers of the past.

History Meets Hope: The Future of Varosha

Not everyone sees Varosha as just an abandoned relic. Greek Cypriot architect Andreas Lordos, whose family was forced to flee during the war, has been fighting for the restoration of their property and a future where Greeks and Turks rebuild the city together.

His vision? An eco-friendly, modern city where both Greek and Turkish Cypriots can live, work, and thrive. He imagines green walls, sustainable architecture, and a renewed Varosha—not as a ghost town, but as a beacon of reconciliation.

But let’s be honest—the road to peace is complicated. Decades of political tension, legal battles over land ownership, and the sheer scale of reconstruction make this a massive challenge.

Should You Visit Varosha?

Absolutely—if you love history, mystery, and places that make you question everything. Varosha isn’t your typical tourist hotspot. It’s haunting, emotional, and thought-provoking. It’s a place where past and present collide, where history is still unfolding, and where, just maybe, a better future awaits.

But if you go, be respectful. Remember that this isn’t just an abandoned city—it’s a painful reminder of a conflict that displaced thousands.

Standing on Palm Beach, looking at the derelict skyline of Varosha, it’s easy to imagine what once was—and what could still be. Will Varosha remain a monument to lost dreams, or will it rise again as a symbol of unity? Only time will tell.

How to Visit Varosha

So, you're intrigued by this eerie ghost town and want to see it for yourself? Good news—Varosha is now open to visitors! But before you grab your camera and set off, here’s everything you need to know about visiting this once-forbidden place.

Getting There

Varosha is located on the east coast of Northern Cyprus, right next to Famagusta (Gazimağusa). If you’re coming from Southern Cyprus, you’ll need to cross the border at one of the official checkpoints. The easiest way to get there:

• From Nicosia (Lefkoşa): Take a dolmuş (shared minibus) from the main bus terminal. It’s about an hour’s ride and costs around 120 Turkish Lira (one way).
• By Car: If you have a rental car, you can drive to the Deryneia or Strovilia border checkpoints and enter the Turkish-controlled north. Don't forget your passport or ID!
• By Tour: Some guided tours from the south offer trips to Famagusta and Varosha, often including historical insights.

Entry Requirements & Rules

• No special permit is needed to visit Varosha anymore—it’s open to tourists!
• Passport required at the border crossing if you’re coming from the Republic of Cyprus.
• No access inside buildings—most are cordoned off due to safety concerns.
• Stay within marked areas—this is still a politically sensitive site.
• Respect the history—this isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s a place tied to war, loss, and hope.

What to See in Varosha

Once inside, you’ll find a surreal mix of ruined luxury hotels, crumbling storefronts, and overgrown streets. Here are a few must-see spots:

• Palm Beach – A beautiful, swimmable beach with views of the abandoned skyline.
• John F. Kennedy Avenue – Once the heart of Varosha’s tourism scene, now a haunting shell of its former self.
• The Former Toyota Dealership & Barclays Bank – Reminders of a once-thriving economy, now overtaken by nature.
• Golden Mariana Hotel – A symbol of Varosha’s glamorous past, left frozen in time.

Getting Around Varosha

• Walking: You can explore on foot, but bring comfortable shoes—some roads are uneven.
• Biking/Scooters: Available for rent at the entrance. Prices start around 100 Turkish Lira for four hours (bicycle) and 500 Lira for two hours (scooter).
• Guided Tours: If you want historical context, some local guides offer tours explaining Varosha’s past, present, and potential future.

Costs & Currency

• Entry is free, but you may want to budget for food, bike rentals, and a post-exploration drink at the beach bar near Palm Beach.
• Currency: Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (TRY), but Euros are often accepted in tourist areas.

Safety & Tips

• Stick to designated paths—many buildings are unstable.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—shade is scarce.
• Be respectful—this is a place of deep historical and emotional significance.
• Take lots of pictures—but be mindful of signs prohibiting photography in restricted areas.

Standing in Varosha, staring at once-luxurious hotels now covered in vines, it’s hard not to wonder: Will this place ever come back to life? With ongoing disputes and fragile peace talks, the fate of Varosha remains uncertain. But one thing is clear—it’s a fascinating, haunting, and must-see stop for any traveler visiting Cyprus.