06.11.2026
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What is it about? The ghost town in Cyprus is Varosha, a district of Famagusta in Northern Cyprus. Until 1974, it was a bustling fashionable resort; after the island was divided, the residents left and never returned. Today, part of the district is open to visitors.
Who will find this article useful? Tourists who want to make a day trip to Varosha, photographers, and those interested in history. The article covers everything: the district’s past, the route, documents and rules.
Varosha is not a separate town but the southern quarter of Famagusta. It was once home to one of the most famous resorts in the Mediterranean. Today, the area is known as Cyprus’s abandoned town. The confusion arises from its several names and the district’s special status.
The quarter lies on the east coast of the island, not far from the town centre. The area is part of the zone controlled by the authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The border with the Greek part of the island runs a few kilometres away. The silhouettes of the empty high-rises along the sea are clearly visible from the beaches of Protaras.
Image source: Datingjungle / unsplash.com
An old fortress and the town’s port are located nearby. A walk around the district can be combined with a visit to Famagusta’s historic monuments.
The quarter’s name comes from Turkish and means “suburb”, hence the different wording in searches: “Famagusta ghost town” or "Varosha ghost town"; both refer to the same place — the resort part of Famagusta.
For almost half a century, the district stood empty behind a fence. Neither local residents nor visitors could enter the area. High-rise hotels without windows, roads overgrown with grass, silence instead of the noise of the beach. This sight struck everyone who looked at the area from the sea.
Photos of the empty hotels spread through the world press. That is how the district came to be known as the “ghost town” — a name it still retains, despite its partial reopening.
The area’s history is closely tied to the fate of Famagusta as a whole. First, a settlement appeared there by the fortress walls. Later, it developed into a premier resort area. After the events of 1974, the territory became a closed zone.
Famagusta is an ancient town with a rich history. In the Middle Ages, it became one of the main trading ports of the eastern Mediterranean. The island changed rulers more than once. It was conquered by the English king Richard the Lionheart. Later, Famagusta was held by the Republic of Genoa and then by the Venetians.
In 1570–1571, the army of the Ottoman Empire besieged and captured the town. Christians were forbidden to live inside the fortress walls; the local Greeks were forced to settle outside. That is how a new suburb appeared next to the fortress.
From the end of the nineteenth century, Cyprus was administered by Great Britain. After the outbreak of the First World War, the island became part of the British Empire. The British period lasted until the middle of the last century.
In 1960, Cyprus became an independent state. Soon, extensive development of the district began. A large number of modern hotels were built along the wide beach. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops and villas opened nearby.
Famagusta quickly became the country’s largest tourist centre, welcoming holidaymakers from all over Europe. According to accounts, the area was visited by Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Raquel Welch. A beach with fine sand and a clean sea made this part of the town one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Mediterranean.
In the summer of 1974, a political coup took place in the country. On 20 July, the Turkish army invaded Cyprus. In August of the same year, Turkish troops occupied Famagusta.
Most of the quarter’s population were Greek Cypriots. Several tens of thousands of people lived there. The local residents left in a hurry, taking only the bare essentials. They hoped to return to their homes soon. However, none of them was ever able to do so.
The island was divided into Greek and Turkish parts. Turkish Cypriots remained primarily in the north, while Greek Cypriots were in the south. The border between them ran close to the deserted district.
The Turkish military declared the town a closed zone. The district was surrounded by a fence and barbed wire. No one could enter the area: neither the former homeowners nor journalists. The quarter was guarded by soldiers.
The abandoned houses and shops were soon looted. That is why stories about shop windows displaying 1974 clothing are a myth. Without repairs, the buildings began to crumble. Trees grew through the asphalt, and nature reclaimed the area step by step.
The writer Alan Weisman described the quarter in his book The World Without Us. He cited it as an example of a place where human life stopped in an instant. Many authors compare the district with Pripyat in Ukraine.
The main events in the quarter’s history can be conveniently summarised in a single timeline.
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1570–1571 | The Ottoman army captured Famagusta, and a suburb grew up outside the fortress walls |
| Late 19th century – mid-20th century | Cyprus under British administration |
| 1960 | Cyprus became an independent state |
| 1960s – early 1970s | The heyday of the resort, visits by international celebrities |
| July 1974 | Political coup, landing of Turkish troops |
| August 1974 | The Turkish army occupied Famagusta, and local residents left their homes |
| 1984 | The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 550 |
| 2020 | The authorities of Northern Cyprus made part of the area accessible to visitors |
For almost half a century, the district remained closed to visitors. Today, part of the area is accessible, but the appearance of the quarter has changed considerably.
The open part of the district is neither a museum nor a wasteland behind a fence. Some blocks have been cleared and landscaped, while others still stand behind barriers. It is this contrast that gives the place its atmosphere. Visitors can see both new paths and houses where life stopped in 1974.
In 2020, the authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus made part of the area accessible to visitors. In 2021, an expansion of the open zone was announced. Rubble was cleared from the main streets,pathways were laid, and street lamps and benches were installed; areas for relaxation were created, and bicycle hire points were set up.
The decision of the Northern Cyprus authorities sparked controversy. The UN and the Republic of Cyprus opposed any change to the district’s status. They insist that it is the former homeowners who should return there. The issue remains unresolved to this day.
The main street runs along the seafront. On one side stand abandoned high-rise hotels with empty window openings; these were once among the most popular hotels on the island. On the other side, there is a view of the wide beach and clear sea.
Image source: Steffen Lemmerzahl / unsplash.com
A former shopping street runs parallel to it: the façades of shops, cafés, bars and nightclubs have survived there. Faded 1970s signs can still be seen on some buildings.
The district’s most famous sight is the car showroom. For years, new 1974 cars stood behind its glass windows. Photographs of these cars spread through the world press and became a symbol of the ghost town.
The open area has beaches with fine golden sand; the sea shelves gently, and the water is clean and clear. Swimming is only allowed where the beach is open to visitors; sections near the barriers or abandoned buildings are closed off.
There is little shade along the shore, and the sun is very intense in the summer. Bring water, a hat, and suncream. It is more comfortable to swim in the morning, before the heat builds up.
Most restrictions relate to the condition of the buildings and to military sites. The rules apply throughout the open area of the district.
Important! Many buildings in Varosha are in a dilapidated state. Entering them is prohibited due to the risk of collapse.
The other rules concern your route and use of the camera:
Streets, hotel façades and the beach can be photographed without restriction. If new signs with prohibitions have appeared on site, follow them.
Image source: Steffen Lemmerzahl / unsplash.com
A visit to the ghost town can be combined with a walk around Famagusta’s Old Town. It is located a few kilometres away, within the Venetian-era fortifications. The most interesting historic monuments of the region are:
Allow two to three hours for a walk around the Old Town; its narrow streets have cafés serving traditional cuisine, where you can relax after a hot day.
A trip to Varosha fits into one day. Visitors staying in the south of the island will have to cross the UN Buffer Zone. Getting there from the north is easier, as there is no border on the way.
Several checkpoints lead from the south to the north of the island. The ones nearest to Famagusta are in the Deryneia and Strovilia areas. You can drive through them, and at Deryneia you can also cross on foot.
To cross the border, you need a passport. EU citizens may use an ID card. Requirements depend on nationality, so be sure to check the official information before you set off.
Take with you:
Turkish lira are needed for small purchases, as cards aren’t accepted everywhere in the North. Roaming there may cost more than usual, so it is better to download a map of the area before you set off.
Not all car hire companies allow you to drive to Northern Cyprus. Insurance from the southern part of the island is usually not valid in the North. A separate policy is taken out right at the checkpoint, and without it you will not be able to drive through.
Important! Before setting off, check with the hire company whether you are allowed to drive to Northern Cyprus. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the costs may fall on the driver.
Buses to Famagusta run from Nicosia and other towns in Northern Cyprus. From the bus station, it is convenient to take a taxi to the open part of Varosha. You can also get there in a hire car: traffic drives on the left throughout the island.
The nearest airports are Larnaca in the south and Ercan in the north. From either one, it takes about an hour to reach Famagusta. If you arrive via Larnaca, you will need to cross a border; if you arrive via Ercan, you will not.
Varosha is open to visitors during the day. Opening hours change, so be sure to check them before you set off. The area can be explored on foot or by bicycle, which you can hire on site. It is worth allowing half a day for the visit.
The best time to travel is spring or autumn. In summer it is very hot there, and there is almost no shade. It is better to arrive in the morning when the air is fresher and there are fewer people.
The format is chosen according to your budget and willingness to deal with paperwork. Each option has its own advantages. The difference can be seen across six criteria.
| Criterion | Independently | On a tour |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Flexible: you choose the timing and stops yourself | Set by the organiser |
| Border | You arrange the documents and insurance yourself | The guide will explain the procedure |
| Transport | Your own car, or a bus plus a taxi | Transfers are usually included in the tour |
| History of the district | From guidebooks and articles | From the guide, who will answer your questions |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Who it suits | Experienced travellers | Those visiting the North for the first time |
Visiting independently is ideal for those who value freedom and want to save money. A tour spares you the hassle on the border and gives you more information about the history of the place.
The residents have not returned because the Cyprus problem remains unresolved. A 1984 UN resolution permits only the former residents to resettle Varosha. In 2004, a plan to reunify the island, the Annan Plan, was put to a referendum. Turkish Cypriots supported it, while Greek Cypriots rejected it.
The former owners and their heirs lay claim to the property. Buying property there involves serious legal risks. Always have any transaction in Northern Cyprus checked by a lawyer.
Will Varosha be restored? Everything depends on the resolution of the Cyprus problem. The two sides do not yet have a common plan.
Varosha has gone from a suburb by the fortress walls to a celebrity resort and eventually a restricted zone. For almost half a century, the district stood empty behind barbed wire. Today, part of the area is open, and tourists are once again walking its streets.
A trip to the ghost town in Cyprus fits into one day. Tourists from Southern Cyprus should check the documents needed for the checkpoint in advance. If you are driving a hire car, check the conditions for crossing to the North and arrange insurance. Getting there from Northern Cyprus is easier, as there are buses that run to Famagusta.
Simple rules apply inside the open zone. Do not enter dangerous buildings or go beyond the barriers, and do not photograph military sites. A walk around Varosha can conveniently be combined with a visit to Famagusta’s Old Town.
The future of the district still depends on the resolution of the Cyprus problem. For many Greek Cypriots, Varosha is not a tourist attraction but a lost home. That is why visits should be approached with care and respect.
There is no single answer that covers all cases. The rules depend on your status and nationality. Check them with official sources in the Republic of Cyprus or with a lawyer before you travel.
For former residents and their families, it is a painful subject. Many still hope to return to their homes. Tourists should behave with restraint and not turn the visit into entertainment.
No. The buildings were looted in the first years after the closure, while time and the elements have since caused them to fall into ruin. There are no goods left in the shops, nor any furniture in the hotels. The look of the 1970s resort can be recognised in the architecture of the high-rises and the main streets.
Famagusta has hotels and self-catering flats of various standards, including in the Old Town. From there, it is convenient to take a taxi to Varosha. Room prices depend on the season.
Passports are not usually stamped at the crossing; your details are entered into an electronic system. The procedure may change, so be sure to check it before you travel.
You can photograph the streets, façades and beaches. Photographing military sites and posts is prohibited. Get permission for drone filming on site.
Half a day is enough for the district itself. If you add a walk around Famagusta’s Old Town, allow a whole day for the trip.
Yes, but you will need to keep a closer eye on the children. There are many dangerous buildings in the district, and it is very hot in summer. Take water and hats, and plan your walk for the morning.
Article header image source: Steffen Lemmerzahl / unsplash.com
