For our trip to Cyprus, visiting Varosha was naturally on our list. The ghost town near Famagusta is one of the most well-known attractions on the island. It is one of the largest ghost towns in the world and was once a popular tourist paradise. However, the political situation and the Cyprus conflict led to the abandonment of the city.
Content: Visiting Varosha
Brief Historical Background of Varosha
Until 1974, Varosha was a thriving tourist destination that attracted international visitors. However, after the Turkish invasion, the city was abandoned and has since remained largely a military exclusion zone. This intriguing yet somber background makes Varosha a place where the past of Cyprus can be experienced up close.
Visiting Varosha: On Your Own or Guided Tour? Our Decision and Reasons
Before booking the tour, we considered whether to visit Varosha on our own or book a guide*. Varosha is located in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island, while we had rented our car* only for the southern part. Since our rental company, like many others, prohibited crossing the border into the north, we decided to opt for a guided tour.
Crossing the Border in Cyprus with a Rental Car: Risks and Experiences
During our research, we came across reports that it is possible to purchase additional insurance for rental cars at the border to drive into the north. However, this option carries risks, as the insurance usually only covers liability for damage to third parties and not damage to your own vehicle. Additionally, on our tour*, we met participants who had tried to cross the border with their rental car the day before but were turned away by the Greek border officials.
Visiting Varosha: Advantages of a Guide in the Military Exclusion Zone
Another reason for deciding to book a guide was the fact that Varosha is largely a military exclusion zone. A guide not only helps you navigate the ghost town and learn fascinating background stories but also ensures your safety. This way, you avoid accidentally entering restricted areas, which can easily happen without local knowledge and could have serious consequences.
Our Visit to the Ghost Town of Varosha in Cyprus
We booked the excursion online* a few weeks before our trip. Our guide picked us up at 8 a.m. with a minibus. The group consisted of about 12 participants. First, we drove to the border town of Deryneia, where we watched a short film about Famagusta before the invasion. Then we crossed the border into the Turkish part and continued into the border region until we reached the ghost town.
Visiting Varosha: A Glimpse into Famagusta’s Turbulent History
Our guide led us through the accessible parts of the ghost town and shared many personal stories. Having experienced the events himself, his accounts were very emotional, and it was evident that the Cyprus conflict still affects many people today.
Only a few streets in Varosha are open to visitors and this tour*; these are newly paved and marked. The other areas remain closed off and are clearly signposted.
Since Varosha is located in a military exclusion zone, it is important to stay within the designated areas. There are also soldiers present, both Turkish and UN troops, who must not be photographed.
Impressions from the ghost town of Varosha / Famagusta in Cyprus
A visit to Varosha feels like a journey back to the 1970s, when the city was a thriving tourist hotspot. You can see abandoned bars, clubs, and hotels that were once frequented by holidaymakers, now left in an eerie silence. The beach and bay, with their towering beach hotels, create a scene reminiscent of an apocalyptic film. The atmosphere is both impressive and somber, as the traces of the past are visible everywhere.
Particularly striking is the Arkin Palm Beach Hotel, which is located in the middle of the ghost town and remains open. Here, vacationers relax directly on the beach, surrounded by the ruins of the ghost town and barbed wire within the military exclusion zone.
Side trip to Famagusta (Gazimağusa)
After visiting Varosha, we drove to the modern-day city of Famagusta, which is called Gazimağusa in Turkish. Here we had about an hour to explore the city on our own. Particularly worth seeing are the well-preserved Venetian city walls from the 15th and 16th centuries and the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which was once the Cathedral of Saint Sophia.
We used the time to stroll through the old town and enjoy a coffee and cake before setting off on our return journey.
Conclusion Visiting Varosha: Our Tip for a Visit to the Ghost Town in Cyprus
In our opinion, a trip to Varosha* is a must when visiting Cyprus, as it allows you to experience the impacts of the Cyprus conflict and the current situation on the island up close.
Although the guide’s slow pace and emotional stories were overwhelming for some participants, a guided tour is highly recommended for a first visit. For a future visit, we would likely take a taxi at the border and explore the ghost town on our own. However, for initial orientation and to gain a deeper understanding of the background, a guide* is a worthwhile choice.
Practical tips for your visit to Varosha
- Equipment: As the sun can be very strong, we recommend sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothing. Drinks and snacks are also advisable.
- Booking in Advance: Early booking* is recommended, especially during peak season.
- Photography: Be sure to follow the photography ban in military areas and avoid taking pictures of soldiers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Varosha
Yes, you can visit Varosha on your own; however, some areas of the ghost town are military exclusion zones. For a first visit, we recommend a guided tour*. This way, you can safely explore the accessible areas and learn fascinating background stories about the town.
Photography is allowed in the designated areas, but it is strictly forbidden to photograph military facilities or soldiers. Be sure to pay attention to prohibition signs and adhere to the safety regulations on site.
To cross the border into the Turkish-occupied part of the island, you need a valid passport. An ID card is sufficient only if you stay exclusively in the southern part of Cyprus.
More pictures from the tour through the ghost town of Famagusta
