How To Visit Varosha: The Abandoned City In Cyprus
When I first heard about Varosha—an abandoned city in Famagusta, Cyprus—I immediately knew it would be one of the most interesting places in my travels. Abandoned skyscrapers, empty hotels, and long sandy beaches that once belonged to the wealthiest vacationers sounded intriguing.
Determined to see this unique place with my own eyes, I started researching how to reach Varosha, what rules apply to visitors, and what can truly be seen in this once-thriving but now abandoned part of Famagusta. Since the information I found online was disappointing, I decided to write a detailed travel guide about Varosha, the abandoned city in Cyprus.
History Of Varosha
Before 1974, Varosha was one of the most popular resort areas in the Mediterranean, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world. Hollywood stars vacationed on its beaches, while luxurious hotels and restaurants built the city’s reputation as a high-end leisure destination. At the time, Varosha was not only the pride of Cyprus but also one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
Beyond tourism, Varosha played a key role in Cyprus’s economy. By 1974, the city had 2,946 residential homes, more than 1,000 shops, 89 hotels, 14 schools, 21 banks, 7 churches, 1 mosque, 25 museums and cultural institutions, and 99 entertainment venues.
However, everything changed in July 1974 when a military conflict erupted in Cyprus between the Greek and Turkish communities. Following Turkey’s invasion of the northern part of the island, the residents of Varosha were forced to flee their homes within hours, believing they would soon return. But that never happened – the city remained abandoned, and the Turkish military turned it into a closed-off, uninhabited zone.
Current Situation In Varosha
For more than 45 years, Varosha remained off-limits to both former residents and curious travelers. The Turkish army controlled the area, strictly prohibiting entry. As a result, the city stood abandoned while nature reclaimed it—trees grew inside buildings, grass and sand covered the streets, and birds became the only inhabitants of once-luxurious apartments.
However, in 2020, the situation began to change. Turkey and Northern Cyprus decided to open part of Varosha to visitors, sparking international controversy. Greek Cypriots and former residents protested, insisting that the city should be returned to its rightful owners. Despite the opposition, travelers can now access certain areas, explore abandoned buildings, and walk through the former city center.
How To Get To Cyprus
Travelers from Europe and other regions must first reach Cyprus. Since the island is divided into two parts—the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus (south) and Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus—choosing the right airport is important.
- The easiest way to reach Varosha is by flying into Larnaca International Airport (LCA), the largest airport in Cyprus, which receives most flights from Europe. From there, travelers can cross into Northern Cyprus through several border points.
- Another option is Ercan International Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus, but it only operates flights from Turkey. Travelers from other countries must first transit through Istanbul or Antalya. While arriving here eliminates the need to cross the border, flight availability is more limited.
- For those traveling from Turkey, ferries run regularly from Mersin and Alanya to Kyrenia or Famagusta, near Varosha. This is a convenient option for those already in Turkey who want to bring their car or prefer sea travel.
How To Get To Varosha From Southern Cyprus
To get to Varosha from southern Cyprus, travelers need to cross the border between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. Several border crossings are available, but not all provide easy access to Varosha.
Main Border Checkpoints:
- Deryneia Checkpoint – the closest and most convenient for reaching Varosha.
- Agios Dometios (Nicosia) Checkpoint – a good choice for those coming from Nicosia, though the distance to Varosha is longer.
- Pergamos Checkpoint – another option near Larnaca, though it is not as convenient as Deryneia.
My Experience: Deryneia Checkpoint
Since I was staying in Ayia Napa, I chose the Deryneia Checkpoint, the closest route to Famagusta. The drive from Ayia Napa to the checkpoint took only 20 minutes, making it the most convenient option.
At the border, I parked my rental car nearby, as most car rental companies in Cyprus don’t allow their vehicles to enter Northern Cyprus. Crossing was quick and straightforward—I showed my ID card, and within minutes, I was on the other side. From there, I had several options to reach Varosha.
Hitchhiking
After crossing the border with my family, we decided to hitchhike, and it turned out to be a great choice. Local drivers are friendly and often happy to give travelers a lift, especially if they see you heading toward Famagusta. In our case, a local man stopped and kindly drove us all the way to the entrance of Varosha while sharing interesting stories about the area.
By Taxi
If you don’t want to wait or look for a ride, you can ask the Turkish border officers to call a taxi. The fare from the border to Varosha costs around €10 – €15 (390 – 580 TRY). For groups or those with limited time, a taxi is one of the most convenient ways to get there.
By Minibus
Minibuses run from the border crossing to Famagusta, where you can walk to Varosha. However, the route lacks clear signage, and schedules are unreliable. If you spot a minibus, ask the driver if they’re going to Famagusta. This option is usually the cheapest, with tickets costing around €1 – €2 (39 – 78 TRY), according to locals.
By Car
It is also possible to cross the Deryneia Checkpoint by car. However, as I mentioned earlier, many car rental companies in Cyprus prohibit crossing the border, so keep this in mind before renting a vehicle. Note that you will need car insurance when crossing the border, which costs €25 (970 TRY). Due to the additional expenses and the fact that I wouldn’t have full insurance coverage, I chose to travel to Varosha by hitchhiking.
By Tour
For those who want a more organized visit, guided tours to Varosha are available from major cities in Cyprus, including Nicosia, Larnaca, and Ayia Napa. These tours typically include transportation, a guide who provides historical insights, and visits to key locations in and around Varosha. Some tours also combine Varosha with stops in Famagusta, allowing for a more comprehensive experience of the region. Prices vary depending on the tour operator and package, but they offer a hassle-free way to explore the area without worrying about transportation or logistics.
How To Explore Varosha, The Abandoned City In Cyprus
Varosha is quite compact, making it easy to explore in different ways. Since some areas remain restricted, visitors are only allowed to move within designated zones.
Walking is the most popular way to explore Varosha, as it allows you to delve into the local history and notice small details—old shop signs, overgrown streets, and abandoned buildings. I also chose to explore Varosha on foot, as it seemed more convenient.
For those planning to walk through all the accessible parts of the city, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing plenty of water, and ensuring sun protection, as most of the area is open, with very few shaded rest spots.
In addition to walking, the abandoned city of Varosha in Cyprus can also be explored by bicycle. Near the entrance, there is a bike rental point where you can rent a bicycle and quickly tour the open parts of the city. You can also rent not only bicycles but electric scooters and golf carts as well.
Since the streets here are wide and smooth, bicycles are a great alternative for those who don’t enjoy walking. When I visited, the rental price was €2.5 (100 TRY) for 4 hours. However, I didn’t find them to be the most convenient way to explore the city, as truly experiencing Varosha requires frequent stops and getting off the bike. Additionally, the area is not very large, making walking a much more practical option.
Top Sights In Varosha
Empty streets, abandoned buildings, and decades-old closed shops with shattered hotel windows create a surreal scene. The whole area feels frozen in time, as if someone pressed pause in 1974.
Today, you can access only certain parts of the city, while many buildings remain behind wire barriers, guarded by military personnel. Despite these restrictions, the experience leaves a lasting impression.
Beaches and Coastal Area
Varosha was once famous for its stunning Mediterranean beaches. Even today, the sand stays white, and the water remains crystal clear. The main beach open to visitors is near the former luxury hotel Golden Sands.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, signs of abandonment are clear. In some areas, sand has covered old pathways, and just a few meters away, empty buildings stand with untouched balconies and terraces that haven’t seen tourists for decades.
The Most Famous Buildings
Since Varosha was a modern resort, developers built many high-end hotels, shops, and business centers. Now, these buildings sit empty, slowly deteriorating, yet their former grandeur remains visible.
- Golden Sands Hotel – One of the most iconic beachfront hotels, now completely abandoned. Its facade still reflects the distinctive 1970s architecture.
- King George Hotel – Once a symbol of luxury, this hotel now has shattered windows, and its structure looks weak and crumbling.
- Varosha’s main street – This street was once lined with numerous shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, but now everything is abandoned. In some storefronts, old advertisements can still be seen.
- Toyota car dealership – One of the most interesting abandoned buildings in the area.
Despite their decay, these buildings still serve as a reminder of the city’s modernity and luxury before 1974. Walking through the empty streets, I felt a bit sad about what had happened to Varosha.
As I wandered the streets, small details reminded me of the life that once existed here. Some shop windows still display old items, dusty chairs sit in a few cafes, and faded advertising posters from the 1970s cling to building walls.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Varosha
The duration of the visit depends on the chosen mode of exploration. On foot, you can see all the main sights in about 2–3 hours if you want to take your time and pay attention to details. I personally spent around two hours in Varosha at a leisurely pace because I enjoy photography and wanted to fully immerse myself in the city’s past life. Exploring by bicycle allows for a quicker exploration – I think you can cover all accessible parts of the city in about an hour.
Useful Tips For Visitors To Varosha
Visiting Varosha is a unique experience since it differs from typical tourist destinations with souvenir shops and guided tours. Certain restrictions exist, so preparation is essential. Knowing a few key things beforehand helps avoid unpleasant situations.
Documents and Permits
Before my trip, I researched the latest information regarding the required documents for traveling to Northern Cyprus. It turns out that all European Union citizens can enter with a national ID card, meaning a passport is not necessary. I would also like to note that no special permit.
Safety and Conduct Rules
Since Varosha is a politically sensitive area, certain rules must be followed:
- Entering restricted areas is prohibited. Some locations are still off-limits to visitors, so it is important to pay attention to warning signs and avoid crossing fences.
- Photography is allowed. Taking photos in Varosha is permitted, but you should not photograph the soldiers guarding the area.
- Do not touch or take any objects. Varosha is a historically significant site, and removing anything as a souvenir is strictly forbidden.
FAQs About Varosha: The Abandoned City In Cyprus
What are the visiting hours in Varosha?
Varosha visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in winter.
What Documents Do I Need to Cross from Southern Cyprus to Northern Cyprus?
If you are traveling from Southern Cyprus, EU citizens can enter with a national ID card. Non-EU visitors need a passport. No special permits are needed.
Is It Worth Visiting Varosha with a Guide?
Yes, especially if you want to learn more about Varosha’s history. While you can explore on your own, a guide provides deeper insights and highlights important sites. Local stories also add meaning to the experience.
Can you take photos in Varosha?
Photography is allowed throughout the open areas, but taking pictures of soldiers guarding the site is strictly prohibited.
Can you rent a bicycle or an electric scooter in Varosha?
Yes, bicycles and electric scooters are available for rent right after entering Varosha.
Can I stay overnight in Varosha?
Currently, it is not possible to stay overnight in Varosha as it is a restricted area. The closest hotel near Varosha is the Arkin Palm Beach Hotel, which offers views of this abandoned territory.
Are there toilets in Varosha, the abandoned city in Cyprus?
Yes, there are toilet facilities near the beach area in Varosha, which are available for visitors.
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Have you visited Varosha, the abandoned city in Cyprus? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
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Evelina
Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
