
Varosha Ghost Town Promenade
Explore Varosha, a once-vibrant tourist resort in Cyprus, now a haunting ghost town frozen in time since 1974.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.

Varosha Ghost Town Promenade
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Varosha, a once-vibrant tourist resort in Cyprus, now a haunting ghost town frozen in time since 1974.
"Walking through this abandoned city is both fascinating and unsettling.
"
🚗 Hire a Car or Taxi
Essential for reaching Varosha from border towns. Drivers can be helpful guides.
🚲 Rent a Bike or Cart
The best way to explore the vast abandoned city.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abandoned Hotels
Throughout Varosha
Wander through eerily empty hotels, frozen in time since 1974. A stark reminder of a lost era.

Empty Streets
Varosha Promenade
Stroll along deserted boulevards where luxury once reigned. Nature is slowly reclaiming the concrete landscape.

Varosha Beach
Coastal area of Varosha
Experience the crystal-clear sea on a beach that was once part of a bustling resort.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Varosha
Exploring the Ghost Town
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire a Car or Taxi
Essential for reaching Varosha from border towns. Drivers can be helpful guides.
🚲 Rent a Bike or Cart
The best way to explore the vast abandoned city.
⏰ Check Opening Times
Varosha often closes around 5 PM, so plan accordingly.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire a Car or Taxi
Essential for reaching Varosha from border towns. Drivers can be helpful guides.
🚲 Rent a Bike or Cart
The best way to explore the vast abandoned city.
⏰ Check Opening Times
Varosha often closes around 5 PM, so plan accordingly.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The eerie silence and decaying buildings make for powerful photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Varosha offers a profoundly moving and fascinating experience, described as both eerie and sad. Visitors are captivated by the abandoned hotels and streets frozen in time, though some acknowledge the complex political context of its opening. The beach provides a serene escape, contrasting with the city's past.
"It’s hard to describe a place with such a heavy past.
Walking through this abandoned city is both fascinating and unsettling.
The entire area is fenced off, but visitors are allowed to enter (entrance is free).
Just beyond the entrance, you’ll find a small visitor center where you can grab a drink, rent bikes or carts, or join a tour.
It’s an experience we’ll never forget."
Tim B
"An amazing place to see.
We had a hire car to get us to the border from Ayia Napa. We asked the information desk to call a taxi.
20 euros to the Ghost town and the driver was really helpful, gave us his card to call him when we was ready to be taken back.
Check opening times as it closes around 5.
It's so eerie at the same time very sad to see."
zoe brunt
"Lovely place. It's so silent and deserted. Better to get there early before the bubbling tourist troop in."
Oluwatobi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Larnaca, you'll likely need to travel to the border crossing into Northern Cyprus. Many visitors opt for a hire car or taxi to reach Famagusta and then Varosha itself. Some Reddit users mention taxis costing around 20 euros to the ghost town from the border.
Getting to Famagusta and Varosha involves crossing into the Turkish-controlled north of Cyprus. While accessible, it requires planning. Some travelers find it easier to arrange transport in advance or upon arrival at the border.
Generally, rental cars from the Republic of Cyprus may not be permitted to cross the border into Northern Cyprus. It's advisable to check with your rental company or arrange local transport once you've crossed.
Once inside Varosha, the best way to explore is by renting bicycles or carts. The area is extensive, and walking the entire promenade can be time-consuming.
Public transport directly into Varosha is limited. Most visitors rely on taxis or private hire vehicles to reach the entrance and then explore the site on foot or by rented bike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Varosha is free. The entire area is fenced off, but visitors are allowed to enter the promenade and designated areas.
Opening hours can vary, but many sources indicate that Varosha often closes around 5 PM. It's best to check locally or confirm before your visit.
Yes, just beyond the entrance, there's a small visitor center where you can get drinks, rent bikes or carts, and potentially join a guided tour.
Yes, Varosha can be visited as a day trip. However, factor in travel time to and from the border, and ensure you arrive with enough time to explore before closing.
While specific closures are rare, it's always wise to check for any seasonal or unexpected closures, especially around public holidays or due to political events.
📸 📸 Photography
The abandoned hotels, empty streets, and the beach offer incredible photographic opportunities. The contrast between decay and the natural beauty is striking.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the accessible areas of Varosha. However, be respectful of any restricted zones or military presence.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the abandoned buildings and streets. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Consider a camera that handles low light well for interior shots.
While general photography is permitted, avoid photographing military installations or personnel. Always be mindful of your surroundings and any posted signs.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and a softer glow. The 'golden hour' can enhance the eerie atmosphere.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Walking through Varosha is a unique and often unsettling experience. You'll see empty hotels, shops, and homes, a poignant reminder of the city's past. It's both fascinating and sad.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, especially during warmer months.
There's a small visitor center near the entrance that offers drinks and snacks. You can also rent bikes or carts there.
Varosha is generally considered safe to visit in the designated tourist areas. However, it's an abandoned city, so exercise caution and stick to marked paths.
Varosha was once a premier tourist resort before the 1974 Turkish invasion, after which it was sealed off. It remains a symbol of the division of Cyprus.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared to discuss the history in an age-appropriate manner. The visitor center offers some basic amenities. Ensure children stay close and follow any instructions from guides or authorities. It's a place that sparks curiosity and offers a different perspective on history than a typical museum.
📸 Photographers
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides the most dramatic lighting, casting long shadows and bathing the scene in a warm, melancholic glow. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the scale of the city, while telephoto lenses can focus on intricate details of decay. Be mindful of any restricted areas and always respect the environment.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Engaging with local guides or other visitors at the visitor center can enrich the experience, offering different perspectives on the history and significance of Varosha. It's a place that encourages introspection and offers a profound sense of place.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Varosha: A City Frozen in Time
Today, Varosha stands as a stark reminder of the island's turbulent past. Walking through its deserted streets and decaying buildings offers a poignant glimpse into a life abruptly halted. The lack of development for decades has preserved the architecture and atmosphere of the era, making it a unique and somber destination for visitors interested in history and urban exploration.
The reopening of parts of Varosha to visitors in recent years has sparked debate and renewed interest in its fate. While some see it as a step towards reconciliation, others view it with caution. Regardless of the political undertones, the physical reality of Varosha remains a powerful testament to the impact of conflict on civilian life and urban landscapes.
Exploring Varosha: Tips for a Memorable Visit
Plan your visit strategically. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds, or opt for the late afternoon for the best light for photography. Always check the opening times, as Varosha typically closes around 5 PM. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of exploring on foot.
While entry is free, you'll find a visitor center near the entrance where you can purchase refreshments and rent equipment. The experience is deeply moving, offering a chance to reflect on the fragility of peace and the impact of historical events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit