Using downing rods to communicate with spirits
1 / 10

Varosha Ghost Town Promenade

4.6
·2k reviews·Gazimağusa,

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat.

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Using downing rods to communicate with spirits

Varosha Ghost Town Promenade

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Walking through this abandoned city is both fascinating and unsettling. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abandoned Hotels

Abandoned Hotels

Throughout Varosha

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

TikTokInstagram
Empty Streets

Empty Streets

Varosha Promenade

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

InstagramReddit
Varosha Beach

Varosha Beach

Coastal area of Varosha

Experience the crystal-clear sea on a beach that was once part of a bustling resort.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Accessing Varosha

Varosha is in Northern Cyprus, requiring crossing a border. While accessible, be aware of the political context. Some visitors report needing a hire car or taxi from the border, and opening times can vary, often closing around 5 PM. Reddit

Exploring the Ghost Town

Entry to Varosha is free, but the area is fenced off. Renting bicycles or carts is highly recommended to cover the vast abandoned city. Consider joining a tour for historical context. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and heat.
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

i visited the ghost town of famagusta #travel #cyprus #famagusta #travel #fyp
@corii.ander
20K likes • 459K views

🚗 Hire a Car or Taxi

Essential for reaching Varosha from border towns. Drivers can be helpful guides. Reddit

🚲 Rent a Bike or Cart

The best way to explore the vast abandoned city. Reddit

A look inside Varosha, Famagusta, Cyprus, abandoned since 1974. #Famagusta #Varosha #Abandoned #GhostTown #Cyprus #War #Travel #Maraş #Gazimağusa
@sundaynightslowjams
7.2K likes • 114.4K views
🌍✨ Siempre veía en YouTube esos vídeos sobre lugares misteriosos del mundo… y uno de los que más me impactaba era Varosha, la ciudad fantasma de la República Turca de Chipre del Norte. Hoy estoy aquí, caminando entre hoteles vacíos y calles congeladas en el tiempo… Esta ciudad fue el paraíso de muchos famosos y ahora es absoluto silencio 🤯 Y mientras la recorro, no puedo evitar pensar: 👉 mu...
hcruz.mentor
291 likes • 0 views

⏰ Check Opening Times

Varosha often closes around 5 PM, so plan accordingly. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. TikTok

Varosha, Famagusta has stunning beaches and was once a thriving tourist destination. Sadly the city has been abandoned since the 1970s when an invasion and battle took place there. The inhabitants of the town fled to other cities and eventually a border between Greek and Turkish Cyprus was declared, meaning that the Greek Cypriots who once lived here and ran successful business weren’t able to ret...
belleavaphoto
41 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Hire a Car or Taxi

Essential for reaching Varosha from border towns. Drivers can be helpful guides. Reddit

🚲 Rent a Bike or Cart

The best way to explore the vast abandoned city. Reddit

⏰ Check Opening Times

Varosha often closes around 5 PM, so plan accordingly. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. TikTok

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The eerie silence and decaying buildings make for powerful photos. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"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

Fascinating ghost town atmosphere
Abandoned hotels and streets
Serene beach area

What People Dislike

Complex political context
Eerie and sad atmosphere

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The abandoned hotels, empty streets, and the beach offer incredible photographic opportunities. The contrast between decay and the natural beauty is striking. TikTokInstagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed in the accessible areas of Varosha. However, be respectful of any restricted zones or military presence. TikTok

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. Instagram

While general photography is permitted, avoid photographing military installations or personnel. Always be mindful of your surroundings and any posted signs. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🚶 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. InstagramReddit

Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, especially during warmer months. TikTok

There's a small visitor center near the entrance that offers drinks and snacks. You can also rent bikes or carts there. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Varosha can be an educational, albeit somber, experience for families. While the ghost town aspect might be intense for very young children, older kids can appreciate the historical context and the unique 'frozen in time' nature of the place. Renting bikes can make the exploration more engaging and less tiring for everyone. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Varosha is a dream destination offering unparalleled opportunities for capturing striking imagery. The abandoned hotels, decaying facades, and empty streets create a dramatic and atmospheric setting. The contrast between the remnants of luxury and the encroaching nature is particularly compelling. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

🚶 Solo Travelers

Solo travelers will find Varosha a deeply reflective and intriguing destination. The quiet solitude of the abandoned city allows for personal contemplation and a unique connection with the past. Renting a bike is an excellent way to explore at your own pace and discover hidden corners. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Varosha: A City Frozen in Time

Varosha, once a glittering jewel of the Mediterranean, was a thriving tourist resort in the 1960s and early 1970s, attracting celebrities and holidaymakers alike. Its pristine beaches and luxury hotels made it a prime destination. However, this idyllic scene was shattered in 1974 during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot inhabitants fled, and Varosha was subsequently sealed off by the Turkish military, becoming a ghost town frozen in time. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

Exploring Varosha: Tips for a Memorable Visit

Visiting Varosha is an experience unlike any other, offering a unique blend of historical reflection and eerie exploration. To make the most of your visit, renting a bicycle or a cart is highly recommended. The abandoned city is vast, and these modes of transport allow you to cover more ground and truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. InstagramReddit

You may also like

1 of 2