Varosha
Βαρώσια / Maraş
A seaside 'ghost town' south of Famagusta, closed since 1974, with parts of its streets reopened to visitors on foot or by bike from 2020.
Varosha was one of the most glamorous beach resorts in the Mediterranean in the 1970s. After Turkish troops entered in 1974, residents evacuated, and the area was sealed off behind barbed wire for nearly half a century, earning it the nickname 'ghost town'. From 2020, some streets opened to visitors, who can walk or rent bicycles or electric buggies at the entrance. Along the main street you can see abandoned hotels, shops and car showrooms, and you can walk through to the beach. The open area is roughly 08:00–17:00, and entry is free. Entering buildings is strictly prohibited, and photographing military installations or soldiers is forbidden. It takes about 20 minutes by car from Ayia Napa via the Deryneia checkpoint, and you need your passport. It can be visited on the same day as the Old Town of Famagusta.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (open area)
Nearby sights
- Famagusta Old Town
- Nissi Beach
- WaterWorld Waterpark Ayia Napa
- Profitis Elias Church, Protaras
- Makronissos Beach & Tombs
- Ayia Napa Monastery
- Thalassa Municipal Museum of the Sea
- Ayia Napa Harbour