Varosha, Cyprus

From series “The Most Impressive Abandoned Cities on the Planet”

Among the abandoned cities of the world there are many large resorts. Cypriot town of Varosha is among them. Just a few decades ago it was one of the most popular and prosperous resorts on the island. Everything changed in 1974 when the city turned to be occupied by the Turkish army. Local residents were forced from their homes and the resort was strictly forbidden to the visitors. Varosha has been standing empty since then and is being gradually destroyed.

Brave tourists who manage to enter the territory of the closed city have an opportunity to observe old hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, which the resort was famous for. Many homes and offices have been looted, a terrible mess reigns in homes – all valuables have long been taken away. In 1974 the city's population consisted of more than 16 000 people. All of them have been leaving their homes hoping to be able to return.

Those hopes have not been realised. Until today Varosha remains a disputed territory, in addition, part of the town is still occupied by a Turkish military base. As mentioned above the town is a closed territory prohibited from entering. Military men are regularly patrolling the streets, but that does not seem to bother curious tourists. The empty coast of the resort looks especially interesting. There have survived umbrellas and lounges from more than forty years ago. One can see the remaining wooden terraces of restaurants and furnished rest areas.

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Varosha - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'Koop24 ATM' located in 1.59 km (

check the route on the map).

Car rental office: 'Sixt Rent a car Protaras Office' is located in 12 km (

on the map).

Fuel station: 'Ergün Petrol' in 1.46 km

Supermarket: 'Belça' in 1.68 km

Parking: 'A Staff' in 5.74 km

Apotheek: 'Sezin Eczanesi' in 1.69 km

Police station: 'Police Station' in 3.43 km

Cafe/restaurant: 'Gazimağusa Belediye Plaj Büfe' in 1.37 km

Nearest airports:
» Larnaca Airport LCA - in 40 km

» RAF Akrotiri Airport AKT - in 105 km

» Paphos Airport PFO - in 141 km

» Bassel Al-Assad International Airport LTK - in 183 km

» Rafic Hariri Airport BEY - in 200 km

Deadlier than roller coasters. Most Dangerous and Lethal Roads

Science fiction. The Greatest Tunnels in the World

Cities nearby

» Guide to Protaras

» Hotels in Protaras

» Bed & Breakfast

» Apartments

» Hostels

» Car rent in Protaras

» Guide to Larnaca

» Cuisine & restaurants

» Traditions & mentality

» Culture & art

» Attractions & nightlife

» Apartments

» Hostels

» Car rent in Larnaca

» Full-size cars

» Guide to Nicosia

» Cuisine & restaurants

» Traditions & mentality

» Culture & art

» Attractions & nightlife

» Tips for tourists

» Hotels in Nicosia

» Car rent in Nicosia

» Full-size cars

Best hotels near Varosha

Apartment Dheryneia

Located in 4 km from Varosha
Route on the map:

Rooms: 1

The air-conditioned Dheryneia apartments consist of 2 separate bedrooms and an open-plan area with kitchen, living room and dining table. They are … More: photo, rates and booking

Theodora Sea View Villas

Located in 6 km from Varosha
Route on the map:

Rooms: 1

Featuring a fully functional kitchen with stainless steel appliances, this accommodation offers an open-plan seating and dining area. It includes a … More: photo, rates and booking

Varvara Gardens

Located in 7 km from Varosha
Route on the map:

Rooms: 19

The air-conditioned apartments at Varvara are bright and modernly furnished. They all consist of 2 separate bedrooms and an open-plan area with fully … More: photo, rates and booking

Villa Triada

Located in 8 km from Varosha
Route on the map:

Rooms: 1

… More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

2 km - Famagusta

From the series 'Abandoned Places of the Earth with Distinct Marks of Civilization'

One of the world's most famous ghost town of Famagusta is located in Cyprus. Today, it’s difficult to imagine that a few years ago this place has been a popular holiday destination for thousands of tourists. The popular resort town once completely emptied because of …

65 km - Choirokoitia

From the series 'Remains of the First Ancient Cities'

You can see the ruins of the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia in the vicinity of the city of Larnaca in Cyprus. It was formed in the 7th Millennium BC. The settlement lasted for more than 3,000 years. The unique archaeological area was discovered about a hundred …

103 km - Berengaria Hotel

From the series 'The Most Mysterious Buildings (Houses, Palaces, Castles) in the World'

The main mystical attraction of Cyprus is the abandoned Berengaria Hotel. Its opening has taken place over 80 years ago. The luxury hotel has been focused on the wealthiest tourists and has brought considerable income to the owner. After the founder's death, his …

109 km - Κourion Ancient Amphitheater

From the series 'Ancient Amphitheaters and Arenas, That Are Still Operational'

One of the most beautiful and interesting for visiting amphitheatres is located in Kourion. It will amaze travellers with its majestic appearance, the beauty of the preserved antique mosaics and the magnificent panoramic view that opens from spectators’ seats. The …

188 km - Bibl

From the series 'Remains of the First Ancient Cities'

The city of Byblos attracts fans of ancient history in Lebanon. It is also one of the three most ancient cities on our planet. The earliest organized settlements in these places date back to the 7th Millennium BC. The city was formed under the now known name in the 4th …

189 km - Byblos

From the series 'The Oldest Inhabited Cities on the Planet'

Phoenician city of Byblos, which is nowadays called Jubayl, is also among the oldest cities in the world. In biblical times, it was called Hebe; for thousands of years the city has changed several names, but it hasn’t lost its historic charm and mystery. Ancient …

Top destination around Varosha - Famagusta

Those fond of beach holidays will surely like resort hotels of Protaras, including luxurious Grecian Park hotel. It's the perfect choice for beach leisure and also for those who like to have fun all around the clock. There's an excellent night club at the hotel featuring interesting entertainment shows held every evening. Sports fans will appreciate its modern gym; fans of shopping will enjoy the local exclusive gift shop.
Capo Bay hotel is popular for quite a while now. It's located at the Fig Tree Bay Beach owing a number of prestigious awards. The hotel is surrounded with tropical wilds; it features comfortable resting areas and swimming pools set up around. There's also an excellent diving center and a kid club staffed with professional animators. Next to the hotel starts busy Strip street with numerous restaurants, bars and apartments.

Travelers who stop in quiet town of Paralimni also have lots of hotels and apartments to choose from. Varvara Gardens apartments situated next to the popular beach and entertainment places are among the most popular accommodation places. The hotel occupies a beautiful snow-white building complex with every apartment individually decorated and equipped with wonderful designers' furniture. A huge swimming pool is the main feature of the adjacent territory. Varvara Gardens is the perfect choice for serene vacation.
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