Find out how to get to the abandoned town Varosha from Famagusta, where to rent a bicycle, how much it costs and how much time you need to explore. Is it safe to visit Varosha? Can you drive a car inside Varosha? We tell you our experience and everything you need to know to independently visit this once bustling resort town in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

We travelled around the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by rented car, and our itinerary took us to the most interesting places in TRNC, such as the last divided capital, Lefkosa, Famagusta, donkey-populated Karpas Peninsula and Kyrenia. However, this travel guide will tell you everything about visiting the ghost town Varosha, located near Famagusta. 

BRIEF SITUATION OF VAROSHA

Before 1974, the city of Varosha was blooming. Tourism was at its best, and celebrities and rich people visited the resorts. The life in Varosha was good. But then the Turkish invasion came, and all the inhabitants, Greek Cypriots, were forced to run away. Most expected to return home within a few days, but Varosha then became silent. Just imagine. One day, you live your perfect life. Then, all of a sudden, you’re forced to leave everything behind and run away. Many people lost their lives, their homes, businesses and land. And their hope for a return to their houses. Since 1974, nobody has been able to return to their homes. After the Turkish invasion, Turks occupied North Cyprus, drawing a thick line known as a Green Line that separates TRNC and Cyprus today. The line goes through Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe today.

When visiting Varosha, you can’t go everywhere. There are marked paths where you can freely walk, but you can not cross behind the fences, ropes or signs. Most streets are closed. You can walk or bike around what once was a city centre, and part of the beach is also accessible. From time to time, you see soldiers peaking out the windows of abandoned houses or smoking cigarettes on balconies. They are watching you nonstop. The city sits at the best beach we have seen in the whole of Cyprus. What a shame. Varosha was not accessible until recently when it was newly open for visitors after the UN negotiated with Turkey in 2020.

Going to Cyprus? Read how to travel Off the beaten path in Cyprus here.

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Know before you go

Can you drive a car into Varosha?

Short answer: No. Cars are not allowed inside Varosha, except for cars from military personnel. You can arrive by car at the entrance of Varosha, where there are multiple car parks where you can leave your car. Then, you need to go through the security check, and you are on your own from there. You can either explore on foot or, as we explained below, you can rent a bicycle.

How much does it cost to visit Varosha?

Visiting Varosha is free.

Do i need a passport?

Yes, when we visited, security checked our passports at the entrance.

Can i move freely in Varosha?

You can move freely in designated areas. Only a small part of Varosha is open to the public, and you can easily see where you can and can not enter because the path is marked with ropes and signs.

can i buy there food and water?

A small cafe on the Maraş beach sells snacks, coffee and water. We also saw a food and ice cream truck, but it was closed when we visited.

Can i photograph everything?

Yes, you can take photographs everywhere in the public space in Varosha. However, it is still a military base, so avoid taking photos of areas with soldiers and military buildings that are clearly marked.

How much time do I need for Varosha?

At least 2 hours for visiting Varosha is great. We spent 3 hours, as we chilled on the beach and didn’t rush.

Are there toilets?

Yes. There are toilets beside the cafe in Maraş beach.

Can I swim on the beach?

Technically, yes, you can swim on Maraş beach. However, we have a feeling people don’t do it often. You can also stay in the Arkin Palm Beach Hotel, the only hotel in Varosha, and they have a private beach.

What are the opening hours of Varosha?

Varosha is open daily from 9am to 7:30pm.

Can I stay in Varosha overnight?

You can stay in the Arkin Palm Beach Hotel, the only hotel inside the Varosha, with private beach access. What an experience to stay overnight in the ghost town. Check the prices here.

Can I enter the abandoned buildings?

No. It is forbidden because of the safety. It can collapse anytime.

Do I need a guide for Varosha?

You don’t need a guide to Varosha. You can visit everything independently. If you are interested in a guided tour, check our recommendations here.

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HOW TO GET TO VAROSHA

Varosha is 4 km from the centre of Famagusta in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Most travellers arrive in Cyprus and cross into TRNC using one of the many checkpoints described below. We flew into Larnaca, took a bus to Nicosia and crossed the border on foot into Lefkosa. Then, we rented a car and explored TRNC, including Varosha. You can fly to Larnaca with low-cost Airline WizzAir from many locations for as little as €50.

There is Ercan International Airport, which currently connects TRNC with multiple cities in Turkey. If you come through this route, it has the advantage that you can rent a car already at the airport and start your road trip. You can find great cars for around $30 per day on Discover Cars.

Check the cheapest flights to Larnaca here.

Checkpoint in Nicosia/Lefkosa

We crossed the checkpoint from Nicosia (Cyprus) to Lefkosa (TRNC), Europe’s last divided capital. We explored the TRNC by rented car from Lefkosa, so once we reached Famagusta, it was an easy drive to the entrance of the sealed-off city of Varosha.

There are multiple car parks near the entrance where you can leave your car. Then, walk to the entrance, where the military personnel checked your bag, passport and they wanted to see our camera. After a few minutes, we successfully made it inside. 

Checkpoint in Famagusta

The most popular crossing if you start in Larnaca is a direct route between Larnaca and Famagusta. All the checkpoints have a big military presence and check all visitors coming through.

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Crossing between South and North cyprus

• Visa: Citizens of the EU don’t need any visa to cross between the South and the North. If your passport is from somewhere other than the EU, you need to check if you need a Visa.
• Passport: TRNC and Cyprus both have their own rules and document checks. Ensure you know in advance if you need a visa and that your passport is valid.
• Rental car: To avoid hassle, it is better to rent the cars separately. We rented a car for TRNC in Lefkosa after we crossed the border on foot. And for Cyprus, we rented a car in Larnaca. If you want to cross the border to TRNC with a car from the South (or the opposite), you need to make sure you have all documentation and insurance ready and confirmation from the rental company if they allow you.

Read more: How to travel to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

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EXPLORE VAROSHA ON BICYCLE

The best way to explore Varosha is on a bicycle that can be rented at the entrance for 15 TL (price in 2022) for 2 hours. It gives you independence and energy to explore all streets in Varosha that are accessible. Even though most streets are inaccessible, the part that is open to the public is still quite big, so exploring by bicycle makes sense. 

Ride a bike to the Maraş Plajı, the beach that is one of the most beautiful in Cyprus. Surrounded by abandoned resorts, sitting on this beach felt like being in an apocalypse movie. Occasionally, we noticed soldiers peaking out the windows of the abandoned resorts, smoking cigarettes and watching visitors. 

It took us roughly 3 hours to explore Varosha, including a break on the beach, where we sat down and relaxed. We rented a bicycle for 2 hours but returned it after 3 hours, so we just paid the extra two hours after we returned the bike late.

Tip: Come early in the morning, around 9am, to avoid crowds. There are no huge crowds, but it is worth it to be early to enjoy the abandoned atmosphere for yourself before other visitors and bus tours arrive.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR VAROSHA

For travelling in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Cyprus, we recommend IATI Travel insurance, which fully covers travelling in TRNC and Cyprus. You can choose any of their packages and, as our reader, get an exclusive 5% discount.

Get your 5% discount for travel insurance with IATI here.

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EXPLORE VAROSHA WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDE

You can visit Varosha on a tour straight from Famagusta. Or also on a tour from Cyprus, in case you don’t stay in a TRNC. If you’re short on time or want to come for a quick, organised trip with a knowledgeable guide, the following tours are the best bet.

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IS IT SAFE TO VISIT VAROSHA

Even though there is a huge military presence in TRNC, especially around the Green Line, visiting Varosha and the whole TRNC is a safe experience. Watch the recent situation in the area, which was very safe and calm in recent years. Don’t enter the buildings that can collapse, which is indicated by many signs in Varosha.

Interested in other quirky locations? Explore the ship cemetery in Uzbekistan.

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WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING VAROSHA

Mimoza Beach Hotel I Since we had a car, we decided to stay a bit away from the Famagusta centre and enjoyed off-season prices in the Mimosa Beach Hotel. The quality of the hotel was amazing; breakfast was included, the room was clean with a beautiful view over the ocean, and since we were there in March, it was very quiet. We paid 29€ per night for 2 people. And it is only 15 km from Varosha.

Stay in Famagusta

Budget I Mystery Garden Guest House – beautifully decorated traditional house in Famagusta centre is very popular for travellers visiting Famagusta and Varosha. Breakfast is included, the rooms are comfortable, and wifi works well. Travellers enjoy the beautiful garden and central location.

Mid-Range I La Regina Veneziana – Modern and stylish accommodation in the centre of Famagusta. Breakfast included. This stone house has a vibe, and you can relax after a full day of exploring the ghost town. 

Stay in Varosha

Mid-Range I Arkin Palm Beach Hotel – only hotel where you can stay in Varosha. Spend a night inside the ghost town and enjoy their private beach.

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