varosha experience tour

Visit Varosha, The Ghost Town – Ultimate Travel Guide 2024

• On Oct 24, 2023

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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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It’s time to plan your trip!

Find our travel resources below that help you plan your next trip. Good luck and safe travels.

Book your flight

Skyscanner is our favourite tool for searching for the cheapest flights and flight combinations. Multi-city or Explore Everywhere helps us to find real bargains.

The best platform to rent a car and compare the prices for your next road trip anywhere in the world is Discovercars.com . The booking process is hassle-free.

Find your acommodation

On Booking.com we always find the best deals for accommodation. Another great option for cheap accommodation is Hostelworld .

Travel insurance

We always recommend IATI Travel Insurance which offers excellent plans. As a reader of Broken Navigation, get an exclusive 5% discount. For Europeans Truetraveller offers perfect travel insurance for the best price.

Explore more with Tours

Some places are better off explored with a knowledgeable guide. Or, if you simply want to save time and hassle, we recommend GetYourGuide . Another great option that also has an amazing range of activities is Viator .

protect yourself online by VPN

We always use  NordVPN  everywhere we travel for safe internet browsing and access to specific sites that might be blocked.

Disclosure: We recommend only companies we personally use. If you book services through any of the affiliate links in our posts, it earns us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Travelling for years now, she found the passion in unique and off the beaten path places. Romana is a food lover, but it doesn’t stop her from hiking the mountains for several days. By sharing her experiences, she wants to help you experience the same.

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“There are no airports in TRNC”??? Yes, there is? Ercan Airport, daily flights

Hello Johnny, this must have slipped from our info. Thank you for catching that! It’s already corrected in our post.

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What is Varosha ?

Varosha Experience is designed to allow you the maximum time to explore this deserted holiday resort. This was once the holiday playground for the rich and famous during the 1970’s. It was the main holiday resort for Cyprus and tourists would fly into Nicosia Airport. Since 1974 this holiday resort has been empty due to the conflict during that year. Visitors come to Cyprus and holiday in resorts that we know today as Protaras, Ayia Napa and Pernera yet we forget the resort of Varosha. Not only the hotels were affected but also shops, bars and residential homes remain empty. Night time entertainment was provided by its tavernas, bars and clubs. Here are a few photographs of Varosha from the 1970’s.

Varosha Experience

We pride ourselves in offering great knowledge and adding humour to our tours. Within the first year of this tour it was awarded  “Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence”  adding to our other awards. 

You are taken from your resort to the crossing point to the north of the island. Your passports will be processed by Immigration quicker than any other company at this crossing point, on average it takes us 7 minutes. 

Once we clear passport control our guide will provide you with information about Varosha, including how Varosha came about, hotel information, what to expect, what to see and the facilities available in the deserted resort. We are the only company to provide our own map which helps with navigation and additional information about relevant buildings. Our staff will be in the resort armed with 2-way radios ready to give you assistance if required, again we are the only company to offer this customer care. 

Once in the empty resort you are allowed to view wherever you want within the clearly demarcated areas governed by the authorities. Because we give you more free time than any other company you have enough time to explore the streets, have a snack or a swim on one of the two designated beaches.  

This tour solely concentrates on the holiday resort of Varosha and therefore gives you maximum time to understand more about it. 

Red Bus Varosha Experience in English From Ayia Napa, Protaras

The Red Bus Varosha Experience offers a captivating way to explore the abandoned city of Varosha from the popular resort towns of Ayia Napa and Protaras. With a licensed guide leading the way, travelers can explore the city’s rich history and surreal atmosphere, all while enjoying convenient hotel pickup, refreshments, and a delicious lunch. Priced at just $42.05, this tour promises an unforgettable journey for visitors seeking to uncover the secrets of one of Cyprus’ most enigmatic destinations. What awaits those who embark on this unique experience?

• The Red Bus Varosha Experience offers a guided tour of the abandoned city of Varosha in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, conducted in English.
• The tour includes pickup from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, licensed guides, refreshments, and a provided lunch.
• The experience caters to a maximum of 50 travelers, providing a personalized and immersive exploration of the eerie, surreal ghost town.
• Visitors highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides, who enhance the tour by offering insights into Varosha’s complex history and abandonment.
• The tour requires a valid passport or EU ID from specified countries, and is not accessible for wheelchair users or infants.

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Overview of the Experience

The Red Bus Varosha experience in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the abandoned city of Varosha , which has remained untouched since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

This 4.5/5 star experience , with 31 reviews, is priced from $42.05 and includes pickup, a licensed guide , refreshments, and lunch.

The tour starts at 10:00 am, with a maximum of 50 travelers. Participants must hold a valid passport or EU ID and be aware that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The overall sentiment is positive, with travelers describing the experience as surreal and fascinating, praising the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to explore the eerie ghost town .

Itinerary and Inclusions

The Red Bus Varosha experience includes a comprehensive itinerary , with a start time of 10:00 am and a range of inclusions to enhance the tour.

Travelers are provided with pickup and drop-off from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, as well as a licensed guide to lead the way.

Complimentary coffee or tea and a delicious lunch are also included, ensuring that visitors are well-nourished during their excursion.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers , allowing for a more personalized and intimate experience.

With these thoughtful inclusions, the Red Bus Varosha experience is designed to provide a memorable and enriching exploration of this unique and captivating destination.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup points for the Red Bus Varosha experience are assigned via email one day before the excursion, located within walking distance from designated hotels in the Ayia Napa and Protaras areas. Travelers must hold a valid passport or EU ID from specified countries, including the EU, UK, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, to participate in the tour. However, the experience is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.

Visitor Insights

Described as surreal and reminiscent of a film set, the abandoned city of Varosha has captivated visitors, who’ve enjoyed guided tours led by friendly guides such as Paul, Clive, Hayley, and Gary.

Many travelers have found the experience fascinating, with the eerie atmosphere of Varosha leaving a lasting impression. Some have even hired electric scooters to better explore the deserted streets and buildings, seeing the unique and unsettling environment.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have generally provided positive feedback about the Red Bus Varosha experience , praising its value and the effectiveness of the guides.

While some found the pickup process lengthy, many recommended allocating more time for exploration within the abandoned city of Varosha .

Visitors described the ghost town as surreal and fascinating, reminiscent of a film set. They enjoyed the guided tours led by friendly guides, with specific mentions of Paul, Clive, Hayley, and Gary.

Some travelers even hired electric scooters to better explore the eerie atmosphere of Varosha.

Exploring Varosha

Visitors can often explore the eerie, abandoned streets of Varosha, the once-thriving resort town that was abruptly deserted nearly five decades ago. This ghost town, frozen in time, offers a unique glimpse into the past.

As they wander the crumbling buildings and overgrown roads, travelers are struck by the surreal atmosphere, which some describe as reminiscent of a film set. The guided tours provide valuable insights into the history and current status of Varosha, allowing visitors to better understand the complex political and social factors that led to its demise.

Many travelers find this exploration to be a captivating and thought-provoking experience, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the site’s poignant history.

Guided Tour Highlights

The guided tours of Varosha offer travelers an immersive experience , with friendly and knowledgeable guides like Paul, Clive, Hayley, and Gary leading the way through the eerie abandoned streets .

Visitors describe the atmosphere as surreal and reminiscent of a film set, captivated by the guides’ insights into the city’s turbulent history.

Many travelers opt to hire electric scooters to explore Varosha more extensively, allowing them to cover more ground and delve deeper into the abandoned buildings and boulevards.

The tour’s value and the effectiveness of the guides receive widespread praise, with the only common criticism being that more time could be allocated for exploration within the ghostly confines of Varosha.

Transportation and Accessibility

The Red Bus Varosha experience includes pickup and drop-off from the main hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, but not from private accommodations.

Travelers must hold a passport or EU ID from specified countries to participate in the tour.

The excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Pickup points are assigned via email one day before the tour, and they’re within walking distance from the designated hotels.

While the pickup process may take some time, the experience provides a guided journey through the captivating yet eerie landscape of Varosha, an abandoned city that offers a unique and thought-provoking glimpse into the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the tour be customized to suit individual needs.

The tour can’t be customized to suit individual needs, as it has a set itinerary and group size. However, travelers can request special accommodations like dietary requirements or language preferences during the booking process to ensure their needs are met.

Is There an Option to Visit Additional Sites Beyond Varosha?

The tour primarily focuses on the Varosha ghost town, but there may be opportunities to visit additional sites in the area if travelers inquire with the tour operator. However, the core experience centers around the Varosha exploration.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for walking. Light layers are recommended, as the temperature can vary within the Varosha area.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. Travelers of all ages can participate, though the ghost town setting may not be suitable for young children. The maximum group size is 50 travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and beverages on the tour. However, it’s important to note that the tour includes a provided lunch, so bringing additional food may not be necessary. Always check with the tour operator for any specific policies or restrictions.

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The Red Bus Varosha Experience offers a captivating guided tour that allows visitors to explore the haunting, abandoned city of Varosha.

With a licensed guide, refreshments, and a delicious lunch included, travelers can enjoy the rich history and surreal atmosphere of this intriguing destination.

Whether you’re based in Ayia Napa or Protaras, this tour provides an unforgettable journey into the past .

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