Famagusta Ghost Town: A Haunting Reminder of Cyprus's Divided Past
Explore Varosha, Famagusta's Ghost Town: A haunting glimpse into Cyprus's divided past, frozen in time since 1974.
Famagusta Ghost Town, also known as Varosha, is a haunting and poignant reminder of the Cyprus conflict. Once a thriving tourist resort, it has been abandoned since 1974, following the Turkish invasion. Today, it stands as a silent, eerie monument, offering a glimpse into a frozen moment in time.
A brief summary to Famagusta Ghost Town
- 4X93+3VJ, Famagusta, Namık Kemal, CY
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on paved and unpaved surfaces.
- Bring water and snacks, especially during the hot summer months.
- Respect the restricted areas and follow the instructions of the military personnel.
- Photography is allowed in designated areas, but avoid photographing military facilities or soldiers.
- Consider renting a bicycle or scooter to cover more ground within the open area.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Famagusta, the walk to the Varosha entrance is approximately 4km and well signposted. Follow the main roads south, keeping the sea to your east. The walk takes around 45 minutes to an hour. There are multiple car parks near the entrance.
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Public Transport
Local buses (dolmuş) run from Famagusta to near Varosha. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the entrance. A new public transport system in Famagusta connects with Deryneia. Bus fare is relatively inexpensive.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Famagusta. A taxi from the city center to the Varosha entrance will take around 10-15 minutes. Expect to pay around €10-€15.
Discover more about Famagusta Ghost Town
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Lion Of Famagusta
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FAMAGUSTA WALLED CITY ASSOCIATION (MASDER)
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Famagusta Castle Arcade
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Ginkgo boom
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Mağusa Medresesi
1.4 km
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Палаццо-дель-Проведиторе
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Ravelin Bastion
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GaziMağusa Anıtı
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Famagusta
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St. George Kserionos Church
1.7 km
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TANNERS' MOSQUE
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Armenian Church
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Famagusta Border Crossing
5.3 km
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Kapparis (M.M.A.D) Beach
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Malama beach
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Unmissable attractions to see
Palm Beach
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SSAFA building Varosha
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Ghost Town Palm Beach
0.4 km
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Palm Beach Kayalıkları
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Ghost Town Varosha Toyota
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Kapalı Maraş
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Canbulat Museum
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Famagusta, Suriçi
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Church of St. George of the Greeks
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Famagusta Warosia
1.3 km
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Старый город Фамагустп
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Petek Pastahanesi
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Gazimağusa
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Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
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Namik Kemal Dungeon
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Essential places to dine
Good Fellows
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Devran Beach Restaurant
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Kumm Restaurant
0.3 km
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Zagato
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The Palm House
0.4 km
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El Kaz Taverna & Bar
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Hisar
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Themis Cafe Restaurant
0.9 km
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Desdemona Cafe
1.0 km
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Cyprus House
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Mandi house Restaurant the original mandi
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Sertbay Restoran
1.1 km
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İncir Altı Meze Restaurant
1.2 km
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Agora Restaurant
1.3 km
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Othello Meze Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Laguna Market
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Aloda Organics
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Quala gift shop
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Legomania
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Apple tea spice center
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Saydam Ayakkabı Kaleiçi
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Men & Men
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Altınbaş
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So Trendy Accessories Mağusa Kale içi
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ULUCAYLİ HAND MADE
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Rachba castle
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Shisha shop
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Shoezone Cyprus
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Mesh Arts
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BAK-AL MARKET
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
EnBarr
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Aroosha restaurant & meyhane
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Monks Inn
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Cafe & Bar
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Mike’s Bar
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Retro
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HAMAM INN
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42 Cafe & Bar
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De Molay Bar
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Lastapas Cafe & Bar
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Brooklyn Pub
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The Shamrock
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Legendary Sports Bar
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Shelby Bar
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Q Bar Mağusa
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