Varosha (Maraş) – the closed resort
Famagusta’s former resort, fenced off since 1974; part of its streets has been open to visitors since 2020.
In the 1970s Varosha was a famous resort. After 1974 it was fenced off and no one lived there for almost fifty years.
Since 2020 some streets can be visited on foot or by bike, past crumbling hotels down to the beach.
Varosha’s status is one of the most sensitive issues of the Cyprus dispute (UN resolutions, pre-1974 owners). Please behave as at a memorial.
Tips
- Stay in the open area and on permitted paths; do not enter buildings.
- Do not photograph military posts or prohibition signs.
- Bike hire at the entrance.
Getting there
South of Famagusta old town, 10 minutes by car or taxi.
Prices, opening hours and entry rules change — check official sources before you travel.
Nearby
Famagusta and the eastFamagusta Old Town and Lala Mustafa Pasha MosqueA fortress town behind Venetian walls: the Gothic St Nicholas Cathedral, ruins of dozens of churches and quiet lanes.
Famagusta and the eastOthello CastleFamagusta’s harbour citadel, linked with Shakespeare’s “Othello”, set “in a seaport in Cyprus”.
Famagusta and the eastSt Barnabas MonasteryA monastery by the tomb of the Apostle Barnabas, founder of the Church of Cyprus — now an icon and archaeology museum.