Ghost Town Famagusta

Ghost Town Famagusta

Ghost Town Famagusta
4.5
About
Once a thriving resort and seaside town, the ghost town of Varosha has sat abandoned since the 1970s. While you're not allowed to enter the fenced-off areas, you can still have a stroll or bike ride around the area to explore the deserted buildings and rubble—a time capsule of what was once the most glamorous spot in Cyprus. A part of Varosha beach has recently been reopened, for a peculiar beach day against the backdrop of the abandoned resort. For a more typical beach holiday, you can head to the neighboring Palm Beach first before starting your tour of the Ghost Town. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • scott c
    South Queensferry, United Kingdom19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Optimal guided tour of famagusta.
    Fantastic !! Having known a little about the history of varosha for a short while this tour was a must see for me. It did not disappoint. The tour guide , atos was friendly & accommodating from the very start (collected at our hotel) Prior to arrival at the border crossing we were taken to an information centre and shown a short video on the history of famagusta for context. This is a poignant curiosity for us tourists - but an unresolved Chapter in the lives of many Cypriots & I feel this was highlighted well. Afterwards Everything was streamlined & explained about the border crossings into the occupied territories. Once in the city we were given all the info on the various buildings & the businesses that once resided within them all at a pace commensurate with the group. Laterally once we’d been through varosha , we entered the outskirts of famagusta town & were able to dine or purchase gifts. Our guide , atos also advised us on where to go for purchases & what to avoid as potential tourist honey traps. In summary I would highly recommend this tour - there is so much to see & learn about this sad part of Cypriot history that YouTube videos & urbex articles fail to convey. This was worth every penny & I wish the guide every success in future. Scott.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 March 2024
  • SteveC33
    Egham, United Kingdom151 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow just wow
    We booked a TUI trip to include this area and it was quite emotional. To see the abandoned town from beach was quite appalling. Unfortunately the Turkish authorities are allowing electric bikes and golf buggies to be used by visitors which we felt was quite disrespectful.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 22 March 2024
  • Gareth B
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    famagusta tour
    Wow just wow our tour guide Andrea was an absolute delight she went into so much detail about what happened on the day in 1974 and the knowledge that she possess in far better than any other tour I've done. The bus driver yannis was very professional and also made the effort to speak to every customer on the bus and also told us about the history of the town itself. Remember you passports as you will need them. Unfortunately the bus ride back was unpleasant due to a couple being very disrespectfull to not only the customers on the bus by swearing on shouting whilst there was young children there but also the tour guide. So please if you do decide to take this tour please ensure you show respect as alpt of these guides and there families had to witness this horrible act of history first hand.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 April 2024
  • Richard Hedegaa... S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Farmagusta perfectly planned trip.
    We were picked up right on time, as promised 7.45 by Georg at our hotel. It was a fantastic trip. Good driver, and good narrator with empathy and humor. It was great with a small group of 7. Everything went well. It was very comfortable with the 4.5 hours. It was exciting and informative.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 April 2024
  • Tina T
    Arvika, Sweden5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Verosha Famagusta Ghost April -24
    Absolutely wanted to come here and see the famous city that the Turks took over by force in 1974 and which had been closed for so many years. A must for me when I booked the trip to Cyprus. I also love old houses and trying to photograph their "soul". To feel the beat of the wings from a bygone era if it's old piles of stones lr like here old once beautiful stately hotels that stand and fall along wide streets with beautiful roundabouts that are partially maintained but nature always takes back sooner or later. Of course it's downright deplorable but interesting to see. Recommended. I went with Ving on their excursion.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 6 May 2024
  • dandonaldson
    Leeds, United Kingdom36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really interesting & unique experience
    Really interesting place - like nothing else. After parking (free) just outside the entrance to the old town, you walk through a checkpoint where there are toilets, cafe and bike rental. We hired an electric scooter (£12 each for two hours) which was great fun and went off to explore the town. You can just walk or hire a normal bike if you prefer. There are toilets and beach cafes at either end of the area of the town that you are allowed in. Great fun and really interesting looking at the crumbling buildings and a relic of the 1970s.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 13 May 2024
  • Andrew G
    7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thought-provoking
    A unique and surprising place. There is only one entrance and Google Maps is not your friend if you are driving a hire car. It will try to take you up streets that have been closed off. Amazing to see the town more or less as it was when abandoned in 1974. Cranes and bulldozers rusting where they were left on building sites. An opera house, cinema, flaking signs on shopfronts. Depressing really, and thought-provoking. It's a bigger place than you might expect, so it's well worth taking the tour on a golf buggy that you will find right by the entrance. Cheap, and saves hours of walking in the sun.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 21 June 2024
  • Evelina
    Ruokolahti, Finland21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating Journey Through History
    Visiting Famagusta Ghost Town was an unforgettable experience. The eerie silence of the abandoned buildings, contrasted with the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding coastline, creates a unique atmosphere. Walking through the deserted streets offers a poignant glimpse into the past, making it easy to imagine the vibrant life that once thrived here. Our guide was knowledgeable, providing rich historical context that deepened our understanding of the town’s tragic story. While it’s a somber place, it’s also a powerful reminder of the region’s complex history. Highly recommended for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 June 2024
  • VaqueraDelEspacio
    Valencia, Spain514 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Varosha Famagusta. Cyprus ghost town, abandoned by war. Interesting to know in the times that are
    It is interesting to see, especially in times where the word war is taken very normally or superficially. I recommend not going from June to September, it is very hot. It is also interesting to know that you can only enter a limited area and that you can tour it with local tourists on golf carts or bikes. There will be areas (even those open to tourism), which will have to store their devices. Turkish zone.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 10 July 2024
  • Rosa
    Türkiye37 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dark tourism and best beach for swimming
    First of all, it has a very beautiful sea, very clean water and sandy beach. Since the area to be visited is large, I recommend you to travel by bike. But please check before buying the bikes. (for brakes and wheels) because unfortunately, no one working on the island does their work for a fee. It is a great place for mourning tourism. You may feel very bad because there are buildings with bullet marks. I recommend you to go at noon because it is very hot, be sure to take water and a hat with you.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 10 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Anna D
Rijeka, Croatia3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 • Friends
We booked the tour with Mr. John just the night before, even though at first he had no available places, next morning he texted us that 2 places opened up if we still want to go, so we rushed from Nicosia to Protaras to take this tour. I do recommend booking the tour at least few days in advance since Mr. John is pretty booked. We're really grateful he texted us back and that we got to experience Famagusta and the newly opened part of Varosha with him and Mr. Ahmed. Mr John is a greek Cypriot who was born and raised in the occupied city of Famagusta, more precisely Varosha - the now ghost town, which used to be an important turist destination up to 1974 when it was abandoned, in addition the village was fully closed to the public until 2020.
His companion on this tour is Mr. Ahmed - a turkish Cypriot guide who refers himself as his "best enemy".
Together they make a great team, full of great first hand stories and funny jokes.
In conclusion, great tour for even better price, 20€ for a full day trip seems more than fair. Would recommend it to anyone who is interested to learn more about history of this area.
Thank you again Mr. John and Mr. Ahmed, we had a lovely trip with you.

For bookings and questions here is Mr. John's telephone number : +357 99 622139
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sally C
Fleet, UK185 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Couples
Great day out, we went on one of the red bus tours. The history of the area is interesting an sad for the people who once lived here.
You can now walk round the streets of the ghost town (since 2021). You can go on the beach an swim in the sea so if you do the trip bring your swimwear. If your in a group you go to the Turkish side where there is a restaurant an can swim in the sea there. You can see the Hilton Hotel where famous people used to stay in its heyday. It gets very hot on the top of the bus would recommend taking something to sit on (towel) the seats get hot, an a hat, you also need your passport for this trip. Keep your camera out on the way back, go past a little steam train which was first train to the island made in UK, an abandoned homes. But you can not take pictures going through the green line passport control areas.
Great trip.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Scenic40802975722
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
We had a brill time here. Our first attempt to go had us sent home as we didn't take our passports. DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORTS 😅 Another point to note, if you are travelling by car, you will have to purchase Turkish vehicle insurance at the passport check point. This cost us 20€ for 3 days worth. The journey from the Konnos Beach area to Famagusta Ghost Town took us approx 40 mins by car.

Famagusta Ghost Town was enjoyed by all of the family from 5 years old to 65 years old. It's a real eerie place with heaps of history. Some of us opted for electric scooters, others a pedal bike while the rest opted to walk. As a guide, we paid 300 Turkish lira for 2 hour scooter hire which works out approx £8. A real bargain, imo. You can also pay for a buggy and driver but this only lasts 30 mins.

It took us approx 2 hours to leisurely see most of the area and we were told the tour was approx 7km in total. Tired parents and kiddies all around. Well worth a visit.

Another important point to note; this is a Muslim area so, be mindful when dressing as shorts and bikinis will not earn you any approving glances from locals.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Emma9245
Glasgow, UK12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
This trip with Mr John and Mr Ahmed was thoroughly enjoyable and so interesting. It was very good but emotional to hear personal experiences from both Mr John and Mr Ahmed. They were more than happy to answer our questions and we found them both very approachable and friendly. It was amazing to get into part of the ghost town of Varosha- very interesting but sad. We stopped at the Old Town afterwards which was lovely. Would recommend Petek’s for lunch- extremely reasonably priced and food was delicious. In our opinion, if you are interested in hearing about and seeing Famagusta, this is the only tour you should be considering as you wouldn’t get personal experiences from any other tour. Thank you both so much for a great and informative day out!
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hannah
Wigan, UK277 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Friends
We booked as a group of 8 and every one of us enjoyed the experience and had a fantastic time. Mr John and Mr Ahmed were very informative and entertaining and made everyone feel so welcome. We were also picked up and dropped off from our villa which made things much easier. The tour is from 11am- 6:30ish so well worth €20! The trip itself was very memorable and I’d recommend it to everyone who is visiting Protaras. There was so much to learn and reflect on, I can’t praise it enough. This trip also gave opportunities to make friends and meet new people. Thank you again Mr John and Mr Ahmed for a wonderful day!
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Henna K
Vantaa, Finland20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
My warm recommendations to Mr John. This tour is a great opportunity to learn about occupation and Famagusta from a local guide who also told his own touching story. The gost town Varosha and Famagusta walled city are also very photogenic.

Mr John and Mr Ahmed organized the trip very well. I booked it previous day via SMS. Mr John picked me exactly at agreed time. We had a short break at a cafe with a view point to Varosha, then we crossed the border and had a walking tour in Varosha. Finally it was free time in the walled Famagusta city to eat and see around.

The tour took around 7 hours and was reasonably priced. I participated this tour as a female solo traveller and felt very comfortable with the nice group.

Please bring a bottle of water with before going to the ghost city. They only accept local currency or local credit card in the small kiosk.
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gary M
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Friends
John had such a connection to and an in-depth knowledge of Famagusta and it's history which made the trip fascinating and very entertaining.

He was very easy to contact and speak to which made all the arrangements really easy. He picked us up and straight away you could tell from the outset he had a charming and friendly manner.

He began the tour on the Cypriot side, taking us to a exceptional view point and even pointed out his childhood house. The view point included a raised viewing area with binoculars and a small museum which was quite fascinating.

We then crossed the border, with slight issue from the Turkish border force, but John sorted it with ease although it he was not obliged to do so.

He then took us to look at the old British part of the city with it's beautiful colonial architecture before moving on to the open part of Famagusta itself. I was appalled that much of the city is guarded by the Turkish army and left to decay, especially most of the beautiful buildings.

He walked us around the city and pointed out many buildings from his childhood such as his old school. It was sad to hear his stories and in-depth knowledge whilst also being very entertaining.

We were then taken to the old quater where we were able to roam around and have a look through the shops, followed by a nice meal in a restaurant that John recommended.
He then drove us back over the border before bidding us a warm goodbye.

Honestly we couldn't have asked for a better tour or guide. I couldn't recommend his tour enough.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Martin F
Canterbury, UK9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
The experience of visiting Varosha, the abandoned city, is absolutely stunning. To see old buildings left abandoned some fifty years ago is truly both sad and fascinating at the same time. We went around the city in a tour guided golf buggy type vehicle and the guide was very informative I would definitely encourage anyone visiting Famagusta to visit Varosha.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

166ruby123
Stanford-Le-Hope, UK32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
This was an experience that should not be missed. I done this trip with the Red Bus Company who picked us up from our hotel. The driver and the tour guide was very good. Inside the city it brought home how sad that this as been empty for 50 years and a lot of the buildings have fallen down. After walking around the town the Red Bus Company drove around the outskirts to give you a further view of the town of Varosha ghost town. If you are in Cyprus this is one trip you need to do
Written 22 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

766tomw
Higham Ferrers, UK316 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Really wanted to see the famous ghost town of Famagusta whilst we were here in Cyprus. Just to share our experience, we drove in our rental car towards Famagusta. When we got to the passport border I had to park the car and pay 20 euros for the insurance and then show this to the guy in the passport control office. We then drove into Famagusta to the checkpoint to the ghost town. Be aware because you are crossing into northern Cyprus which is part of Turkey and vodafone charged me £6.50 to be able to use my data, which I needed for the sat nav.
When we got to the entrance to the ghost town we paid 500 Turkish lira for a golf buggy to take us round the town. This worked out to be £17.50 which was well worth it as we saw so much of the town and it was over thirty degrees. The buggy driver stops at various points so you can see the beach and a mosque. I highly recommend the buggy or rent a bicycle from the same place.
On the way back we stopped at the fancy restaurant, good fellows at the entrance to the ghost town which was incredible.
Definitely go see the ghost town for the history and then read up on it on Wikipedia like I did.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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