Cyprus’ own ghost town leaves no one indifferent. Varosha district which is located on the outskirts of Famagusta continues to excite interest and fascinate, even forty years after it was abandoned and sealed off.
In the 60s and 70s Varosha was a famous tourist paradise that attracted sun-hungry visitors from around the world. Glamorous hotels, fantastic beach walks and delicious restaurants attracted celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Raquel Welch.
Varosha was abandoned by the population when Turkey took the city in 1974. The area was cordoned off and has not yet been opened up. Inside barricades, extending over a large area, are hotels and residences were time has stood still since the 70s. Discussions are ongoing about Varoshas future, but opinions often diverge. It is clear in any case that most want the area to be opened up and given a new lease of life.
Surprisingly or not, Varosha today is a sort of odd attraction for foreign tourists who come here to see the ghost town from the barriers. Located right next to the abandoned hotels is the popular Palm Beach with white sand and turquoise water. Both locals and tourists come here every day in their hundreds. A tourist who visited the area wrote on the travel website Trip Advisor, stating that it is very sad to see abandoned buildings first line to the shore but that the place is so unique and well worth visiting.
