Varosha

What to see at Varosha

• The beachfront hotels stand as empty shells, passed on foot or by bicycle along a fixed, marked route.
• Along the route the streets stand as they were left in 1974.
• Much of the quarter beyond the route, which the TRNC has opened only in stages, remains a military zone.
• Called Kapalı Maraş or Maraş on the TRNC side, it lies south of the Gazimağusa walls.

History of Varosha

1960s–70s

The seafront quarter is a resort of Gazimağusa, with hotels along the beach.

August 1974

The quarter is emptied and fenced off as a military zone, and stays fenced for almost half a century.

8 October 2020

The TRNC begins opening the seafront on foot, in stages; a fixed route now passes the hotel shells, open on foot or by bicycle.

Visiting Varosha

Allow about two hours on foot or by bicycle. Access is limited to the marked route: entering buildings or fenced areas is prohibited, drones are restricted, and much of the quarter remains a military zone. It lies south of the Gazimağusa walls, and no bus stop is mapped within about 500 m.

Monuments near Varosha

• Canbulat Bastion and Museumabout 1.5 km north-westThe bastion and tomb of Canbulat Bey in the walls.
• Akkuleabout 2 km north-westA small Ottoman mescit of 1618–19 by the Land Gate.
• Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosqueabout 2 km north-westThe minareted Gothic cathedral at the centre of old Gazimağusa.