travel
February 6, 2026
Once a paradise on earth, now a 'Ghost Town': Nobody has set foot in the favorite destination of world stars for half a century
Varosha offers a white sandy beach, crystal clear turquoise sea, and perfect summer landscapes - but without people. Although it sounds like a scene from a movie, this is exactly the sight you can find today in this former resort in Cyprus, located on the border between the Turkish and Greek parts of the island.
TL;DR
- Varosha, located on the border of the Turkish and Greek sides of Cyprus, is now a 'ghost town'.
- In the 1960s and 70s, it was a symbol of luxury and glamour, frequented by stars like Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor.
- The city was abandoned in 1974 following the Turkish invasion, forcing 39,000 residents to leave.
- Now, decades later, faded hotels and abandoned cars create a haunting, time-frozen scene.
- Travel vlogger Robert Dacešin explored the abandoned city and shared his findings, including interviews with former residents.
- Access to Varosha was forbidden for over four decades, with the area becoming a 'no man's land'.
- In 2020, for the first time in 46 years, the public was allowed limited access to Varosha.
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