From Aya Napa/Protaras: Varosha Ghost Town Tour on a Red Bus

If you’re visiting the charming resorts of Ayia Napa or Protaras and craving a mix of history, mystery, and breathtaking scenery, then the Varosha Ghost Town Tour might just be your perfect afternoon adventure. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, many travelers find that this guided trip offers a fascinating glimpse into Cyprus’s complex past, combined with the chance to stroll through a deserted holiday paradise.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the insightful guided commentary brings the abandoned resort back to life, making its eerie silence far more meaningful. Second, the easy bus transportation makes it accessible and convenient, especially after a long day on the beach. Lastly, the free time to explore allows for spontaneous adventures—whether you want to walk through empty streets or relax on nearby beaches.

Of course, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves walking within the ghost town; it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users. But overall, if you’re intrigued by history, love unique photo ops, and want a break from the usual sunbathing routine, this tour offers solid value and authentic insights. It’s best suited for curious travelers interested in Cyprus’s past and eerie landscapes, and those who appreciate a well-organized, informative excursion.

Good To Know

• Authentic insight: Learn about Varosha’s glamorous past and its famous visitors.
• Convenient transport: Hop on a red bus with pick-up and drop-off options from multiple locations.
• Flexibility: Enjoy 2 hours of free exploration within the ghost town.
• Guided support: Assistance from staff with walkie-talkies ensures safety and info.
• Added value: Receive a map for navigation, helping you discover on your own.
• Stunning beaches: Time to relax or swim at beautiful nearby beaches.

Varosha was once the jewel of Cyprus’s holiday scene. During the 1970s, it attracted the rich and famous, with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton vacationing here. The resort was alive with luxury hotels, shops, restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife scene. According to reviews, many visitors find it “like stepping into a movie set,” with deserted streets lined with abandoned hotels and shops frozen in time.

The tour begins with a pickup from central locations in Ayia Napa or Protaras, with options covering popular hotels and landmarks. Once on the bus, around 30 minutes of travel takes you to the outskirts of Famagusta, where the ghost town awaits. Traveling by bus makes the experience relaxed, letting you sit back and absorb the scenery — and perhaps spot some of the abandoned hotel signs or crumbling facades through the window.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect at the Ghost Town

Guided Tour and Historical Context

Once in Varosha, your guide—whose insights are often praised—will walk you through the history, sharing stories about the resort’s heyday and its abrupt abandonment after 1974. You’ll learn about the celebrities who visited, and how the resort was once the main holiday destination for Cypriots and travelers flying into Nicosia airport.

Many reviews highlight that the guide’s knowledge enhances the visit, offering details you might not find in guidebooks. Expect to hear about the famous hotel where ABBA stayed entertaining Swedish UN troops—if you look carefully, you might find the exact building. The guide also explains how Varosha’s luxurious hotels and lively streets have been frozen in time, enveloped by a military buffer zone.

Exploring the Streets and Beaches

After the guided part, you’re free to wander within designated areas. This is where the tour really shines, as you can choose to meander through deserted streets, peek into abandoned shops, or relax on the nearby beaches. Several reviews mention that the beaches here are still stunning—golden sands meeting crystal-clear waters, perfect for a quick swim or just soaking up the sun while contemplating the stories of this ghostly resort.

You might also want to have a snack or take photos of the eerie, yet fascinating, empty hotels and streets. The atmosphere is surreal—like a forgotten city frozen in time. The tour staff are helpful and equipped with walkie-talkies, so if you get separated or want a quick chat about what you’re seeing, support is readily available.

Why the Deserted Look?

The abandonment of Varosha stems from the conflict in Cyprus, which led to the area being sealed off from 1974 onwards. This history adds a poignant layer to the experience, reminding visitors of the island’s complex political past. Some reviews express an appreciation for the opportunity to see first-hand how conflict transformed a thriving resort into an abandoned relic.

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Practical Details and Tips

Duration and Pacing

The entire tour lasts around 4 hours, with around 30 minutes of travel each way and approximately 2 hours spent exploring the ghost town. The timing feels well-balanced—you get enough time to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

What to Bring

To make the most of your visit, pack essentials like your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and water. The tour is outdoors and involves walking, so being prepared helps. Keep in mind that smoking isn’t allowed within the designated areas, so plan accordingly.

Cost and Value

While the tour’s price might seem modest, it offers good value for the rich context, guided support, and flexibility on your own exploration. You receive an exclusive map to help you navigate, which is helpful if you decide to wander off the beaten path slightly. The inclusion of assistance from staff ensures safety and enhances the experience.

Accessibility and Limitations

This tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, given the walking involved and the uneven terrain within the ghost town. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable exploring on foot and keen on a somewhat adventurous outing.

This guided trip gives you a rare window into a place that’s part history, part haunting spectacle. It’s perfect for those interested in Cyprus’s political past, lovers of abandoned sites, or anyone craving a different kind of sightseeing. The mix of informative guides, flexible exploring time, and beautiful beaches nearby makes it a well-rounded experience.

The bus journey and the safety support from staff mean you can relax and enjoy the story without worrying about logistics. Plus, the chance to photograph deserted hotels and walk along pristine beaches makes this a memorable highlight of any Cyprus trip.

If you’re after a meaningful, visually striking, and educational outing that combines history with natural beauty, this tour is worth considering. It’s a chance to see a part of Cyprus that’s usually off-limits, with the added convenience of a guided, well-organized trip.

The Varosha Ghost Town Tour on a red bus from Ayia Napa or Protaras offers a compelling mix of history, mystery, and scenery. The guided element enriches the experience, turning a stroll through deserted streets into a narrative of glamour and conflict. The opportunity to explore freely within designated zones offers personal discovery, while the stunning beaches nearby promise a perfect end to your trip.

This tour provides great value for travelers who want more than just beaches—they want stories, photos, and a sense of connection to Cyprus’s complex past. It suits curious travelers, history buffs, and those who appreciate a mix of adventure and education in a relaxed setting.

For a unique perspective on Cyprus’s story—where past glamour collides with silent ruins—this ghost town tour stands out as a memorable and worthwhile choice.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from over 25 locations in Ayia Napa and Protaras, with a bus ride to and from the ghost town.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 4 hours, including travel time and exploration.

Do I get free time within the ghost town?
Yes, you have approximately 2 hours to explore the streets, beaches, and take photos.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, due to walking in uneven terrain.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve now and pay later, allowing flexibility with your travel plans.

Are meals and drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy something locally.

Is there any assistance if I get lost or need help?
Yes, staff with walkie-talkies are available to assist you during the tour.

Can I visit the beaches nearby?
Absolutely, you’ll have time to relax and swim on the beaches after exploring the ghost town.

What makes this tour worth it?
The combination of history, stunning visuals, and the convenience of guided support makes it a compelling experience for curious travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here: