Red Bus Open Top Varosha Ghost Town Experience

The Varosha area of Famagusta is completely unique in the world and for the first time in more than 45 years, you can visit. A brand new tour for 2022 from the Award winning Original Red Bus company. Following the opening up of Varosha - the ghost town of Famagusta, this tour is the best way to see inside the abandoned holiday resort which has been deserted since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Available twice a week from May to October. Please book at least 2 days in advance. Book with a deposit and pay the rest on the bus.

Highlights:

• Explore Varosha ghost town
• View the abandoned hotels from the beach front
• English guide and commentary

In the 1970's Famagusta was one of the most glamourous holiday resorts in the Mediterranean. Visited by film stars, royalty and the rich and famous of the world, there were chic hotels, disco's, designer shops and all the modern and upmarket entertainments you might find in a large holiday resort. After the Turkish invasion of 1974 this area became a no-mans land, sealed off from the world with only a few Turkish soldiers and UN peacekeepers allowed in.

The 5 star hotels sit abandoned, luxury cars still sit in showrooms and nature has reclaimed the resort that was bereft of people, cars and life for so long. In 2020 the Northern Cyprus administration decided to open up selected parts of Varosha and for the first time tourists could enter and walk down the palm lined streets and peer into the dusty shop windows.

This half day tour allows you time to explore Varosha or spend time at the famous Famagusta beach. Your guide will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore this area before politics, economics and nature intervene.
Please note: Cash is not accepted in Varosha, any drinks/snacks purchased must be paid by credit or debit card only.

Tour Departure locations / Pick Up Points

Tour Schedule

Transport

Know Before You Go - Important Information

Passports / EU ID cards are required to cross into the North.
Cash is not accepted in Varosha, any drinks/snacks purchased must be paid by credit or debit card only.
The tour bus is not wheelchair accessible.
Upstairs seating is first come, first served. Please book in advance to secure upstairs seating.
Children are welcome on this tour. Ages 3-12 receive 50% discount. Children aged 2 and under go free.
Pick up times are between 08.30 and 10.00 depending on your location.
Book with a deposit and pay the rest on the coach. Deposits are €5 per adult and €3.50 per child.