Varosha, Cyprus

Among the abandoned cities of the world there are many large resorts. Cypriot town of Varosha is among them. Just a few decades ago it was one of the most popular and prosperous resorts on the island. Everything changed in 1974 when the city turned to be occupied by the Turkish army. Local residents were forced from their homes and the resort was strictly forbidden to the visitors. Varosha has been standing empty since then and is being gradually destroyed.

Brave tourists who manage to enter the territory of the closed city have an opportunity to observe old hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, which the resort was famous for. Many homes and offices have been looted, a terrible mess reigns in homes – all valuables have long been taken away. In 1974 the city's population consisted of more than 16 000 people. All of them have been leaving their homes hoping to be able to return.

Those hopes have not been realised. Until today Varosha remains a disputed territory, in addition, part of the town is still occupied by a Turkish military base. As mentioned above the town is a closed territory prohibited from entering. Military men are regularly patrolling the streets, but that does not seem to bother curious tourists. The empty coast of the resort looks especially interesting. There have survived umbrellas and lounges from more than forty years ago. One can see the remaining wooden terraces of restaurants and furnished rest areas. Next - Centralia