Varosha (Maraş): The Partial Reopening Explained

Varosha (Maraş): The Partial Reopening Explained

Varosha, the fenced-off southern quarter of Famagusta, was closed to the public from 1974. An earlier version of this article presented its reopening as breaking news. In fact, the beach and part of the town opened in October 2020. This is a dated summary of what happened and where things stand.

Timeline

• 1974–2020: Varosha stayed under Turkish military control, empty and closed to civilians. UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984) calls attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants inadmissible, and calls for the area to be transferred to UN administration.
• 8 October 2020: part of Varosha, including Demokrasi Avenue and the beach, opened to the public. Ersin Tatar, then Turkish Cypriot prime minister, announced the move in Ankara alongside President Erdoğan. A junior partner left the governing coalition over the decision, and the government collapsed shortly before the October 2020 leadership election, which Tatar won.
• July 2021: about 3.5% of the fenced area was moved from military to civilian control. The Turkish Cypriot authorities said former owners could apply for the return of property in this pilot zone. The move drew criticism from the Republic of Cyprus, the EU and the UN Security Council.
• October 2024: Tatar, by then Turkish Cypriot leader, said about 2.2 million people had visited since the reopening.

Visiting today

Visitors can walk or cycle the opened streets and use the beach during the published opening hours. Most of the buildings are derelict and remain closed. Entry rules and the open area can change, so check the current arrangements locally before you go.

Property in Varosha

Ownership in Varosha is tied to pre-1974 title and is contested under international law. Claims are handled through the north’s Immovable Property Commission and remain part of the wider Cyprus dispute. This is not an ordinary resale market, and we do not offer property there.

Sources

• Duvar English, October 2020
• T-Vine: Varosha reopened on 8 October 2020
• Hürriyet Daily News: the 3.5% pilot area
• Cyprus Mirror / Kıbrıs Postası, October 2024
• UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984)

Last reviewed: 24 October 2026