32 Abandoned Cities That Are Slowly Being Reclaimed by Nature

27. Varosha, Famagusta, Cyprus: A Modern Resort Frozen by Conflict

Once a glamorous Mediterranean tourist hotspot, Varosha in Famagusta, Cyprus, became a ghost town overnight in 1974 following the Turkish invasion. Fenced off and untouched for decades, its 1970s high-rise hotels, shops, and homes stand empty, slowly succumbing to the elements. Sea turtles now nest on its deserted beaches, and bougainvillea spills over crumbling balconies. Recent partial reopenings offer controlled glimpses into this eerie time capsule, where modern aspirations were abruptly halted, allowing nature to begin its slow, persistent siege.