Abandoned Villages You Can Actually Stay in Overnight

11. Varosha, Cyprus

Varosha was once the glitzy jewel of Famagusta—a glamorous Mediterranean resort town lined with luxury hotels and pristine beaches. But in 1974, following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the entire area was fenced off and abandoned. For decades, it remained a ghost city frozen in time, complete with 1970s billboards and sun-bleached interiors. Only recently have parts of Varosha been reopened to the public, and while you still can’t stay inside, the surrounding coastline offers excellent spots for wild camping. Campers can pitch tents along the quieter stretches of beach south of the city, where the contrast between abandoned high-rises and a blazing sky full of stars creates an unforgettable atmosphere. It's like watching the cosmos slowly reclaim a man-made monument to luxury and loss. Pro Tip: Check local guidance—access rules are evolving. Stick to public beachfronts and avoid trespassing into restricted buildings, which are still considered off-limits.