Photos show how Europe’s abandoned seaside resort was left after locals fled

Varosha, was once Cyprus’ leading tourist destination. A favourite holiday beach hotspot of celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot and Richard Burton, it was one of Europe’s smartest resorts.

However, the town’s Greek Cypriot residents fled during the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and Varosha was left abandoned.

Entry to civilians was partially allowed in 2017 but the resort is far from the beach paradise it once was.

Many of the buildings have undergone significant decay and plants have started to takeover the town’s former restaurants and bars.

In 2014, it was even reported that sea turtles had once again started to nest on Varosha’s abandoned beaches.