Cyprus is famous for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear sea, and ancient ruins—but hidden among its mountains and valleys are eerie, forgotten villages that tell a different story. These ghost villages offer a glimpse into the island’s rich and often turbulent past, shaped by war, poverty, and migration.
Exploring these places by car is a unique way to connect with history, witness the power of nature, and experience a surreal kind of beauty. If you’re looking for unusual travel experiences in Cyprus, these abandoned villages will leave you both awed and reflective.
Here are 10 abandoned villages in Cyprus that are definitely worth a visit:
1. Parsata – The Village from the Screen
At 800 meters above sea level in the Larnaca District lies the forgotten village of Parsata. Once home to miners from the nearby Kalavasos copper mines, Parsata was a prosperous settlement—complete with its own church. But it was abandoned soon after the mine shut down.
The village might have disappeared completely, if not for the Cypriot TV drama Μια φορά και ένα καιρό (Once Upon a Time), which used Parsata as its main filming location in 2023. Now, visitors stroll through its scenic alleys and pick carob pods to feed the local animals. On the outskirts, panoramic views of the Kalavasos dam await.
2. Foinikas – Fortress of the Templars
One of the most iconic ghost villages in Cyprus, Foinikas lies by the Asprokremmos Reservoir in the Paphos region. Its name means “palm tree,” and it once served as a stronghold for the Templars after they purchased Cyprus from Richard the Lionheart.
The village changed hands many times—from the Templars to the Lusignans—until it was abandoned after the events of 1974. Today, its crumbling stone walls and sunken ruins create a hauntingly beautiful scene, especially where nature reclaims the old streets.
3. Skouriotissa – A Village of Rust and History
Located near Nicosia and just beside the UN buffer zone, Skouriotissa takes its name from the Greek word skouria—meaning “rust.” This mining village was founded in the 1920s by an American entrepreneur and served as a home for copper miners.
The mine still operates today, but the village remains empty. Nature has overtaken its abandoned homes and streets. Interestingly, Camp San Martin, a UN peacekeeping base, is located here—complete with a historic church, Panagia Skouriotissa, which friendly UN soldiers often allow visitors to see.
📍 View Skouriotissa on the map
4. Trozena & Gerovasa – Twin Villages Forgotten
On the border between Paphos and Limassol lie two neighboring ghost towns: Trozena and Gerovasa. Once inhabited by both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, the villages became victims of intercommunal violence in the 1960s. Gerovasa was abandoned first, followed by Trozena in the 1980s.
Today, only one family occasionally returns to Trozena, restoring a home for peaceful weekends away. Friendly and open to conversation, they welcome those curious to explore the village’s faded beauty.
📍 View Trozena & Gerovasa on the map
5. Agios Sozomenos – A Village Frozen in Time
Between the villages of Potamia and Geri near Nicosia lies Agios Sozomenos. The 1963 buffer zone line cut straight through it, and by 1974, everyone had fled. Now, it’s a true ghost town.
Ruins of homes lie scattered across the landscape, with the Gothic church of Agios Mamas standing as a haunting reminder of the past. Visitors come here for sunset photography. Also intact is the Church of Saint George, and carved into the hill is a cave said to be the tomb of Saint Sozomenos.
📍 View Agios Sozomenos on the map
6. Souskiou – Ancient Yet Forgotten
Just 5 km northeast of Kouklia and the Temple of Aphrodite in Palaepaphos, Souskiou takes its name from the Turkish word susuz, meaning “dry.” Its residents left in 1974.
Recent archaeological digs revealed items from the 4th millennium BC, hinting at a 5,000-year history. Today, Souskiou is a silent field of ruins, where homes stand partially intact—waiting for descendants who may never return.
7. Alassa – Submerged by Progress
Just 12 km from Limassol, on the road to Platres, lies the submerged village of Old Alassa. In 1980, a dam was built, flooding the original site of the village. The residents were relocated uphill to New Alassa.
Today, only the ruined Church of Saint Nicholas emerges from the water when reservoir levels drop. The contrast between natural beauty and human-made abandonment makes this a fascinating place to visit.
8. Palia Theletra – Deserted by Earthquakes
Once called Kato Theletra, this abandoned village is 27 km from Paphos and 13 km from Polis Chrysochous. It was deserted after a powerful earthquake and recurring landslides made it too dangerous to live in.
Some buildings still stand, and the Church of Saint Nicholas has been preserved. A few locals still visit their ancestral homes during the summer months. From the church, the view is truly breathtaking.
📍 View Palia Theletra on the map
9. Amiantos – The Village by the Toxic Lake
Located 9 km southwest of Kyperounta in the Limassol District, Amiantos was once an asbestos-mining village. Operations began in 1904, but environmental damage and health risks led to the mine’s closure in the mid-20th century.
A toxic lake now marks the old mining site, and though beautiful, it’s unsafe to linger nearby. The Cypriot government has since begun restoring the area, planting greenery and even creating a botanical garden to help rehabilitate the landscape.
Plan Your Journey Across Cyprus
Exploring these ghost villages is best done by car. From rugged mountain roads to remote forest trails, a reliable vehicle ensures you don’t miss any hidden gem.
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