Cyprus
Profiled in Limassol · Western and Southern Europe
Limassol is Cyprus at full throttle, a sun-baked seafront city where old-town tavernas, a glossy yacht marina and a fast-growing expat crowd all share the same warm coastline.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Rents here are the highest in Cyprus and jumped hard with the expat influx.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Limassol
- Limassol CastleMedieval fort tied to the legend of Richard the Lionheart, now the Cyprus Medieval Museum.
- Limassol MarinaGlossy yacht harbour with waterfront restaurants, shops and seaside apartments.
- Molos Seafront PromenadePalm-lined coastal walk dotted with sculptures, playgrounds and sea views.
- Ancient KourionGreco-Roman ruins and a clifftop amphitheatre just west of the city.
- Kolossi CastleCompact 15th-century Crusader fortress once linked to sweet Commandaria wine.
- Old Town and Saripolou SquareNarrow lanes packed with cafes, bars and the heart of the nightlife.
- Amathus RuinsAncient coastal city site spread along the shore east of the centre.
- Municipal Gardens and ZooShady central park with a small zoo and an open-air theatre.
- Agia Napa CathedralOrnate Greek Orthodox cathedral in the heart of the old town.
- Lady's Mile BeachLong shallow sandy stretch near the salt lake, popular with families.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Troodos MountainsCool pine forests, painted churches and Kykkos Monastery about an hour north.
- PaphosRoman mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings roughly an hour west along the coast.
- OmodosCobbled wine village in the Troodos foothills, famous for local reds and Commandaria.
- LarnacaEasy 45-minute drive to the Finikoudes promenade and the flamingo salt lake.
- NicosiaThe divided capital, with its old walled city and the Green Line crossing.
Coffee
Best cafes
- ProzakLong-running old-town cafe and hangout on the pedestrian lanes.
- SikaminoRelaxed courtyard cafe tucked into the old town.
- Coffee BerryReliable Cypriot coffee chain with branches across the city.
- Second CupPopular spot for coffee and cake down at the Marina.
- Gloria Jean's CoffeesBusy chain cafe handy for sweet coffees and a sit-down.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Karatello TavernCypriot meze in the restored Carob Mill complex beside the castle.
- Artima BistroMediterranean plates and wine in the same Carob Mill courtyard.
- Ta PiatakiaBeloved modern take on Cypriot meze and small sharing dishes.
- Dionysus MansionFine dining set in a restored old-town mansion and garden.
- Pyxida Fish TavernLong-standing seafood spot known for fresh fish meze.
- Columbia Steak HouseGrills and steaks near the seafront at Columbia Plaza.
- SikaminoOld-town taverna serving honest Cypriot cooking in a leafy yard.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Pralina ExperienceCafe and patisserie doing all-day brunch and pastries.
- ZorbasIsland-wide Cypriot bakery for early pastries, pies and coffee.
- Coffee IslandGreek coffee chain with fresh breakfasts and strong espresso.
- StarbucksSea-view coffee and breakfast pastries at Limassol Marina.
- Costa CoffeeDependable all-day breakfast and coffee across town.
- SikaminoQuiet old-town courtyard for a slow morning start.
- ProzakLaid-back old-town brunch on the pedestrian street.
- Second CupMarina-side coffee, eggs and pastries.
- Coffee BerryCypriot chain with easy breakfast plates and takeaway coffee.
Residency
Non-EU newcomers usually go for Category F permanent residency or the fast-track PR that comes with buying property worth at least 300,000 euros. EU citizens simply register after they move and can then stay indefinitely.
Tax
New arrivals can claim non-dom status, which means no tax on dividends, interest or most foreign income for up to 17 years. High earners also get a 50 percent income exemption above 55,000 euros, and Cyprus has no inheritance tax.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Cyprus residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Cyprus tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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