Cyprus

Profiled in Limassol · Western and Southern Europe

8fit /10

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.

CapitalNicosia
LanguageGreek and Turkish (English widely spoken)
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Population0.92M

Cost of living

What a month costs

$2,600Comfortable single
$6,000Family of four
$1,5001-bed, central
$18Casual meal

Rents here are the highest in Cyprus and jumped hard with the expat influx.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

Safety9
Infrastructure7
English9
Kids’ schools8
Integration7
Healthcare8
Residency path8
Tax9
Climate9

See and do

Top 10 in Limassol

  1. Limassol CastleMedieval fort tied to the legend of Richard the Lionheart, now the Cyprus Medieval Museum.
  2. Limassol MarinaGlossy yacht harbour with waterfront restaurants, shops and seaside apartments.
  3. Molos Seafront PromenadePalm-lined coastal walk dotted with sculptures, playgrounds and sea views.
  4. Ancient KourionGreco-Roman ruins and a clifftop amphitheatre just west of the city.
  5. Kolossi CastleCompact 15th-century Crusader fortress once linked to sweet Commandaria wine.
  6. Old Town and Saripolou SquareNarrow lanes packed with cafes, bars and the heart of the nightlife.
  7. Amathus RuinsAncient coastal city site spread along the shore east of the centre.
  8. Municipal Gardens and ZooShady central park with a small zoo and an open-air theatre.
  9. Agia Napa CathedralOrnate Greek Orthodox cathedral in the heart of the old town.
  10. Lady's Mile BeachLong shallow sandy stretch near the salt lake, popular with families.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

  1. Troodos MountainsCool pine forests, painted churches and Kykkos Monastery about an hour north.
  2. PaphosRoman mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings roughly an hour west along the coast.
  3. OmodosCobbled wine village in the Troodos foothills, famous for local reds and Commandaria.
  4. LarnacaEasy 45-minute drive to the Finikoudes promenade and the flamingo salt lake.
  5. NicosiaThe divided capital, with its old walled city and the Green Line crossing.

Coffee

Best cafes

  1. ProzakLong-running old-town cafe and hangout on the pedestrian lanes.
  2. SikaminoRelaxed courtyard cafe tucked into the old town.
  3. Coffee BerryReliable Cypriot coffee chain with branches across the city.
  4. Second CupPopular spot for coffee and cake down at the Marina.
  5. Gloria Jean's CoffeesBusy chain cafe handy for sweet coffees and a sit-down.

Restaurants

Where to eat

  1. Karatello TavernCypriot meze in the restored Carob Mill complex beside the castle.
  2. Artima BistroMediterranean plates and wine in the same Carob Mill courtyard.
  3. Ta PiatakiaBeloved modern take on Cypriot meze and small sharing dishes.
  4. Dionysus MansionFine dining set in a restored old-town mansion and garden.
  5. Pyxida Fish TavernLong-standing seafood spot known for fresh fish meze.
  6. Columbia Steak HouseGrills and steaks near the seafront at Columbia Plaza.
  7. SikaminoOld-town taverna serving honest Cypriot cooking in a leafy yard.

Morning

Best breakfast

  1. Pralina ExperienceCafe and patisserie doing all-day brunch and pastries.
  2. ZorbasIsland-wide Cypriot bakery for early pastries, pies and coffee.
  3. Coffee IslandGreek coffee chain with fresh breakfasts and strong espresso.
  4. StarbucksSea-view coffee and breakfast pastries at Limassol Marina.
  5. Costa CoffeeDependable all-day breakfast and coffee across town.
  6. SikaminoQuiet old-town courtyard for a slow morning start.
  7. ProzakLaid-back old-town brunch on the pedestrian street.
  8. Second CupMarina-side coffee, eggs and pastries.
  9. 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 →

Nearby

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Frequently asked

How much does it cost to live in Cyprus?

About $2,600 a month for one person and $6,000 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $1,500, and a casual meal costs about $18. Rents here are the highest in Cyprus and jumped hard with the expat influx.

Is Cyprus safe, and what is healthcare like?

In our index safety scores 9 out of 10 and healthcare 8 out of 10, where 10 is best.

What language and currency are used in Cyprus?

Greek and Turkish (English widely spoken). The currency is Euro (EUR).

What is the capital of Cyprus?

Nicosia. This guide profiles Limassol.

How can a foreigner get residency in Cyprus?

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.

What taxes does Cyprus charge?

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.