Limassol Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do in Cyprus
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Set in Akrotiri Bay on the sunny southern coast of Cyprus, between the ancient cities of Amathus and Kourion, Limassol is the island’s biggest port and its second-largest city.
It’s an old city with a lively heart, a place where ancient ruins meet modern cafés and beaches stretch for miles.
I first visited Limassol on a land vacation and had the chance to explore some of Cyprus’s most beautiful beaches and ancient sites, many of which are easy to visit even on a short cruise stop.
In this post, I’ll walk you through:
- Limassol Cruise Port — what to expect when you dock, how to get around, and a few handy tips.
- Best things to do in Limassol and across the Island — from sights near the port to day trips and popular shore excursions around Cyprus.
Limassol Cruise Port Overview
Limassol is the largest port in Cyprus, followed by nearby Larnaca.
Cruise ships dock at the New Port Limassol, operated by DP World Limassol, located about 4 km (2.5 miles) or a 10-minute drive southwest of the city center.
The modern 7,000 sqm terminal has two quays, the North Quay (480 m) and East Quay (380 m), both able to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships.
Inside the terminal, there’s a tourist information desk, free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, a café and restaurant, ATMs, currency exchange, and parking for buses and shuttles.
A free shuttle bus usually runs between the port and the city center.
You’ll also find a stop for bus #30 right outside the terminal, which goes directly into town, as well as a taxi rank for quick transfers.
Getting Around Limassol
Limassol cruise port and the nearby city center are flat and easy to navigate, even for wheelchair users.
You can get around by taxi, bus, car rental, or organized tour, depending on how much time you have in port.
🚕 Taxis
Taxis are readily available outside the cruise terminal and all are metered. Fares can be high for longer rides, so it’s best to ask for an estimate before you go.
👉 Book a private transfer to or from the Limassol cruise port if you prefer a fixed-rate option and more comfort.
🚌 Buses
Public buses in Limassol are operated by EMEL.
To get from the port to the old town, take bus #30, which stops directly outside the terminal (stop name: New Port). You can check timetables and routes at limassolbuses.com.
If you’re planning to explore further, Intercity Buses connect Limassol with Nicosia, Paphos, and Larnaca.
See schedules at intercity-buses.com
🚗 Car Rental
In Cyprus, driving is on the left side of the road, just like in the UK. Roads are well-maintained and highways connect Limassol with major cities, so renting a car is a great way to explore on your own.
👉 Check the latest Limassol car-rental deals
🛳️ Shore Excursions
If you prefer not to organize transport yourself, guided excursions are a great option.
There are plenty of tours designed for cruise passengers, from half-day city tours to full-day trips to Kourion, Paphos, or the Troodos Mountains.
👉 Explore Limassol excursions on Viator and GetYourGuide (my preferred options for reliable, well-reviewed tours.)
🎥 Watch my YouTube video on what to do in Limassol from the cruise port!
Practical Tips for Cruisers
- Accessibility: Both the port and the city center are flat and suitable for wheelchair users.
- Currency: The euro (€) is the local currency. ATMs and currency exchange services are available at the cruise terminal and in town.
- Payments: Credit cards are widely accepted across shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Language: Greek is the official language, but English is spoken everywhere.
- Airports:
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – 73 km (45 miles) northeast, around a 50-minute drive.
- Paphos International Airport (PFO) – 62 km (39 miles) west, also about 50 minutes by car.
- Airport transfers: The Limassol Airport Express operates shuttle buses between Limassol and both airports.
- Hotels: The best area to stay is along the Limassol seafront, near the Marina or Old Town, where you’ll find plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. Search the best hotels in Limassol
Plan Your Mediterranean Cruise
If you’re planning a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll find Limassol and many other ports featured in my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide eBook.
It’s packed with practical tips, local insights, and shore excursion ideas to help you make the most of every stop.
Best Things to Do in Limassol Cruise Port and Around Cyprus
Limassol sits just 4 km (about a 10-minute drive) from the cruise port, so it’s easy to explore the Old Town, marina, and beaches nearby.
If your ship stays longer, you’ll have time to venture beyond the city and see more of Cyprus, from ancient ruins and hilltop villages to scenic coastal spots.
🏙️ Things to Do in Limassol (Near the Port)
Limassol surprised me with how modern it feels.
You’ve got the old streets and castle on one side, and just a few minutes away, the marina, cafés, and beaches where both locals and tourists hang out.
Limassol Old Town
Just a few minutes from the port, Limassol’s Old Town is the best place to start exploring.
Everything is within walking distance: the castle, marina, shops, and cafés all sit around the Old Port area, where the city feels both historic and lively.
Limassol Castle
Right in the center of the Old Town, this small medieval castle is one of Limassol’s main landmarks.
It’s said that Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre here — the only royal English wedding held outside England.
Inside, there’s a small museum with medieval artifacts, but the square around it is just as interesting to wander.
🗺️ Explore Limassol with a Local Guide
If you’d like to explore Limassol’s Old Town with a local, there are great walking tours that cover the castle, marina, and hidden streets you might miss on your own.
Old Port and Limassol Marina
A short walk from the castle, the Old Port and Marina are where locals go for coffee, lunch, or an evening stroll.
It’s a lively area filled with cafés and restaurants overlooking the water.
Molos Promenade and Sculpture Park
Stretching along the seafront, Molos is the city’s most popular walking area.
It’s lined with palm trees, sculptures by local artists, and plenty of benches where you can take in the sea views.
Anexartisias Street
One of the busiest streets in the Old Town, Anexartisias is perfect for a bit of shopping or a relaxed walk.
You’ll find small boutiques, local stores, and bakeries mixed with international brands.
Ayia Napa Cathedral
This beautiful Greek Orthodox church sits in the heart of the Old Town, just a short walk from the castle.
Built in the late 19th century, it stands on the site of a smaller Byzantine church and is worth a quick visit for its peaceful atmosphere and ornate interior.
Municipal Market
Located about a 10-minute walk from the castle, the market is small but authentic — a good place to pick up olive oil, spices, or a quick snack while soaking up local life.
Grand Mosque
Just a few steps from the castle, the Grand Mosque dates back to the 16th century.
It’s still active today and one of the quieter corners of the Old Town worth a quick stop.
🌄 Best Day Trips and Things to Do Around Cyprus
Many of Cyprus’s highlights are easy to visit from Limassol, whether you’re on a cruise stop or spending a few days on the island, there’s plenty to see just a short drive away.
Paphos Archaeological Site
Paphos, one of the most Instagrammable places in Cyprus, lies about 70 km (44 miles) northwest of Limassol, roughly an hour’s drive from the port.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for ancient mosaics, archaeological ruins, and its ties to Greek mythology.
Legend says this is where Aphrodite was born, and her temple in nearby Kouklia was once the center of her cult.
Top sights include the Tombs of the Kings, Nea Paphos Archaeological Site, and the medieval Paphos Castle by the harbour.
The Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa church and the charming Old Town are also worth a visit.
If time allows, stop at Coral Bay or Laourou Beach, two of the island’s best beaches.
👉 Explore Paphos tours and activities from Limassol
Ancient Kourion
Kourion, one of the most important Greek city-states of antiquity, lies in Episkopi, about 17 km (10.5 miles) west of Limassol, roughly a 25-minute drive from the cruise port.
Perched high above the Kouris River valley, the site offers spectacular views of the coast and some of the most impressive ruins in Cyprus.
The highlight is the ancient amphitheater, dating back to the 2nd century BC, which is still used today for open-air performances.
Other notable remains include the House of Eustolios with its mosaics, the House of the Gladiators, and the Early Christian Basilica.
The whole site is easy to explore on foot and offers great photo spots overlooking the sea.
👉 Explore Ancient Kourion tours and activities
💡 Tip: While visiting Kourion, make a short stop at the nearby Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, dedicated to the God of the Woodland and protector of Kourion.
It’s just a few minutes away and offers a glimpse into one of Cyprus’s oldest worship sites.
Kolossi Castle
Located in Kolossi Village, about 12 km (7.5 miles) west of the Limassol cruise port, roughly a 20-minute drive, this small 15th-century fortress once served as a Crusader stronghold.
Built in 1454 by the Knights Hospitaller, Kolossi Castle is a simple three-story tower you can climb for sweeping views of vineyards and the sea.
It also played a part in producing the famous Commandaria wine, one of the oldest dessert wines in the world.
👉 Check out Kolossi Castle tours and activities
Limassol Beaches
Limassol and the nearby coastlines have plenty of great beaches, from easy stops near the port to scenic bays further away.
- Lady’s Mile Beach (10-15 minutes drive from port) – The closest beach to the port, long and calm with shallow waters, soft sand, and a few tavernas right on the shore.
- Akti Olympion Beach (20 minutes drive) – A lively 2-km city beach lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants, perfect if you want to combine swim with sightseeing or stay near town.
- Kourion Beach (25 minutes drive) – Below the ancient site of Kourion, wide and sandy, great for swimming or windsurfing with a few seaside tavernas.
- Governor’s Beach (30 minutes drive) – Famous for its white rocks and clear water; a scenic spot for swimming, photos, or lunch by the sea.
- Pissouri Beach (35 minutes drive) – Blue Flag beach with turquoise water, restaurants, and water sports — relaxed and less crowded.
👉 Explore Limassol beach tours and water activities
💡 Tip: If you have more time in Cyprus, consider a trip to Ayia Napa — about 120 km (75 miles) or a 1-hour 20-minute drive from Limassol.
I stayed there during my vacation and had the chance to swim at Nissi Beach, the island’s most famous stretch of sand, as well as Makronissos and Landa Beach.
It’s the perfect area for a beach day, best reached by taxi or car rental.
Fasouri Watermania Waterpark
Fasouri Watermania is the largest and most popular waterpark in Cyprus, perfect for families and anyone looking for a fun break from sightseeing.
It’s located about 7.5 km (4.6 miles) west of the Limassol cruise port, less than a 15-minute drive.
You’ll find dozens of waterslides, a lazy river, and the biggest wave pool on the island, plus several restaurants, bars, and plenty of free parking.
👉 Get your Fasouri Watermania Waterpark admission ticket
Troodos Mountains
About an hour to an hour and a half north of Limassol, the Troodos Mountains are perfect if you want to escape the coast and see a different side of Cyprus.
The area is full of scenic villages, winding roads, and stunning viewpoints.
The highlight is the Kykkos Monastery, one of the island’s richest and most visited, known for its jeweled Virgin Mary icon and peaceful mountain setting.
Nearby, the Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery has its own small winery and terrace café overlooking the valley.
The region is also famous for its vineyards, a great spot for wine-tasting tours and local food.
If you prefer something more active, you can explore the mountains on a jeep safari or hiking tour.
👉 Check out Troodos Mountain tours and activities
Nicosia
Nicosia, or Lefkosia, is Cyprus’s capital, about 94 km (59 miles) northeast of Limassol, roughly a 1-hour 10-minute drive from the port.
It’s the world’s last divided capital, split between the Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north since 1974.
Walk through the Old Town surrounded by Venetian walls, visit the Cyprus Museum, and see the impressive Selimiye Mosque in the northern part of the city.
Ledra Street is the main hub for shops, cafés, and restaurants, while the Leventis Municipal Museum gives great insight into Nicosia’s past.
If you plan to cross into North Nicosia (the Turkish side), make sure to bring your ID or passport.
This area is also safe to explore.
👉 Explore Nicosia tours and activities from Limassol
Amathous Archaeological Site
Located about 15 km (9.3 miles) northeast of the Limassol cruise port (around a 20-minute drive), Amathous is one of the most important ancient sites in Cyprus.
Dating back to around 1100 BC, the city saw Persians, Ptolemies, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs rule over it through the centuries.
It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for the Temple of Aphrodite and tombs from the early Iron Age.
One of its most famous discoveries, the massive stone vase, now sits in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
👉 Explore Amathous Archaeological Site tours and activities
Limassol Cruise Port FAQ
❓ Where do cruise ships dock in Limassol?
Cruise ships dock at the New Port Limassol, about 4 km (2.5 miles) southwest of the city center. The modern terminal has shops, cafés, ATMs, and a tourist information desk.
❓ How do I get from Limassol port to the city center?
Free shuttle buses usually run between the cruise terminal and the city center. You can also take bus #30 from the “New Port” stop or grab a taxi right outside the terminal.
❓ Can I walk to the city from the port?
It’s not really walkable; the port area is industrial and about 4 km away, but the shuttle bus or taxi gets you there in about 10 minutes.
❓ Is Limassol cruise port wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the terminal and city center are both flat and wheelchair-friendly, with smooth pavements and ramps in most public areas.
❓ What are the best things to do in Limassol from a cruise?
Explore the Old Town, castle, and marina, or take day trips to Kourion, Kolossi Castle, Paphos, or the Troodos Mountains.
❓ What’s the closest beach to Limassol cruise port?
Lady’s Mile Beach is the nearest — about 7 km (a 15-minute drive) from the terminal, with soft sand, shallow waters, and local tavernas.
Helpful Resources for Limassol Cruise Port
🌐 Useful Websites
- Find the Port of Limassol on Google Maps
- Limassol Cruise Ship Schedule
- Limassol Tourism Board
- Local Weather Forecast
- Limassol Buses (EMEL)
🛳️ Other Ports Often Included in the Same Itinerary
Many cruises that stop in Limassol also visit other top Mediterranean ports:
- Piraeus (Athens) – gateway to the Acropolis and Greek capital.
- Thessaloniki – rich in Byzantine landmarks and seafront charm.
- Rhodes – famous for its medieval Old Town and beaches.
- Crete (Chania or Heraklion) – explore Minoan ruins and Venetian harbors.
- Mykonos & Santorini – iconic islands with whitewashed villages and Aegean views.
- Katakolon – entry point to Ancient Olympia.
- Kusadasi (Turkey) – for tours of ancient Ephesus.
- Istanbul – where Europe meets Asia, with the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar.
- Adriatic ports – like Dubrovnik, Split, and Venice.
- Civitavecchia (Rome) and Naples – for day trips to Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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