What’s it like to move to and live in Limassol?
It’s Cyprus’s second-largest city and an increasingly popular destination to move to, attracting people from all over the world.
I’m excited to interview Nofar, who currently calls Limassol home, to be able to share some practical, first-hand information about life in Limassol.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their country of birth. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of living abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the place the expat now lives in.
Living in Limassol, Cyprus
Name: Nofar Ronen
Age: 40
Home country: Israel
Her Story:
“I’ve been married to Roman for 10 years, and I’m a mom to two sweet girls, with a baby boy on the way.
In 2007, I studied Computer Science at the University of Haifa in Israel and later worked in several high-tech companies. Over time, I realized this wasn’t truly what I wanted to do with my life.
In 2015, Roman and I decided to get married, quit our jobs, and travel with a one-way ticket to Thailand.
We began a journey through Asia – Thailand, Laos, Vietnam – and later India, where we rented an apartment for two months without traveling much. During that time, I started a travel blog as a hobby, which eventually grew into my business.
We returned to Israel, where our first daughter was born, and shortly after, the COVID pandemic began.”
Why Did You Move to Limassol?
“After returning to Israel we spent a lot of time thinking about moving to another country – for the experience, to improve our financial situation, and simply because we are adventurous people who love exploring the world.
When COVID hit, I had just received Portuguese citizenship, and we felt we needed a real change.
We had several criteria: a destination relatively close to Israel so we could visit often (and receive visitors), warm weather (we’re definitely not winter people), low taxes to improve our financial situation, and an overall fun lifestyle.
While Cyprus is a small island with limited attractions, after exploring various options in Europe, we realized it suited this phase of our lives best.
We chose Limassol specifically because it’s the most modern city in Cyprus and is located by the sea.
Limassol has a high concentration of business owners, tech professionals, and freelancers, and we wanted to surround ourselves with people who share a similar lifestyle. We’re city people who like being in the center of things, and Limassol offers exactly that.”
What Do You Like About Living in Limassol?
“I love that it’s the most modern city in Cyprus, yet it’s not overly crowded.
There are great cafés and several restaurants that we really enjoy. But at the same time, you could drive just 10 minutes and find yourself completely alone.
The city is very family-friendly; it is a coastal city with a long promenade, a fantastic kindergarten that both of our daughters attended, excellent safety, relatively little traffic compared to other cities, and accessible healthcare.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Limassol?
“There are very few shaded parks and playgrounds, which is a big downside when you have young children.
In general, Cyprus is a small island with limited things to do, so winters in Limassol can feel a bit boring.
On the other hand, most of the year the weather is great, and we spend a lot of time at the beach and at pools. Many hotels offer memberships, which is what we do, so we end up spending a lot of time in hotels with the kids.”
Is Limassol Safe as a Place to Live?
“Very much so. Even though it’s a city, it’s not overcrowded, and crime rates are low.
We’ve never felt unsafe here. Our daughters can play outside freely, which is one of Limassol’s biggest advantages.
Some neighborhoods are more upscale and quieter (such as areas along the coast or in gated communities), while others closer to the old town or certain inland districts may feel a little less polished, though not necessarily unsafe.
Cyprus consistently ranks as one of the safer countries in Europe, which is one of the things that attracts expats to move here.”
Is Limassol Expensive as a Place to Live?
“Yes, prices have gone up a lot in recent years.
When we moved here almost five years ago, prices were relatively low. Since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the war in Israel, many wealthy people have moved here, significantly increasing prices, especially in Limassol.
School fees have risen, housing prices (particularly rent) have gone up dramatically, and overall living costs are much higher than before.
Limassol is one of the most expensive cities in Cyprus. Rents here, especially for modern apartments near the seafront or in the city center, are significantly higher than in other parts of the island.
If you’re earning a local salary in sectors like retail, hospitality, or administrative work, you’ll find that Limassol isn’t the easiest place to live on that income alone.
However, if you’re earning a remote income in foreign currency, a salary from an international company, or a higher-paid professional role (tech, finance, consulting), you’ll likely find that Limassol feels much more affordable and offers a good quality of life.”
What is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Limassol?
“Spending time by the sea – whether it’s a morning walk along the promenade or beach days with the kids on weekends.
I love that you can get hotel memberships here, making everyday life feel like one long vacation.
I often work from hotels or cafés, work out in hotel gyms, swim in pools, and spend weekends with my family at hotels where we also eat.
There’s a constant sense of calm here and a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Limassol is definitely not for people who crave nonstop action or fast-paced living.”
Any Favorite Bars and Restaurants in Limassol You’d Love to Share?
“One bar we really love is Da Vinci, located in the charming Old Town. We enjoy sitting upstairs, ordering shisha, a cheese and charcuterie platter, and wine. The service is excellent, the view over the Old Town is beautiful, and the atmosphere is great.
Three other places we like:
- Dionysus Mansion – a modern Greek restaurant with delicious food and a lovely garden that’s perfect when the weather is nice.
- Meze Taverna – located in the Old Town, offering different meze meals, which include many small dishes like ikra, Greek salad, tzatziki, and various meat and seafood dishes served in different styles.
- Ha Noi – one of the best Vietnamese restaurants I’ve ever eaten at, worldwide. Very authentic food, great prices, and located near the promenade.
What is the Expat / International Community Like in Limassol?
“The community is very diverse, with people from all over the world. But, I’d say the majority come from the UK, Russia, Israel, and Germany.
There are so many expats that you never feel like an outsider.
Locals also speak excellent English, even in more remote villages. Everything is in English – signs, menus, services – and you really don’t need to know Greek to get by, which makes life here much easier.”
Any Tips for Moving to / Living in Limassol?
“I highly recommend renting a fully furnished apartment. It made our move much easier.
If you’re moving to Limassol with children, keep in mind that most private schools and kindergartens have waiting lists, so it’s important to secure a school first and then choose where to live.
Limassol is relatively small, but areas near schools can be very congested in the mornings, so living close to your child’s school is important. Most private kindergartens accept children from age 2+.
When you find an apartment you like, visit it both during the day and at night to make sure the area feels comfortable at all hours.
Living near the sea is wonderful, but rental prices are higher there, especially in tourist areas. Costs decrease the farther you move from the center or if you live above the main road. Many families choose to live above the highway, where there are more private homes and lower prices.”
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Limassol?
“For finding apartments: Bazaraki and real estate agencies like Dom.com.cy. One big advantage of using agents here is that the seller or landlord pays the commission, not the buyer or tenant.
There’s also a very helpful Facebook group for mothers called Limassol Mums, where you can get recommendations related to kids and family life. And there are various other groups for Limassol specifically or for Cyprus as a whole that you could join.
Car prices are relatively low in Cyprus, so buying is often better than renting. We bought ours through Andy’s Motors and were very satisfied.
If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need a residence permit to live in Cyprus. Most non-EU expats will use one of the following three options:
- Temporary residence permit
- Permanent residence permit (often obtained by buying real estate in Cyprus)
- Employment permit (if you have a job offer from a Cypriot employer)
You can find information about these residence permits on the government website Mip.gov.cy, under the section “Third Country Nationals”.
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Limassol?
“There aren’t many “must-see” attractions, but strolling through the Old Town is a must. The area is full of cafés, restaurants, and has a unique atmosphere.
The Marina area is also very lively, especially on weekend evenings.
Cycling or walking along the promenade is highly recommended. The White Stones area is beautiful, especially at sunset, and in summer it’s also great for swimming.
In summer, the Fasouri waterpark is a fantastic attraction for both kids and adults (we get a season pass every year – it’s a great value).
And finally, a visit to Lady’s Mile in summer is a must. This stretch of coastline offers great beach restaurants, relaxed vibes, and a perfect vacation atmosphere.”
About Nofar
Nofar is a travel blogger and mother of two, soon to be three, young kids.
Over the past 10 years she’s built the Traveling Outside the Box brand. Her travels combine luxury and the good life with authentic local experiences.
She especially loves family travel and cruises. She loves food tours, unique attractions, luxury hotels, wine and cocktails, nature and cities, local markets, and beaches.
About Limassol
Limassol is Cyprus’ second-largest city, with a population of just over 150,000 people. Located on the island’s southern coast, it’s known for combining a Mediterranean beach lifestyle with a surprisingly international business scene.
Limassol has become Cyprus’ main hub for shipping, finance, and tech companies, which means you’ll find a large expat community alongside local Cypriots and long-established foreign residents.
English is widely spoken, especially in business settings, making day-to-day life relatively easy for newcomers.
The city stretches along the coastline, with modern apartment blocks and high-rise developments near the marina and seafront, and more residential neighborhoods further inland. Many families choose quieter suburbs just outside the center for more space and slightly lower rents.
Limassol offers international schools, private healthcare clinics, coworking spaces, and a growing restaurant and café scene.
The climate is typically Mediterranean with long, hot summers and mild winters, which is a big draw for those seeking year-round sunshine.
While it’s one of the most expensive places to live in Cyprus, it also offers the most dynamic job market and lifestyle options. For many expats, Limassol strikes a balance between relaxed coastal living and modern convenience.
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