Limassol old port, from cargo quay to waterfront

The old port is where Limassol makes sense in five minutes. Behind you is the castle, on one side the yacht marina, on the other the Molos promenade, and in front the boats. For decades, everything coming in or out of town passed through here. Today it’s something else, a corner to sit down in, and for me it’s among the nicest spots in the centre.

From working harbour to waterfront

The Limassol tourist board tells the story in two dates. The Great Pier went up in 1881, in the early years of British administration, and for decades it was where passengers boarded and came ashore and where goods were loaded and unloaded from ships anchored offshore. Before the new port existed, this whole area was the commercial and economic centre of town.

The harbour itself was built in the 1950s, still in the colonial period, and handled cargo and passengers until 1973, when the new port opened. After that its activity fell away, and since the 1980s it has mostly been used by small boats, fishing vessels and pleasure craft.

What it is today

The recent regeneration has turned the old fishing harbour into a waterfront of walkways and cafés, and the board presents it as one of the liveliest places in town, where locals and visitors come down to the sea. The photo on this page shows it during the works, with boats moored and the town mirrored in the still water.

On the same harbour is Michalis Kakogiannis Square, known as Syntagma Square until 2021, when it took the name of the celebrated Cypriot film-maker. It has been refurbished for events, strolling and meeting up, with views over the sea and the harbour.

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The tourist office

Right here is the Limassol tourist information office. According to the board it’s staffed on weekdays, 08:30 to 16:00, on Syntagma Square, with information on sights, events, routes, beaches and accommodation, plus free maps and leaflets. Arrive at the weekend and you’ll be relying on the website.

It’s also the starting point of the free route through Limassol old town, 20 stops over just over 2 km, and the same board says the council runs a free guided walk round the historic centre on Thursdays.

What’s around it

About 300 m away as the crow flies are Limassol Castle, the old carob mill at the Carob Mill and, to the west, Limassol Marina. To the east the Molos promenade sets off, with its sculpture park.

Don’t mix up the old port with the cruise port. Big ships berth at the main Limassol port, a few kilometres from the centre, covered in Cyprus cruises.

If you are short on time, see the best tours in Limassol old port and pick one that fits your day.

When to go

Any time, but I’d come twice. In the morning, for the office’s map and a coffee before starting the route. And at the end of the day, when the lights reflect on the water. It’s a place for not being in a hurry.

Where the bus does not go, a car does: compare car hire in Limassol before you arrive rather than at the desk.

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