The island's capital and only inland city — a walled old town of churches, museums and lively lanes, and the world's last divided capital.
Nicosia, known in Greek as Lefkosia, has been the capital of Cyprus since medieval times. In the 16th century the Venetians wrapped the old city in a perfect circle of star-shaped fortifications to defend against the Ottomans — walls that still define the historic centre today.
Within them lies a dense, atmospheric old town: the Gothic-turned-cathedral churches, narrow craft streets, restored mansions and the buzzing pedestrian spine of Ledra Street.
Nicosia is also the world's last divided capital, split between the Republic of Cyprus and the north. A pedestrian crossing on Ledra Street lets visitors pass between the two sides — a thought-provoking dimension to any visit, alongside the city's excellent museums.
A near-complete ring of 16th-century bastions and gates encircling the old city, best appreciated on foot at the moat.
The lively pedestrian heart of Nicosia, lined with shops and cafés, leading to the famous crossing point.
The island's premier archaeological museum, tracing Cypriot civilisation from the Neolithic to the Roman era.
Historic churches and the Archbishop's Palace cluster in the old town, alongside the Byzantine art collection.
Areas like Laiki Geitonia and the streets around the walls have been carefully restored with craft shops and tavernas.
Crossing to the northern old town reveals Ottoman-era landmarks such as the Büyük Han caravanserai.
Cooler months suit walking the old town; summer is hot inland, away from the sea breeze.
Bring your passport if you plan to cross at Ledra Street; rules can change, so check before you go.
A full day for the walls, old town and a museum or two.
Nicosia is inland, about an hour from Limassol; a driver makes the round trip simple.
About 1 hour (≈ 85 km) northeast of Limassol on the motorway.
As an inland capital, Nicosia is an easy day trip but a slog to park in. We drop you at the old-town gates, suggest a walking loop of the walls, Ledra Street and a museum, and bring you back to the coast the same evening.
Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, famous for its star-shaped Venetian walls, its old town and Ledra Street, the Cyprus Museum, and its status as the world's last divided capital.
Yes — a pedestrian crossing on Ledra Street allows visitors to pass between the southern and northern sides of the old town; bring your passport and check current rules.
Nicosia is about 85 km from Limassol, roughly a one-hour drive on the motorway.
Skip the rental car, parking and maps. Travel with a local driver who knows every road in Cyprus — comfortable, safe and at your own pace, 24/7.
Fixed prices, a local driver and no hire car to worry about. See Taxi from Limassol to Nicosia, or browse all our routes and prices.