A little-known slice of Cypriot heaven, sitting on the island's southern side, Limassol is a sun-soaked coastal city whose history is as rich as the flavors of its longstanding culinary traditions. As the southernmost major city in Europe, Limassol welcomes sunshine nearly year-round, which paves the way for a bounty of outdoor activities.

Take a stroll along Limassol’s beachfront promenade, see what's playing at the ancient Cirium Theater, wet your whistle at the several wineries in the Troodos Mountains, or take a dip in the warm, clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea — with so many different pockets to explore, Limassol has something for everyone.

Arguably, however, the best way to experience all that the city has to offer is by seeing things from a local's perspective. By joining one of free walking tours in Limassol, you can learn all about the history and culture of this ancient city as you walk through its narrow cobblestone streets, sampling the local delicacies and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Limassol.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Limassol have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer travelers an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

Compared to standard walking tours, these city excursions are completely free to book and participate in, however, it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, you should consider the effort your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between €10 and €15 per person, but some people tip as much as €50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Limassol?

You have a couple of options to choose from when it comes to free walking tours in Limassol, depending on your interests and the amount of time you have to spend.

Stories of Limassol Free Walking Tour

A great way to get acquainted with Limassol's rich history, the 2.5-hour Stories of Limassol tour will take you to the most important monuments and sites in town. You’ll learn about the city’s past, its culture, its people and even get to sample some local snacks along the way at a local café.

The free walking tour usually starts from the Old Port information center, which sits in the shadow of the Limassol Castle, where you will meet your friendly, local guide. Since you start at the Old Port, this will be the first stop.

Next up, you'll make your way to the famous Limassol Castle, which dates back to the turn of the 13th century and houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum. The Water Tower, the Agora (the First Municipal Market) and the 16th-century Grand Mosque in the old Turkish Quarter are other monuments you'll get to visit and learn more about.

You'll usually also check off the oldest street of Limassol — the 16th-century Loutron street that houses old Ottoman baths — as well as University Square, the Town Hall, the Agia Napa Cathedral and the Agora.

Throughout the day, your guide will sprinkle in plenty of interesting stories, giving you a thorough understanding of the city's history, culture and people. Depending on the time of your tour, you might also get a chance to stop into a local café to sample sweet treats like baklava, muhallepi, kataifi or sweet sujuk.

Get to Know Limassol Free Walking Tour

A shorter Limassol free walking tour option, lasting closer to 90 minutes, this highlight reel of the city shows off the most important sites and monuments. Led by a knowledgeable and photography expert local, you will get acquainted with the beautiful city and see it from a fresh perspective.

This free walking tour typically meets at the Limassol Castle. Once you've been introduced to your guide, you'll head off to explore the city's wonderful sights and attractions, starting with the Limassol Castle, the Limassol Agorda and the bustling University Square.

From there, you'll pay a visit to underrated locales like The Nutcracker House and Molos Seaside Park before finishing your tour at the Old Port and Limassol Marina. Along the way, your guide will teach you about the rich history and culture of Limassol, from its fascinating ancient origins to its upbeat contemporary life.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Limassol are advertised as being run in English. However, being such a multicultural city, it is not unusual to find local guides who are multilingual in Greek, Turkish or other European languages.

If you require a specific language, it's recommended to contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about availability.

Where does it start?

Most free walking tours in Limassol start at a major landmark, such as the Limassol Castle or the Limassol Old Port. Your guide will outline exactly where the meeting point is located when you book your tour. Typically, the tour does not end at the same spot as the starting point, so you should plan accordingly.

How long does it last?

Generally, free walking tours in Limassol last between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours. That said, if you’d like to extend your tour, you can ask your guide for recommendations on places to see and activities to do after the official tour has come to an end.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately, free walking tours in Limassol are not wheelchair-friendly. The cobblestoned streets can be difficult to navigate for people with reduced mobility, and many old buildings visited on the tour do not have adequate access for wheelchairs.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Limassol?

The best time to join a free walking tour in Limassol is during the morning hours, especially between March and June or September and November. Morning tours avoid the intense heat of the midday sun. Starting early provides ample time to further explore the city, enjoy local cuisine, or relax by the beach post-tour.

Alternatively, late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and the opportunity to witness the golden hues of sunset, casting a unique glow on historical landmarks.

Should you book tickets online?

It is highly recommended that you book your spot on a free walking tour in Limassol ahead of time. Spots on free walking tours are generally limited, so an advance booking can help you optimize your time in Cyprus as much as possible.

Making your booking online is straightforward, and there are no booking fees involved. By reserving your spot online, you will save time and energy once you arrive in the city, making for a more seamless trip.

Free Walking Tours in Limassol