Limassol Old Harbour Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Historic fishing harbour west of the new Limassol Marina, enclosed by a substantial breakwater providing protection from W, S, and SW. Exposed to E and NE — uncomfortable or untenable in any significant easterly or NE wind. Depth 2–4m over sand and mud with good holding throughout. Limited berths for visiting yachts — check with the harbour master on arrival before choosing a position; fishing vessel priority applies. The quayside fish market and local tavernas are within metres of the quay wall. Limassol medieval castle (the Crusader castle where Richard I of England married Berengaria, 1191 AD) is a short walk. 60m alarm radius reflects scope deployment in 3–4m with adequate swing room among fishing vessel traffic. Tidal range negligible.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Limassol Old Harbour is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Check for Posidonia seagrass before dropping the anchor — snorkel or use a waterproof camera to verify a sand patch. Posidonia is EU-protected; fines apply.
2. Anchor in 2–4m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Wind-driven sea level variation up to 0.5m possible in strong onshore conditions.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (20m chain at 4m depth). Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle.
4. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Limassol Old Harbour are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to E and NE winds. The primary overnight consideration on the south coast is the daily westerly sea breeze and proximity to the Akrotiri SBA restricted zones.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below. 60m radius in 3–4m sand/mud. Exposed to E/NE — leave or move to Limassol Marina if E or NE wind is forecast. Check with harbour master on arrival — fishing vessel priority.

Best April–October in settled conditions. Summer afternoons bring a persistent W/SW sea breeze 15–25kt — the harbour's westerly protection makes it comfortable. Avoid in any E or NE wind forecast. Winter (November–March) the harbour is exclusively a working fishing port; visitor berths are very limited and conditions can be uncomfortable.

Navigation Hazards

• E and NE exposure — exposed to these sectors; leave for Limassol Marina (0.7nm E) if any E or NE wind is forecast
• Fishing vessel traffic — working fishing harbour; fishing boats enter and depart at all hours, particularly early morning
• Limited visitor berths — check with harbour master before securing; fishing vessel priority at all times
• Summer afternoon W/SW sea breeze 15–25kt — swell can enter past breakwater end in strong westerlies

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs for EU boats from EU ports. Non-EU boats: Limassol Marina is a port of entry (check hours); Larnaca Marina is the preferred 24/7 entry. Fly yellow Q flag. EES biometric for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Anchoring fee: Free or nominal fee — confirm with harbour master on arrival. Fishing vessel priority applies.
• Restrictions: Check with harbour master on arrival before securing — fishing vessel priority at all times. Exposed to E and NE — leave for Limassol Marina (0.7nm E) if E or NE wind is forecast. Limited visitor berths.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Limassol city centre (0.2nm)
• Restaurant: Quayside fish market (early mornings) and local tavernas directly on the waterfront. No marina services — water, fuel, and full services at Limassol Marina (0.7nm E). Provisions in Limassol city centre nearby.
• Provisions: None on site — Limassol city centre (0.2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Check with harbour master on arrival before securing — limited visitor space among the fishing fleet
2. Early morning fish market on the quay — worth setting the alarm to watch the catch come in
3. Limassol medieval castle a 5-minute walk — one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the Eastern Mediterranean
4. More authentic experience than the new marina — local tavernas and fish restaurants rather than the yacht village
5. Leave before midday if planning to depart — summer afternoon westerly 15–25kt builds quickly after noon