Housing & where to live

Zakaki Area Guide: Limassol's Fast-Changing West Side

Quick answer

Zakaki is a western suburb of Limassol between the town centre, the port and the Akrotiri peninsula. Once mainly residential and light-industrial, it has changed fast with My Mall, the City of Dreams Mediterranean resort and new apartment projects, and suits professionals and families who want modern homes and value for money close to the city.

  • Western suburb of Limassol, about 10 minutes' drive from the town centre.
  • Home to My Mall and the City of Dreams Mediterranean resort, with many new developments.
  • Close to Lady's Mile beach and the Akrotiri peninsula's nature.
  • Buses link it to the centre, but a car is the easiest way to get around.
  • Main trade-offs: port and industrial areas nearby, busy roads and ongoing construction.

What is Zakaki like?

Zakaki is a suburb on the western side of Limassol, between the town centre, Limassol's main port and the flat farmland and wetlands of the Akrotiri peninsula. For years it was a mix of family homes, workshops and light industry. Today it is one of the fastest-changing parts of the city.

Two big landmarks have put it on the map: My Mall, one of Limassol's largest shopping centres, and the City of Dreams Mediterranean, an integrated resort and casino that opened in 2023. Around them, new apartment buildings and commercial projects are reshaping the skyline, while older streets keep their more local, working character.

Where is Zakaki and how do you get around?

Zakaki lies west of the city centre, close to the port and the main road towards Akrotiri and Lady's Mile.

  • Town centre: about 10 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
  • Beach: Lady's Mile, a long sandy beach on the Akrotiri peninsula, is about 10–15 minutes' drive.
  • Motorway: the motorway is a short drive north, for Paphos, Nicosia and Larnaca.
  • Airports: Paphos Airport is about 45 minutes away and Larnaca Airport about 50 minutes.

Bus routes connect Zakaki with the centre and My Mall, and the flat terrain suits cycling. Even so, the area is spread out, and most residents use a car, particularly for the beach. See our public transport guide for how buses work.

Who is Zakaki best for?

  • Professionals working in western Limassol, the port, shipping or the resort sector.
  • Families who want a newer apartment with good shopping nearby and easy beach trips.
  • Value seekers who want to stay close to the city without paying eastern seafront prices.
  • Nature lovers who enjoy birdwatching, cycling and quiet beaches on the Akrotiri peninsula.

It is less suited to anyone looking for a picturesque village feel or a walkable beachfront café scene.

Homes and cost of living

Housing ranges from older detached and semi-detached family homes to modern apartment blocks, with many new developments completed in recent years or under way. Some projects market themselves on proximity to the resort and My Mall.

Zakaki is generally more affordable than Limassol's eastern seafront and tourist areas. Prices have climbed as the area has developed, but it still tends to offer more space for the money than central or coastal neighbourhoods. Everyday costs are in line with the rest of Limassol.

Schools, healthcare and everyday amenities

My Mall provides a large supermarket, shops and cafés, and there are other supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries and gyms throughout the area. There are public primary schools locally, and private and international schools elsewhere in Limassol are a reasonable drive away; see our guide to international schools in Cyprus.

Private clinics are close by in the city, and Limassol General Hospital in Kato Polemidia serves the district. Our GESY guide explains how public healthcare works.

Things to do in and around Zakaki

  • Lady's Mile: a long, uncrowded sandy beach, popular with families and kitesurfers.
  • Akrotiri peninsula: wetlands and the salt lake, where flamingos gather in winter, plus quiet cycling routes.
  • Zakaki marsh: a small wetland near the port that is well known among birdwatchers.
  • My Mall and the resort: shopping, dining, entertainment and events close to home.
  • The old town: historic streets, restaurants and bars a short drive east.

Pros and cons of living in Zakaki

Pros

  • Close to the city centre and major shopping
  • Generally better value than the eastern seafront
  • Easy access to Lady's Mile and the Akrotiri countryside
  • Plenty of new, modern apartments

Cons

  • Port, industrial areas and heavy vehicles nearby
  • Ongoing construction in parts of the area
  • Busy roads around the mall and resort
  • Fewer walkable cafés and seafront amenities than the east side

Use our area finder to compare Zakaki with other areas.

Compare other areas in Limassol

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Frequently asked questions

Is Zakaki a good place to live for expats?

It can be, especially if you want a newer apartment close to the city and good value compared with the eastern seafront. It feels less polished than the tourist areas, and parts are close to the port and industrial zones.

Is Zakaki good for families?

Families like the large shopping centre, local schools and quick access to Lady's Mile beach. Check individual streets carefully, as traffic and construction vary a lot across the area.

How far is Zakaki from the centre, the beach and the airports?

The town centre is about 10 minutes by car and Lady's Mile beach about 10–15 minutes. Paphos Airport is about 45 minutes away and Larnaca Airport about 50 minutes.

Do you need a car in Zakaki?

It helps. There are bus links to the centre, but the area is spread out and the beaches and nature spots to the south are much easier to reach by car or bike.

Is Zakaki expensive?

It is generally more affordable than the eastern seafront and central tourist areas, although prices have risen as new developments and the resort have opened.

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