Quick answer
Makedonitissa is a residential neighbourhood on the western side of Nicosia, in the former Egkomi municipality and now part of the City of Nicosia. Home to Makarios Stadium and close to the University of Nicosia, it suits students, academics, young professionals and families who want modern housing near the western suburbs.
- West of the city centre, usually about 15 minutes' drive away depending on traffic.
- Modern apartment blocks, family houses and newer developments.
- Close to the University of Nicosia, Makarios Stadium and the State Fair grounds.
- Popular with students and academics, as well as families and young professionals.
- Buses run on the main avenues, but most residents rely on a car.
What is Makedonitissa like?
Makedonitissa is the western part of what was the Egkomi municipality, which became part of the enlarged City of Nicosia in the 2024 local government reform. It takes its name from the historic monastery of Panagia Makedonitissa, whose church still stands in the area.
The neighbourhood is mostly modern: broad avenues, mid-rise apartment buildings, family houses and newer developments. Its character is shaped by two big neighbours, the University of Nicosia and Makarios Stadium, which give parts of the area a busy, youthful feel during term time and on match days. Away from the main roads, streets are quieter and more residential.
The Tymvos Makedonitissas, a military cemetery and memorial to those who died in the 1964 and 1974 conflicts, is also in the area, and is a place of national remembrance.
Where is Makedonitissa and how do you get around?
Makedonitissa lies on the western side of the Nicosia district's urban area, bordering Strovolos, Lakatamia and Agios Dometios. The city centre is usually about 15 minutes away by car, longer at peak times. The Nicosia–Limassol motorway is reachable via the ring roads, putting Limassol at about an hour away, and Larnaca Airport is roughly 45 minutes away.
Buses run along the main avenues and connect with the city centre; see our guide to public transport. Students often manage without a car, but most residents drive.
Who is Makedonitissa best for?
- Students and academics who want to live within easy reach of the University of Nicosia.
- Young professionals looking for modern apartments in western Nicosia.
- Families who want family houses close to the established western suburbs.
- Sports fans, with Makarios Stadium on the doorstep.
Homes and cost of living
Housing ranges from student-friendly studios and one-bedroom flats to larger apartments, semi-detached homes and detached family houses. Newer developments continue to appear. Makedonitissa is broadly mid-range for Nicosia, and rental demand stays steady thanks to students and university staff, so well-located small flats can go quickly before the academic year.
Schools, healthcare and everyday amenities
The University of Nicosia's campus is in the former Egkomi municipality, on Makedonitissas Avenue. There are public primary and secondary schools nearby, and several private and international schools are within a reasonable drive in western Nicosia; see our guide to international schools in Cyprus.
You will find supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, cafés and private clinics close by. Nicosia General Hospital, the district's main public hospital, is in nearby Strovolos. Our guide to GESY explains how the national health system works.
Things to do in and around Makedonitissa
Makarios Stadium hosts football matches and events, and the nearby State Fair grounds host exhibitions and trade fairs through the year. The church of Panagia Makedonitissa and the Tymvos memorial are worth visiting for local history.
There are cafés and casual restaurants catering to students and families, and the western suburbs' wider café scene is close by. The Pedieos linear park is reachable for walking and cycling, and the old town is a short drive away. The nearest beaches are around Larnaca.
Pros and cons of living in Makedonitissa
Pros
- Modern housing in western Nicosia
- Close to the University of Nicosia
- Younger, more international feel than many suburbs
- Steady rental demand for investors
Cons
- Traffic and parking pressure on match and event days
- Busy roads around campus during term time
- Car-dependent for most residents
- Hot inland summers and no beach nearby
Weighing up your options? Try our area finder.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
Is Makedonitissa a good place to live for expats?
Yes, especially for expats linked to the University of Nicosia or working in western Nicosia. It has a younger, more international feel than many suburbs thanks to its student population.
Is Makedonitissa good for families?
It can be, with family houses, local schools and parks nearby. Families may prefer the quieter residential streets away from the main university and stadium roads.
How far is Makedonitissa from the city centre and the airport?
Central Nicosia is usually about 15 minutes by car. Larnaca Airport is roughly 45 minutes away and the nearest beaches, around Larnaca, are a similar drive.
Do you need a car in Makedonitissa?
Students living near campus can manage without one, but most residents find a car essential for shopping, school runs and trips across the city.
Is Makedonitissa expensive?
It sits in the mid-range for Nicosia. Demand from students and university staff keeps rental demand steady, especially for smaller apartments near campus.
