Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, about 80 km north-east of Limassol on the motorway, a drive of around one hour. The walled old city holds the Ledra Street pedestrian shopping axis, the Cyprus Museum, the Leventis Municipal Museum and several churches, and it is also divided by the United Nations buffer zone. A crossing on foot at Ledra Street is available for visitors carrying passports or ID, though rental car insurance often excludes the northern part of the island and travellers should check before crossing. Intercity buses run between Limassol and Nicosia, and the service is practical for a day trip; timetables should be confirmed on cyprusbybus.com. A full day allows a walk through the old town, a museum visit and lunch, and the city is hot in summer, so museums offer a break. Return before dark if relying on the last bus.