Assessing the Readiness for 15-Minute Cities: Spatial Analysis of Accessibility and Urban Sprawl in Limassol, Cyprus

This study investigates the applicability of the 15-minute city concept in Limassol, Cy-prus, through a spatial analysis of accessibility to essential urban functions. Limassol has experienced significant urban sprawl over the last two decades, driven by unregu-lated economic growth, real estate speculation, and planning policies that favored ex-pansion over densification. Using georeferenced Points-of-Interest (POIs), road net-works, and land use data, the study generates 15-minute walking and cycling iso-chrones for various social functions, such as education, health, shopping, and green spaces, to evaluate the percentage of residential area coverage. Findings indicate that while cycling offers relatively high accessibility to many amenities, walking accessibil-ity is significantly lower, especially in peripheral areas. The spatial distribution of POIs remains centralized for critical services, underscoring challenges for achieving equita-ble access across the city. The fragmented micromobility infrastructure and limited pedestrian-friendly planning hinder the transition toward a more inclusive and sustainable urban model. The results highlight the need for decentralization of services, better infrastructure for active travel, and planning reforms to support mixed-use, compact development. Limassol’s transformation into a 15-minute city requires integrated strategies, participatory planning, and the adoption of digital tools like Digital Twins to simulate outcomes and support long-term sustainability.