Car hire in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the most visited destinations in the Mediterranean. From the Troodos Mountains, which offer scenic hiking opportunities, to traditional package resorts such as Paphos, Cyprus has something for everyone. Much of the island has not yet been developed, meaning that visitors can seek out secluded places independently. Some of these places are inaccessible by public transport, with many holidaymakers deciding to book cheap car hire in Cyprus. Compare car hire with Car Rentals before departure to get the best deal. We will search the market looking for the cheapest prices from all major UK car rental suppliers, such as Economy Car Hire, Hertz, Thrifty and Sixt.

Car hire driving tips in Cyprus

Car hire is the easiest way to get around the island. The road rules here compare favourably with those in the UK, with driving not much different than at home. Unfortunately, the standard of driving is much lower, with aggressive drivers often showing a blatant disregard for others. Despite the challenges, visitors who maintain a vigilant attitude should avoid any problems and be able to enjoy the best that Cyprus has to offer. Also read up on Cyprus car hire reviews so you make the right choice.

Need to know essentials 

Driving licences: drivers should have held a valid license from their home country for at least three years. In addition, they are required to hold an International Driving License if their home country license was not issued in the EU.

Which side does Cyprus drive on: the left.

Speed limits:

Motorways: 100kph

Rural roads: 80kph

Built-up areas (towns and villages): 50kph

Alcohol limits: 0.05 per cent or 50mg/100ml. Foreigners who are caught drink-driving can be asked to pay an on-the-spot fine, but may face imprisonment.

Driving age: 18 (21 if visitors wish to drive a rental car).

Compulsory items: two red warning triangles to warn other road users in case of accident or breakdown.

Seatbelts: are mandatory for all travellers in the vehicle.

Mobile phones and GPS: mobile phones should only be used with a ‘hands-free’ kit while driving. When booking Cyprus car hire you will notice GPS ‘add-ons’ are regularly advertised by car rental suppliers. They are particularly recommended for getting around Nicosia or Larnaca, two Cypriot cities which are notoriously difficult to navigate.

Cost of fuel in Cyprus: unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane) is readily available and tends to cost a little less than in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: there are many 24-hour petrol stations which are machine-operated, accepting cash, debit cards and credit cards. Cyprus car rental suppliers accept credit card payment in advance as well as cash payment when collecting the car.

Insurance: full cover with minimal excess is highly recommended. This is because of the high risk of collision and the fact that many locals drive without the compulsory third-party insurance. If you purchase cheap Cyprus car hire through Car Rentals you will be eligible to our car hire excess insurance.

Traffic and parking: town centre parking is available in areas with on-street parking meters. Like in the UK, double yellow lines indicate that parking is strictly prohibited, while single yellow lines show that loading and unloading is allowed. Traffic congestion is rare, especially outside the major cities. Compared to UK motorways, Cypriot motorways are considered to be especially peaceful.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives 

Larnaca to Limassol – get off the motorway and follow this 60km coastal route from Limassol to Larnaca. Virtually untouched by tourist development, this stretch of road offers visitors the chance to stop off at peaceful villages such as Cape Kiti.

Troodos Mountains – around 30kms north of Limassol, travellers can ascend the Troodos Mountains through a fertile landscape. The scenery consists of vineyards, forests and mountain villages, in a region which is a hiker’s paradise. A stop-off at the ancient village of Omodos is a must.

The pick of Paphos – continuing westwards, travellers can complete the 55km journey from Limassol to Paphos. However, it would be a grave mistake not to stop on the way as this coastal route features delights such as the Koulion Ruins, not to mention some of the island’s most breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Lonesome pines of Lysos – departing from Paphos, this short drive takes travellers to the village of Lysos, 600m above Paphos and the last village before a sprawling pine forest. Don’t miss the Stavros Forest Station, where visitors have only the local mountain sheep for company.

Cyprus travel tips

Given that Cyprus is a popular destination for ex-pat Britons, it’s unsurprising to find that British tourists flock here in large numbers. In fact, around 1.3 million British holidaymakers visit the island each year. As a former British colony, Cyprus boasts many aspects of life that will be all too familiar to Brits. However, it’s still sensible to do a little study on those small things that can make or break any trip. You can book car hire in northern cyprus with Car Rentals although southern towns like Paphos and Larnaca are more popular destinations with UK tourists.

Cyprus weather and tourist seasons

Cyprus is the warmest Mediterranean country in the EU. Warm weather lasts for around eight months (April to November) a year, with average temperatures hitting 33ºC at the peak of summer (July and August). Winter temperatures on the coast remain fairly mild; in January and February, average daytime temperatures hover around 18ºC. The inland climate is not as mild as that of the coast, with cold winters typical.

Cyprus contact numbers (+357)

Emergency services – 112 or 199

Cyprus Automobile Association (CAA) 24-hour emergency service – 357 22 313 131

British High Commission – 357 22 861 100

US Embassy – 357 22 393 939

Irish Embassy – 357 22 818 183

Consulate of Canada– 357 22 775 508

Australian High Commission – 357 22 753 001

CyprusTourist Organisation – 357 22 691 100

Holidays and festivals

A number of typical Western holidays are celebrated by Cypriots. The Christmas and New Year’s holidays begin on Christmas Day and include Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Epiphany (6 January). The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Good Friday and Easter Monday, while Cypriot workers observe Labour Day (1 May). Clean Monday is celebrated to mark the start of Lent and is marked by outdoor excursions and picnics where shellfish and lagana bread feature highly on the menu. On Ohki Day (28 October), nearly all Cypriot homes, public buildings and schools are adorned with the Greek flag in a show of patriotism to mark Greek National Day.

Money matters

The local currency in Cyprus has been the euro since 2008. Most retailers accept all major credit cards, while banks are able to exchange foreign currency and travellers cheques. ATMs are plentiful across the island, opening 24 hours.

Health and safety

Medical facilities in Cyprus compare well to those in other countries in the EU. Medical fees are not expensive, but patients might find that medical supplies are pricier than back home. Those travelling from outside the EU should ensure that they have sufficient health insurance. On the other hand, residents of the EU can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in order to obtain free treatment at state hospitals. Vaccinations are not required prior to visiting Cyprus.

Fitting in…

The Turkish-Cypriot divide between the north and south of the country is notoriously sensitive and any discussion on this topic should be given a wide berth. Cypriots are friendly and hospitable but visitors should not expect to build quick relationships. Cypriot society is hierarchical, with enormous respect afforded to elders. Guests who follow these cultural intricacies will find fitting in easy.

Visas for Cyprus

Cyprus is part of the Schengen Zone, so visitors from the EU can enter with a valid passport or ID card. In this case, no visa is required. In addition, visitors from a number of other countries can enter the Schengen Zone for 90 days, in any period of 180 days, without a visa. This long list of countries includes Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada. Australian and New Zealand citizens should note that their passports should have three months’ validity after their proposed date of departure.

Electricity

The Cypriot electricity supply runs at 220-240 Volts, with sockets accepting UK-style three-pin plugs. In this case, those travelling from the British Isles or Australasia do not need an adaptor. On the other hand, those travelling from the USA or Canada will need to use a dual-voltage appliance or some kind of transformer to use their electrical goods from back home.

Business hours
Cypriot business hours tend to depend on the season. During the summer, offices open between 08:00 and 13:00 on weekdays before reopening from 16:00 to 19:00. However, many offices close at 17:00 in the winter. It is worth noting that a lot of shops close on Wednesday afternoons and Sundays, but open all day on Saturdays. In addition, most banks close on summer afternoons, but some resort banks remain open all day to cater to tourists.

Helpful phrases

English is widely spoken but the following Greek phrases may be useful in the south of the island.

Gh’ya - Hello

Parakalo - Please

Efkharisto – Thank you

Nei/ohki – Yes/no

Den katalavéno – I don't understand

Milate Anglika? - Do you speak English?

Posso kane? – How much is it?

Me sihorite – Excuse me

Resources online

www.visitcyprus.com

www.angloinfo.com

www.wikitravel.org

www.ukincyprus.fco.gov.uk