Discovering Cyprus in a rental car

Where to Rent a Car in Cyprus?

Renting a car in Cyprus is essential for exploring the island’s diverse landscapes and attractions. Here’s an overview of your options:

Major Providers

You can book with well-known rental companies like Sixt, Europcar, and Budget in advance through their online platforms. This option comes with several advantages:

• You can choose your desired car, compare prices, select inclusive services, and even benefit from discounts.
• Advance booking eliminates the stress of finding a car upon arrival and is often more cost-effective.
• However, a credit card is mandatory for the security deposit, which can be quite high—around €1,000 in some cases.
• Be aware that last-minute online bookings (e.g., the day before your rental period begins) might not be available. If this happens, you’ll need to try your luck at the counter, but availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons.

Rental service desks are conveniently located at airports (e.g., directly to the left of the exit at Paphos Airport) and in cities. Even with a prior reservation, be prepared for potentially long wait times at the counter.

Local Providers

For more flexibility, you can opt for local car rental companies, which you can find through search engines like Google, complete with customer reviews. These providers usually have offices in cities, though many also offer airport pick-up services.

• The rental conditions are not always visible online, so some aspects may only be clarified in person.
• Rental prices are slightly higher compared to major providers (in my experience, about €180 more), but they come with significant advantages:
  • Many local companies don’t require a credit card for the deposit, which is helpful if your card doesn’t work.
  • Everything can be handled in cash, with no deposit required.
• I had a great experience with Similar Car Rental, which offered reliable service and a hassle-free process.

Both options have their pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

What to Know About Driving in Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus offers a unique experience, with a few distinctive aspects and challenges to be aware of. Here’s what you need to know:

Left-Hand Traffic

As a former British colony, Cyprus follows left-hand traffic. This can be a bit confusing for first-timers, but with time, you’ll adjust. Warning signs along the roads remind drivers of the left-hand traffic, indicating that past incidents may have occurred. The key is to reverse your instincts: drive on the left, stick to the left lane when turning, and overtake from the right.

For beginners, it’s advisable to start slowly and carefully, using eye contact to communicate with other drivers if needed. Opting for an automatic car can make the transition easier, as it allows you to focus on the traffic instead of gear shifts.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are another legacy of British influence, especially prevalent in rural areas and small towns. They are often multi-lane, although lane markings may be absent. Wide roundabouts typically indicate multiple lanes.

If you’re uncertain, stay in the left lane to avoid lane changes, and signal left when exiting. This keeps things simple and safe.

License Plates

You’ll notice three distinct license plate colors:

• Red plates: Rental cars, which can serve as a warning that the driver may make unexpected maneuvers.
• Black plates: Local residents.
• Yellow plates: Taxis, though some older vehicles owned by locals may still display yellow plates from a previous system.

Our rental car in Cyprus with a red license plate

Driving Culture

Driving rules and regulations in Cyprus are not as strictly followed as in Northern or Central Europe.

• Tailgating and honking are common, especially if you’re driving cautiously or adhering strictly to the rules. Don’t let this rattle you, particularly when driving a rental car.
• Despite this, drivers are generally courteous, often yielding right of way if they see hesitation.

For a first-time international driver, Cyprus is manageable and far less chaotic than places like India.

Speed Limits

Speed limits are clearly signposted but can feel unusual:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h.
• Highways: 100 km/h.
• Some odd limits, such as 65 km/h, might stem from a conversion from miles to kilometers.

Speed bumps are common, especially in villages and mountainous areas, serving as physical reminders to slow down.

Road Conditions

The overall road infrastructure is excellent:

• Highways and main roads, like the A1, are well-maintained.
• Smaller roads, such as the F314, can be narrower and winding but are still in good condition.
• Rural or less trafficked roads, including those in national parks, may be gravel or have potholes, and are often excluded from rental agreements for off-road driving.

For off-road areas, such as the Akamas Peninsula, a 4×4 vehicle is necessary.

Urban areas like Paphos can have steep and narrow streets, making an automatic car a wise choice. Small cars can navigate mountain villages like Omodos and Troodos, but some northern or remote mountain areas may be inaccessible for regular cars, and recovery services may not be available in case of breakdowns.

Crossing Borders

Crossing into Northern Cyprus with a rental car is prohibited, as most insurance policies do not cover incidents on the Turkish side of the island.

Parking

Parking is generally easy:

• Free parking is abundant near attractions like the Tombs of the Kings or popular beaches.
• Beaches often have nearby parking spots, usually no more than a five-minute walk away.
• Paid parking is rare, with Nicosia’s Ledra Street being a notable exception.
• Street parking is often possible, thanks to wide roads or designated pull-off areas.

Refueling

Fuel stations, particularly EKO, are common and straightforward to use. One notable difference is the service-oriented staff, who may assist with refueling and even clean your windshield—an unexpected but pleasant perk.

By keeping these points in mind, driving in Cyprus can be an enjoyable and rewarding way to explore the island, offering flexibility and access to its many hidden gems.

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