Cyprus has a reputation as one of the best places for European holidays. Today it attracts tourists with its mysterious beauty and mysticism. This island can be rediscovered every time. This land seems to have been created for constant research, shrouded in mythology and the spirit of history. And so you are gathered in Cyprus. It is much more comfortable to travel around the island by car than by public transport, as it is not well developed. You can travel either on your own car or on a rented one, since there are enough specialized companies on the island whose services are distinguished by their availability and excellent service.
The beauty of Cyprus
Despite the relatively small area, this island is a combination of ancient history, splendor, chic. In Cyprus, you can drive from Ayia Napa, that is, from the east coast, to Paphos, the western part of the island, by car. And this road will take only three hours. Traveling to Cyprus by car will become bright, unforgettable, exciting.
Island Transport System
Cyprus has a not very well developed transport system due to its small size. Some types of vehicles are generally absent: the railway, for example, was discontinued in 1952, domestic airlines are also very poorly developed. There are only charters between Paphos and Larnaca, carried out by small planes, which are primarily intended for tourists.
If you decide to go to Cyprus by car, remember that the island has left-hand traffic, which may cause some difficulties for Russian tourists. But the quality of the roads is excellent. Traffic signs are written in Greek and English.
The proportion of alcohol in the blood should not exceed 0.4 ppm. When driving, you are prohibited from talking on a cell phone unless you use the hands-free system.
Maximum traffic on highways: 65-100 km / h (min-max). In the city you must move no faster than 50 km / h, you can drive on ordinary country roads at speeds up to 80 km / h. Due to the fact that other modes of transport are not sufficiently developed, the road network is very extensive and well laid. Therefore, traveling around Cyprus by car will be a pleasure. True, if you foresee everything in advance.
Necessary "little things" for traveling by car
First of all, you need to purchase a map of the island. Of course, you can buy it already in Cyprus, but if you are driving your own car, it is better to download routes in advance either in the navigator (navigation system) or in some kind of mobile device (laptop, mobile phone, etc.).
It is also important for a perfect trip to make a trip plan, which may have the following components:
- cultural program;
- night life;
- shopping.
Under each of these lines will be the address, phone number, name of the museum / institution / store.
Do not forget all the contacts of official representatives, so that in case of an emergency you can quickly contact the necessary people.
Car rental conditions
If you decide to rent a vehicle to explore the beauties of the island, do not forget that the services of any hotel have their extra charge, so do not be surprised that renting a car directly at the hotel will be significantly higher.
Take your time and take a walk around the city. You will see that car rental services are found on almost every corner. You will be given a wide selection of models and price categories. Consultants in most cases speak good Russian.
You can easily arrange a car in the following cases:
- You are already 25 years old, and you can confirm this with documents;
- you have a driver’s license (it’s not necessary to have an international one, ours, Russian will do);
- driving experience must be at least three years;
- you have a quick reaction and adaptation to new conditions: there is left-hand traffic on the island.
Insurance is usually included in the price, but you will have to pay for gasoline separately. That is, you must return the car with the same level of gas tank fullness as you took. Kilometers are not limited.
The rental price varies depending on the level of the car, season, number of days for which you want to lend the selected model.
The numbers of the rented cars begin with the letter Z, which makes it possible to easily identify them not only to police officers, but also to local drivers, who may be more lenient with tourists.
South cyprus
The route in Cyprus by car can be made based on what you want to see. You can visit at least two points - two coasts of one island.
When traveling to Cyprus by car, be sure to plan to visit the city of Paphos. It is an archaeological park and port fortress. It is protected by UNESCO and is a world cultural heritage. You will find the bay of Aphrodite near the city. Legend has it that the sea goddess of beauty and love was born in foam.
The castle from the time of Byzantium Kolossi and the remains of the ancient Kourion, and among them the museum of wine produced in Cyprus - all this you will find in South Cyprus.
The ancient city of the island, Amathus, can also be found in South Cyprus and included in your itinerary. Here archaeologists found a basilica created in the era of early Christianity, the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the remains of a system of water pipes and baths. The only drawback is that it is all almost destroyed.
South Protaras is famous for its sandy beaches. One especially stands out - in the Bay of Fig Tree.
Northern Cyprus
When traveling in Cyprus by car, do not forget to visit the northern part of the island. There can be no traffic here, so the car is very useful to you.
In this part of the island there are a large number of hotels and apartments. Some of them are exclusive and represent a place for real relaxation. You can highlight the Karpaz Peninsula, on which there are mini-hotels with bungalows on the edge of the sea, a beach where for five kilometers you can not meet a soul.
Moving further around the island, visit the castles of Cantara, Bufavento and Hilarion. The locations of these attractions are impregnable and the views are spectacular.
After overcoming the Kyrenia Range and approaching the sweat city of Girne, you can visit the Kyrenia Castle.
After driving just 20 minutes from Kyrenia, you can get to Bellapais Monastery.
Built in the 12th century, Agios Ioannis Chrysostomos Monastery is located on the way to Buffavento Castle.
The best of the corners of this part of the island can be called the Karpas Peninsula.
Cyprus by car
Tourists leave overwhelmingly positive reviews from such trips. Outline of the route may look like this:
- Southern Cyprus: Larnaca - Limassol - Paphos - Polis - Troodos. From there - to the northern part of the island to Nicosia.
- Northern Cyprus: Nicosia - Famagusta - Karpas Peninsula - Kantara Castle - Kyrenia.
That is, in order to discover all the beauties and secrets of the island of Cyprus, it is optimal to travel through it by car.
Bright discoveries and successful roads!