Want To Drive Cyprus? The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need!

Want to Drive Cyprus? Here's My Ultimate Guide

Let me be straight here.

I’m an awful driver.

Really awful.

Or at least I think I’m awful.

So maybe the point is rather that I’m not an awful driver, but that I’m a nervous driver.

Because quite frankly the thought of driving anywhere, especially in a foreign country, usually makes me feel extremely nervous!

But something about Cyprus made me bite the bullet, be brave and opt to drive in a foreign country.

And you know what, I discovered I’m not an awful driver.

And now I’m not a nervous driver either.

So here’s to challenging the fear barriers for me… and here’s to teaching you everything you need to know if you want to drive in Cyprus too – regardless of whether you’re nervous about it or not!

 


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My hire car in Cyprus was sponsored by Astra Car Rental but, as always, all views are my own.


 

Why You Should Drive in Cyprus?

Cyprus, Cape Greco, Sea Caves

So the first thing to tackle is why you should drive in Cyprus?

And honestly, the answer to this goes on and on!

Because as well as the usual benefits that come with hiring a car when you’re abroad – independence, ability to explore more, ease of travel – there are several distinct benefits to hiring a car in Cyprus.

First up, the island’s public transport system is quite limited, so if you do want to explore anything beyond, well anywhere, hiring a car is definitely a good idea!

Secondly, Cyprus is quite small and safe and relaxed, so driving here definitely isn’t a stressful affair – meaning the benefits far outweigh the costs.

And thirdly, Cyprus has an amazing wealth of things to see and do.

Yup this island is way more than just the beach resorts you were led to believe was all that existed here if you were a British child growing up in the 90’s like me!

From ruins to national parks, hidden coves to mountain villages, there’s a whole world of Cyprus to explore out there and it’s all worth seeing.

I honestly think Cyprus is one of the most diverse places I’ve travelled to, given its size, and hiring a car on the island really is the only way to discover this.

Driving Cyprus will allow you to easily and quickly get away from the cities and coastline, giving you the freedom and independence to discover traditional villages and mountain views you’d simply never be able to access otherwise.

 

How to Hire a Car in Cyprus

Cyprus, Mountains, Hire Car

The other great thing about hiring a car to drive in Cyprus is that it’s incredibly well organised and easy.

Given the fact that it’s an island, you’re more than likely going to be flying into one of the 2 international airports here.

And both Paphos and Larnaca airports have many car rental companies stationed right in the arrivals hall, which makes things as easy as can be.

All you need to present is your international driving license, payment and a credit card used for a pre-authorisation fuel charge and after that, you’re way.

Often you can just arrive and arrange a car hire direct at the airport, or you can book online in advance to ensure that your car is waiting for you.

Researching online in advance also allows you to compare different companies and the packages they offer – in particular, you want to look for insurance coverage, excess, additional driver fees and any perks such as fuel allowances or additional features like car seats etc.

Cyprus, Mountains, View

 

Who to Hire a Car with in Cyprus?

Cyprus, Beach, Hire Car

Well I did do my research online before I decided to drive in Cyprus and there’s one company that stood out to me as the best choice.

And that company was Astra Car Rental.

Boasting some incredibly competitive prices, free additional drivers, unlimited km and with a long-established business model, they seemed like the top option.

And they also had an office right in the arrival hall of Larnaca airport to boot – marvellous!

Emailing them to arrange the hire was smooth and straightforward and the whole process was incredibly easy.

This also rang true of the service I received in person at the airport.

Staff at the desk here were extremely friendly, professional and well-informed.

The rental paperwork was clearly laid-out and everything explained well in perfect English.

Finding the car was also a breeze in the rental car park and our great Ford vehicle was exactly what we needed to enjoy 5 days road tripping in Cyprus.

With this experience, I’d definitely recommend Astra Car Rental as the best hire car company in Cyprus and will certainly be using them again when I return.

Learn more about Astra Rental’s great rates at their website here.

Or reach out to them via their Facebook and Instagram pages if you have any questions.

 

Rules If you Want to Drive Cyprus

Cyprus, Mountains, House

And now we come to the things you need to know if you want to drive in Cyprus too.

#1 Cypriots Drive on the Left

Hoorah if you’re British or Australian.

Boo if you’re from just about anywhere else in the world.

 

#2 You Need an International Driving License to Rent in Cyprus

Unless you’re British that is. Then your British license will suffice.

 

#3 You Can Choose Different Sized Cars

The larger the more expensive.

Go for the smallest model possible to keep prices down, but don’t forget to factor in any luggage you might have to store in the vehicle.

You can also generally choose either manual or automatic vehicles.

 

#4 Cypriots are Quite Calm Drivers

Maybe it’s because I’d just flown in from Lebanon, but I found the Cypriots generally drove very well – none of that scary, lane-weaving, horn-honking reckless stuff we stereotypically think of when drivers in the Med countries come to mind!

 

#5 Speed Limits are Enforced

Speed limits are quite slow in Cyprus – 100kmph on motorways, 30 kmph in most town centres.

There are also many speed cameras around.

 

#6 Things are Well-Signed

I was incredibly impressed by how well-organised the road system was in Cyprus with everything well signed.

The roads themselves were also very well-maintained and I felt very safe and comfortable the whole time driving here.

 

#7 Hire Cars have Red License Plates

I think I was amazed by how easy driving in Cyprus was and how understanding local people seemed to be.

Most probably this is because they are used to many tourists driving here each year and are all a little more forgiving of those people who have the tell-tale red license plates and confused expressions on their faces!

 

#8 You Can Choose Fully Comp

Whilst you can pay less for minimal insurance cover when hiring a vehicle overseas, I always think it’s good value for money to pay a little more for a little piece of mind.

As such, I chose to increase the insurance premium to 10 euros a day for complete coverage with Astra Car Rental, including zero excess.

That meant that if anything did happen to the vehicle, I’d be fully insured and not have to pay a penny.

 

Will You Drive Cyprus?

Cyprus, Landscape, View

My unequivocal answer to this question is yes, you definitely should drive Cyprus.

Not only is it the best way to see the dazzling diversity of this county, but it’s also the best way to get off the beaten track a bit – in particular, away from the cities and coast and into the small villages and more rural areas.

Driving Cyprus is also very easy and safe – even for scaredy cats like me – and I wouldn’t hesitate to rent a vehicle from Astra Car Rental again.

Professional, friendly and well-organised, they made the whole thing a breeze and, dare I say it, even enjoyable!

 

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6 Essential items for Cyprus

#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop during your time in Cyprus and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous island justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000, which I use for all my travels and love, not least because it’s light, compact and robust!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Cyprus, it’s as simple as that! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers. I love mine!

#3 Good Guidebook – I’m still a massive fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and do think their Cyprus edition is well put together. Able to save you a lot of money if you want to learn about the history of this country but not continually pay for a guide, getting the eBook is a great way to keep your luggage weight down too!

#4 Good Water Bottle – All that sightseeing and beach activity can be thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because Cyprus tap water is generally safe, drinkable… and free!

#5 Good Backpack – And to carry your water bottle, camera and guidebook, you’re going to need a decent backpack that will help you balance the weight as you walk and sightsee. In my opinion, you can’t go past the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack, which is also perfect for helping you avoid pickpockets.

#6 Travel InsuranceWorld Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

 

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So there you have it, my top guide for those who want to drive in Cyprus.

Have you rented a car on this gorgeous island?

Did you enjoy it as much as me?

 

2 thoughts on “Want To Drive Cyprus? The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need!

  1. Fedor says:

    thanks Stephanie for the tips.
    did you rent a standard shift car?
    if so, was it difficult to adjust to have the shift on the left side?
    I’m concern that my muscle memory is only for shifting by right hand.

    • Steph says:

      Hi Fedor – glad you enjoyed the tips and thanks for the questions. I’m British so we always drive manual cars and on the left side of the road, so neither were an adjustment for me, but maybe for you. I’m not sure how much experience you have, but the good thing is that driving in Cyprus is pretty relaxed and the roads are generally good. I think you’ll be fine! Happy travels 🙂

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