Cyprus has a reputation as one of the best European holiday destinations. Even today it attracts tourists with its mysterious beauty and mysticism. This island can be rediscovered every time. This land seems to be created for constant research, shrouded in mythology and the spirit of history. And now you are going to 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 both in your own car and in a rented one, since there are enough specialized companies on the island, whose services are affordable 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 by car from Ayia Napa, that is, from the east coast, to Paphos, the western part of the island. And this road will take only three hours. Traveling to Cyprus by car will be bright, unforgettable, exciting.
Island transport system
Cyprus does not have a very well developed transport system due to its small size. Some speciesthere are no means of transportation at all: the operation of the railway, for example, was terminated in 1952, domestic airlines are also very poorly developed. There are only charters between Paphos and Larnaca, carried out by small aircraft, which are primarily intended for tourists.
If you decide to go to Cyprus by car, remember that the island has left-hand traffic, which can cause some difficulties for Russian tourists. But the quality of the roads is excellent. Road signs are written in Greek and English.
The proportion of alcohol in the blood should not exceed 0.4 ppm. You are not allowed to talk on your mobile phone while driving unless you are using the hands-free system.
Maximum traffic on highways: 65-100 km/h (min-max). In the city you are obliged to move no faster than 50 km/h, on ordinary country roads you can drive at a speed of up to 80 km/h. Due to the fact that other modes of transport are underdeveloped, 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 the routes in advance either to the navigator (navigation system) or to some kind of mobile device (laptop, mobile phone, etc.).
It is also important for a perfect trip to make a travel plan, which can have the following components:
- cultural program;
- nightlife;
- shopping.
Each of these lines will hide the address, phone number, name of the museum/institution/shop.
Don't forget all the contacts of the official representatives, so that in case of an unforeseen situation you can quickly contact the necessary people.
Conditions for renting a car
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 own mark-up, so do not be surprised that renting a car directly at the hotel will be significantly higher.
Take the time to walk around the city. You will find that car rental services are found on almost every corner. You will be given a large selection of models and price categories. Consultants in most cases speak Russian well.
You can easily register a car in the following cases:
- you are already 25 years old, and you can prove it with documents;
- you have a driver's license (it is not necessary to have an international one, our Russian one will do as well);
- driving experience must be at least three years;
- you have a quick reaction and adaptation to new conditions: on the island there is left-hand traffic.
Insurance is usually included in the price, but you will have to pay for gasoline separately. Thatthere you must return the car with the same level of filling of the gas tank as you took it. Unlimited mileage.
The rental price varies depending on the level of the car, the season, the number of days for which you want to borrow the selected model.
License plates on rented cars begin with the letter Z, which makes it easy to identify them not only to police officers, but also to local drivers, who can be more lenient with tourists.
South Cyprus
Cyprus route 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 a port fortress. It is under the protection of UNESCO and is a world cultural heritage. You will find Aphrodite's Bay not far from the city. Legend has it that the goddess of beauty and love was born here in the foam of the sea.
The castle from the time of Byzantium Kolossi and the remains of ancient Kourion, and among them a 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 have found a basilica built in the era of early Christianity, the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the remains of a system of water conduits and baths. The only downside is that it's all practically destroyed.
South Protaras is known for its sandy beaches. One in particular stands out inFig Tree Bay.
Northern Cyprus
When traveling around Cyprus by car, do not forget to visit the northern part of the island. You can say there is no traffic here, so a car will be very useful to you.
There are a large number of hotels and apartments in this part of the island. Some of them are exclusive and are a place for real relaxation. One can single out the Karpaz peninsula, which has mini-hotels with bungalows on the edge of the sea, a beach where you won’t meet a soul for five kilometers.
Moving further around the island, visit the castles of Kantara, Bufavento and Hilarion. The locations of these attractions are impregnable and the views are breathtaking.
After crossing the Kyrenia Range and approaching the sweat city of Girne, you can visit the Kyrenia Castle.
After just 20 minutes from Kyrenia, you can get to the Bellapais monastery.
The 12th-century Agios Ioannis Chrysostomos Monastery is on the way to Buffavento Castle.
The best part of this part of the island can be called the Karpaz Peninsula.
Cyprus by car
Reviews from such trips tourists leave overwhelmingly positive. The route outline might look like this:
- South 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, to experience all the beauty and secretsthe island of Cyprus, it is best to travel around it by car.
Bright discoveries and good roads!
