Rent a car in Cyprus and you’ll find yourself exploring the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, just across the water from Turkey, Syria and Lebanon. A turbulent history involving Greece and Turkey led to the effective partitioning of the island into the Turkish north and Greek south in 1974. A distinct influence from both cultures can be seen in the country’s arts, music and cuisine. The island also occupies an important role in Greek mythology, being the birthplace of Aphrodite and Adonis and home to King Cinyras, Teucer and Pygmalion.

For lovers of the great outdoors, Cyprus has a beach for every type of traveller, if you are looking to indulge in some well-deserved rest and relaxation. For the more active types there is also a wide array of water sports on offer, including everything from snorkelling and scuba diving, to windsurfing and kite boarding. If you prefer green meadows and inviting hiking trails to sandy beaches, then Cyprus also delivers on this front. Hiking, mountain biking and even skiing in winter months are all enjoyed on the island by tourists and locals alike.

Enveloped in mythology, Cyprus is also home to Neolithic ruins, Bronze Age tombs, mountaintop castles and Byzantine churches – to name but a few. Those looking to unearth the history of Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean will be well rewarded here.

When you rent a car and discover Cyprus you will be welcomed by two distinct Cypriot communities, Greek and Turkish, who call the island home and give Cyprus its unique flavour. Driving around the country you are sure to experience the famously warm Cypriot hospitality, which is alive and well thanks to the upkeep of traditional family values. A whole world of delights is on offer here, it’s just up to you to go and find them.

This is an island with a little bit of everything: historical sites infused with Greek mythology, beautiful beaches, mountain trails and vineyards. If that’s not enough, it even has its very own party capital, Ayia Napa, a lively resort famous for its sandy beaches and active nightlife. Reach the places you want to see and experience the things you want to do in comfort with a car rental from Avis.

The big cities

Nicosia: Like the whole island, the capital city and main business centre is also divided into north and south. Access between the two parts has often been restricted in the past, but in recent years has become generally problem-free, so you can roam where you like. North Nicosia has many old, narrow streets interspersed with fabulous architecture. There are plenty of fine museums and the old city also has a covered market called Belediye Pazari.

Limassol: During Byzantine times, this city was known as Neapolis (new town). Today, Limassol is Cyprus’s second largest city, located on Akrotiri Bay on the southern coast. It has a long cultural tradition but also a growing profile as home to the University of Technology. The town has a number of interesting museums and archaeological sites, plus no fewer than nine medieval castles to explore. There are also some lovely public gardens and sculptures.

Paphos and Polis: On the southwest coast, Paphos is just over 30 miles from Limassol and has its own international airport. It was the capital during Greco-Roman times and the entire city is like an open museum. The remains of a Roman governor’s palace and extensive fine mosaics explain why it is on the World Cultural Heritage List for UNESCO. A key attraction is the Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock, a sea stack said to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love. If you need a break after all that culture, why not book a weekend car hire and head to Coral Bay, just four miles north of Paphos? The resort is popular with locals and tourists, boasting a soft, white sandy beach forming a crescent shape along the 600-metre coast.

The quieter resort of Polis is situated on the north-western part of the island close to the Akamas Peninsula, a beautiful nature reserve where the renowned baths of Aphrodite can be seen. Walk along the nature trails and take in the panoramic view of Polis bay.

Festival in Cyprus

It’s well worth timing your visit around the various festivals and events throughout the year when you choose a car hire in Cyprus. Limassol hosts the Carnival Festival, a masquerading event harking back to old pagan rituals, for the 10 days before Lent. During the summer there’s an International Music Festival at the Kourion Theatre in mid-July, and the Paphos Aphrodite Festival, an open-air opera festival that usually takes place in late August. These are followed by a wine festival in the first week of September, celebrating Cyprus as one of the oldest wine-making countries in the world.

Which side of the road?
In Cyprus, please drive on the left-hand side of the road, like in the UK.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device.
• Use the right-hand lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways.

• Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility when. driving on motorways, dual carriageways, and rural roads.
• Do not use the horn in a built-up area unless in danger.
• Eating and drinking while driving is prohibited.

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban roads: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Open roads: 80 km/h (50 mph)
• Motorways: maximum speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) and the minimum speed limit is 65 km/h (40 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt.

• Children under five cannot travel in the front passenger seat.
• Children aged under 12 and over five must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size.

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This information on road rules is provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

- Is it worth hiring a car in Cyprus?

Having a hire car in Cyprus is highly beneficial, especially if you want to explore the gorgeous coastlines and charming interiors. What’s more, if you pick it up from the airport upon arrival you can be on your way as soon as you’ve collected your bags, with zero hassle.

- How much is a rental car in Cyprus?

The price of your Avis rental car depends on the dates and model you wish to hire. Book your car online in advance for the best deals, and choose from a wide range of cars to suit all needs and budgets.

- How old do you have to be to rent a car in Cyprus?

You need to be at least 21 years old to drive in Cyprus and have held a full valid licence for three years.

- Is driving in Cyprus easy?

Driving in Cyprus is very easy. Here they drive on the left-hand side of the road, as in the UK. The main highways are quite often traffic-free, and in general roads are in good condition so it’s very easy to travel from A to B.