Car Hire in Cyprus

Tourist information - Cyprus

Cyprus, a republic, is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located west of Syria and south of Turkey. Nicosia is the capital and largest city. Limassol, Larnaca, and Famagusta are the chief ports. Since 1974 the northern third of Cyprus has been occupied by Turkish troops and has formed a separate-though officially unrecognized-state called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Climate

Cyprus has an excellent Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and a cool, rainy season that extends from October to March. The mean annual temperature is 20.5° C or 69° F.

Population

The combined population of the Greek and Turkish sectors (1991 estimate) is about 1,000,000.

Driving in Cyprus is by far the best way to get around the Island. Whereas most of the countries of Europe use left-hand-drive vehicles and drive on the right side of the road in Cyprus they use right-hand-drive vehicles and drive on the left side of the road as in the United Kingdom.

The minimum age of a driver is 18 years. Children must be at least 6 years of age to sit in a front seat. The use of seat belts is compulsory for front-seat passengers and children between the ages of 6 and 10 may only occupy the front seat if a child's seat belt is fitted.

Speed limits are generally as follows: 50 kph in built-up areas, 80­100 kph outside built-up areas. Distances and speed limits are posted in both kph and mph.

Headlights are required to be on half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise. Use of the horn is discouraged, especially between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and near hospitals at all times.

Equipment

You must carry two warning triangles in your vehicle.

Fuel

Fuel is available 24 hours in larger towns. It is illegal to carry spare fuel.

Most of the roads linking villages and places of interest are classed as fairly good. Motorways link all major towns with Nicosia. Minor roads such as in forestry areas are usually not surfaced but are considered to be in fairly good condition and passable for most of the year. Use minor roads with special care.

Driving Licence

Drivers visiting Cyprus can drive using a valid International driving licence or their national driving licence provided it is valid for the class of vehicle being used.

Parking facilities are many and usually well positioned in most major resorts.

On the Road

Traffic drives on the left hand side of the road in Cyprus.

International Traffic signs are displayed along the roads as per European standard. They are in English.

Sun Glare. The sun is very intense and it is recommended that all drivers use quality sunglasses, even when the sun is not bright.

Drinking and driving is illegal and frowned upon in Cyprus.

Accidents

If you are involved in an accident you must not move your vehicle until the police have arrived. If you do move your car you will be blamed for the accident regardless.

When visiting Cyprus drive with extra care, Greek drivers are known to be impatient. Drivers from most countries usually drive on the right so beware of driver error as they try to drive on the right.

MasterCarsDirect offers car hire in the following locations in Cyprus

Ayia Napa, Larnaca Airport (LCA), Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos Airport (PFO), Paphos, Polis/Latsi, Protaras and other locations.