Cyprus Island is a beautiful holiday destination with nature at its best. The splendid backdrops and beautiful interiors are all maintained in their original form. The careless beauty scattered all across the region gives every reason to spare time for a vacation in this magical land. The true magical beauty however of this mesmerizing island can be felt only if ventured to the deepest. There are locations in the interiors of Cyprus guarded by nature that must be explored to live this dream to the fullest.
And to enable this objective of experiencing the beauty to its fullest, it is must to ensure that you have a transport facility with you that can take you where your heart wants to fly. A vacation is meant for complete fun and not a halfhearted effort. With a beautiful destination like Cyprus as a choice for vacation, it is mandatory to be completely mobile which in this case is possible only if you travel by a car; rented or personal.
Get Set Go
So, you are geared up and have made the arrangements for a car for a perfect holiday in Cyprus. Now before you ignite the engine, there are some important dos and donts that must be carefully understood and abided for a pleasant voyage.
The Basics about the Island
The island has it all, mountains, beaches, hills, plains or coastline to satisfy your driving hunger. The roads, that link all the important areas are in a decent condition, have four lanes and are completely safe for driving. The minor and forest roads though unsurfaced, yet are in good condition and again pretty safe for drivers, therefore, can be picked for your excursion to the divine pleasure.
Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate for almost all year round and has more than 300 sunny days to its account. Summers imply high temperatures, moderated by sea breeze thus leaving a pleasant weather for your drive. Winters are mild with few months dedicated to spring and autumn. To sum up, largely the island has moderate temperature range, no clouds and a perfect drive out.
The road directions and all other signs in Cyprus are in English and Greek language like all other signage. The driving area is on the left of the road. All roads are tool free, which makes driving in Cyprus a hassle free experience.
Renting a Car
Renting out a car in Cyprus Island for your stay, is easy and a norm. There are just few basic requirements that are to be taken into account. The age limit to rent a car is 21 years, to be accompanied by a valid international driving license. Those below 25 years may have to incur an additional young driver surcharge.
The Safety Rules
For your safety, driving in island mandates the use of seatbelt, for both the front and back, while driving. Children below the age of five cannot occupy the front seat next to the driver and for those in the age bracket of 5 to 10 years must be carefully strapped in the child seat belt if have to occupy the front seat.
Drivers must always be hands free while driving. The use of mobile phone or a coffee mug or such other items is strictly restricted for the driver while on road in Cyprus.
The maximum speed limit on motorways is 100 km/h and the lower limit is 65-km/h. For other regular lanes, the limit is 80 km/h unless so otherwise mentioned. For the areas with good population density, a lower speed limit of 50 km/h is maintained. In case, any other is applicable, it is mentioned on the road.
It is compulsory to carry two red warning triangles in the vehicle and use them to warn other traffic when involved in an incident, breakdown or accident.
Third party liability insurance is compulsory while you are driving a car in Cyprus.
Bring Your Own Car
Cyprus road rules allow you to drive in your own private vehicle while your stay here, though not exceeding 3 months. Beyond that, you can be here but the car must depart. The aforesaid period can be extended if you get a special permission. The car must have a valid registration license of the country of origin.
In case of your private vehicle, an insurance cover check is not sought for the group of 29 European countries, as a check is presumed in the own country of origin, natives from other countries must have a valid green card to bring their vehicle to Cyprus.
Fuel Availability
There are no fuel purchase restrictions for foreigners, irrespective of rented or a owned vehicle. Petrol stations are located at all major towns and if the idea is to travel distant locations, make sure you have enough fuel in store for your day out. The timings for regular fuel stations are:
Municipal, private parking and garages are in abundance. Parking in Cyprus is simply not an issue. In the towns, at few locations a pay street parking could be the rule. All you need to pay attention to while parking is that it is punishable to park or wait at the double yellow line. In case of a single yellow line, only short stops or loading unloading is allowed.
Traffic Rules Violation
In case of a traffic offense, you are given a ticket and fixed penalty. In case of non-acceptance, a court summon is issued. The courts can disqualify the drivers if the law is not abided to.
While planning your memorable trip to Cyprus, do plan for your easy travel partner. Traveling by car can only let you fully assimilate the offerings of the mystical island. The only public transport available is buses and they too have a restricted reach. The buses primarily operate between major cities at limited hours. The true intrinsic beauty of Cyprus cannot be touched if relied upon this mode of communication.
The Driving Guide for Cyprus