The Republic of Cyprus is a popular resort destination in the Mediterranean. The island hospitably receives more than two million tourists a year. This is a picturesque land of harmony and contrasts. Magnificent beaches, cozy bays, turquoise sea bays, forests and mountain ranges create a fascinating natural ensemble.
Benefits of car rental
Traveling in a rented car gives tourists the opportunity to independently create an exciting route and plan a memorable vacation program. Among the indisputable advantages of this way of spending holidays, it is worth highlighting such advantages as mobility of movement, comfort, time saving and independence from the schedule of municipal transport.
The presence of the “iron horse” allows travelers to get acquainted with the main sights of the republic in a short time, visit popular resort towns, relax on the best beaches and visit original mountain villages. To rent a car at a reasonable price, it is recommended to use the popular service – Myrentacar.com. The aggregator site sorts the most advantageous offers of Cypriot rental companies. Customers have the opportunity to pre-order a specific car, not a class, without deposits and deductibles.
Autotourists should take into account some features of driving on the roads of Cyprus. On the island, left-hand traffic is accepted. The driver will need to adapt to driving a right-hand drive car. It is better to take a car with an automatic transmission, since shifting gears with the left hand will be unusual and rather unsafe. The driver will have to adjust to the changing feel of the car's dimensions.
It is important to remember that in the process of driving (leaving a parking lot, driving along a lane, overtaking, changing lanes, etc.), the usual space, between the edge of the car and objects on the road, is now on the left. Red numbers are installed on the rented vehicle, which guarantees the universal loyalty of road users to autotourists. Enjoy driving around the island with the navigator “Cyprus on road”. You just need to enter the desired coordinates of the points and the optimal route will be built.
Ayia Napa
One of the pearls of the coast of the island is the town of Ayia Napa, stretching along the coast of the turquoise sea bay. It has evolved from an original fishing village into a popular resort destination, which is definitely worth a visit for independent travelers by car. Delightful wide white beaches, an abundance of various entertainment facilities and a developed hotel base – all this attracts numerous vacationers from all over the world.
A huge number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs is ideal for lovers of active night life. We recommend touching the greatness of the centuries-old history of the city. In Ayia Napa, you can see the medieval monastery of the Virgin, built during the period of Venetian rule in Cyprus. On the territory of the monastery, ancient chapels were erected and olive trees grow. It is impossible to pass by the monastery square, where there are beautiful fountains.
Near the monastery there is a new temple of the Virgin, where childless women come every day to pray to the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Of interest are the rock tombs of Makronisos. This archaeological site consists of tombs and sanctuaries dating back to the Greco-Roman period. The educational program is presented by the Museum of Marine Life, the exhibits of which reflect the richness of the marine fauna. Tourists can have an exciting time in the water park, equipped with water attractions, artificial caves, bridges.
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Cape Greco
On the southeastern part of the coast of the island is one of the most beautiful places in the country – Cape Greco. You can get to this unique attraction by car in 15 minutes if you follow the highway from Ayia Napa. The cape is a rocky coastal strip, 10 meters high. It is indented with numerous grottoes and karst caves, forming bizarre shapes.
There are practically no shady areas here, since the wind constantly blows from the sea, blowing away the fertile soil layer. This corner of pristine nature amazes the eye with amazing landscapes. A picturesque spectacle opens from here, when the blue of the sky merges with the endless emerald sea bay.
Walking along the narrow paths, tourists can look into the seaside caves and pass through the arched bridges of natural origin. Stone decorations of the territory of the cape are carved by the forces of wind and sea waves, which gives the area a special attraction. On the edge of a rocky cliff, a snow-white Orthodox church with a blue roof was erected.
Lefkara
On the slopes of the Troodos mountain range lies the picturesque village of Lefkara, a visit to which will leave an indelible impression. A cozy and original settlement is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It carefully preserves its architectural appearance for several centuries. Cobbled narrow winding streets are lined with two-story old limestone houses with colorful facades, flat roofs, colorful doors, carved balconies and wooden window shutters.
The white-stone pavement is strewn with colorful islands of flower greenhouses. Here you can feel the unhurried way of life and measured atmosphere, fanned by rich cultural traditions. Lefkara is world famous for its centuries-old lace weaving technique. In numerous handicraft shops, you can see how craftsmen create extraordinary man-made works of art.
Folk craftsmen are busy weaving openwork ornaments from textiles and silver. Walking through the quiet village, tourists will see several churches. The ancient temple of St. Stavros deserves attention. It contains a unique relic – a particle of the life-giving cross.
Stone of Aphrodite
A picturesque road winding serpentine among the mountains between the cities of Limassol and Paphos will lead travelers to the iconic Cypriot landmark – the Stone of Aphrodite. The gaze of vacationers will see a magnificent pebble strip with several huge rocks. You can leave your car in a specialized free parking next to the roadside restaurant. There is an underground passage between the wild beach and the parking lot.
The coast fascinates with its pristine beauty. According to legend, the Greek goddess of love and beauty emerged from the depths of the sea from here. A stone named after Aphrodite ascends directly from the water. One of the legends says that the one who swims around the boulder several times will gain eternal youth and good luck in love. The difficulty lies in the fact that unbridled waves regularly rage in the bay and almost always the water is cold due to strong undercurrents.
Pathos
On the southwestern tip of the island of Cyprus is the resort town of Paphos. Its fascinating appearance is formed by the hills of the Troodos massif, the Mediterranean coast, olive groves and orchards. Fishing harbors and narrow streets create a cozy atmosphere. The wealth of historical heritage dating back over 5,000 years has turned Paphos into an open-air museum. Architectural monuments of antiquity are included in the list of world cultural values of UNESCO.
One of the main assets of the city is the impressive archaeological park. Here you can see a huge number of unique mosaics discovered during archaeological excavations. Picturesque panels, created long before the beginning of our era, served as decorations for the interiors of ancient temples, institutions and mansions of wealthy citizens. Among the attractions of Paphos, one should highlight the royal tombs carved into the rock with Doric columns.
The hallmark of Paphos is considered to be a medieval fort. The ancient fortress is a rectangular stone building with powerful walls and one tower. It will be interesting to see the preserved fragments of ancient shrines, buildings, fortresses and amphitheatres. The Byzantine church of Ayia Kyriaki deserves attention. Next to it stands a two-meter fragment of St. Paul's Column. According to legend, the great apostle preached in the Cypriot lands, for which he was tied to a pole and subjected to lashes.
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Zygi village
On the Mediterranean coast, not far from such cities as Larnaca, Nicosia and Limassol, is the village of Zygi. Tourists flock here not only for a quiet measured rest on the cleanest beaches, but also for gastronomic pleasure. This is a popular fishing area with a beautiful promenade and numerous taverns serving fresh seafood delicacies. The life of the village proceeds serenely and carefree.
Fresh breeze, the sound of the surf, the aromas of the salty sea fill the soul of the guests of this cozy corner with a special peace. Boats, schooners, longboats and yachts are moored along the pier. Here, every local resident is professionally engaged in fishing. Travelers are given the opportunity to go on a boat trip led by an experienced fisherman and catch various marine life. The coastal waters of the Ziga are an ideal habitat for fish, octopus, squid and crabs.
Larnaca
The small port city of Larnaca is located on the flat western coast of the island. The hospitable resort offers vacationers to get acquainted with its centuries-old history. Here you can feel the breath of antiquity and appreciate the magnificent natural landscapes. The hallmark of Larnaca is the promenade lined with slender rows of date palms.
Sandy beaches, hotels, souvenir shops, shops and restaurants stretch along the crowded pedestrian boulevard. It offers a wonderful view of the seascapes and yachts moored in the coastal waters. Tourists walking along the main street of the city in the shade of tropical trees will come to the ancient fortress of the XIV century.
Curious travelers are advised to visit the archaeological museum, which contains unique artifacts of ancient civilizations. Larnaca's most iconic landmark is the Saint Lazarus Church. A wonderful monument of Byzantine architecture of the 9th century is rectangular in plan with an apse, domes and a bell tower. The interior of the temple is decorated with frescoes, bas-reliefs and a magnificent carved iconostasis.
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Nicosia
The unique city of Nicosia is the capital of both the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus recognized only by Turkey. A settlement with a thousand-year history occupies the central flat part of the island between the Troodos and Kyrenia mountain ranges. A trip to Nicosia is ideal for those tourists who want to diversify their beach holiday and enrich themselves with the cultural treasures of two different civilizations. Since 1974, the Greek and Turkish territories have been separated by the UN Green Line.
In order to get acquainted with the administrative, economic and political center of Cyprus, a car is not required. The main attractions are concentrated in the Old Town, surrounded by a Venetian fortress wall. Walking through the districts and quarters will bring a lot of positive impressions. Delving into the intricacies of narrow cobbled streets, tourists will see monasteries, Orthodox churches, Muslim mosques, palaces and old houses with interesting facades.
Externally, the ascetic appearance of the main cathedral of St. John the Theologian contrasts sharply with its interior decoration, magnificently decorated with colorful paintings. Centuries-old frescoes and iconostases have been preserved in numerous Orthodox shrines. The palace complex of the Archbishop deserves attention, the facade of which is decorated with high arches and elegant stucco.
Troodos
The green pearl of Cyprus is the Troodos mountain range. It is an internationally recognized nature reserve with its own unique ecosystem. It attracts numerous tourists with its amazing landscapes, Christian shrines and picturesque villages where you can enjoy contemplative relaxation and majestic tranquility.
A trip to the mountainous region guarantees a lot of positive emotions for auto travelers. A fascinating route runs along a narrow winding road with steep descents and ascents. The slopes of the Troodos are covered with an evergreen fragrant forest blanket. More than a hundred species of plants grow here, including pines, cypresses, junipers, oaks and various outlandish trees. River valleys and waterfalls form a fascinating natural ensemble.
Of genuine interest are the picturesque mountain villages, which have their own unique image. They are known for their developed agriculture, folk crafts and architectural sights. In cozy settlements, tourists will see a considerable number of stone buildings, ancient ruins and Byzantine churches with ancient and miraculous icons.
Plate
At an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level is the popular village of Platres. It occupies the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range. The village is literally buried in the greenery of a pine forest and dense shrubs. Guests and residents of Cyprus come here to relax from the sweltering heat of the coastal areas and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery.
Leaving the car in a free parking lot, tourists will have an interesting and informative walk. Neat red-brick houses, souvenir shops, pastry shops and craft shops line the narrow streets. Many buildings are erected on rocky cliffs below road level. At first glance, they seem to be single-level, but in fact the subsequent floors go downhill.
The hallmark of the village is the chocolate factory, which produces chocolate of the highest quality. Visitors are offered the opportunity to get acquainted with the process of production of sweet products. Some delicacies are covered with gold leaf. Along the forest path leading from Platres, tourists can walk to waterfalls and a stream with the purest spring water. It is recommended to take a walk to the trout farm and see how the mouth of the river serves as a breeding and habitat for valuable fish.
Mount Olymbos
The highest point of the island is Mount Olymbos. Its height reaches 1952 meters. This is a favorite place for lovers of hiking expeditions. You can leave your car in the parking lot and then continue on foot. An extensive network of tourist roads with a length of up to 14 kilometers has been laid on the slopes of the mountain.
A picturesque ascent runs through pine and cedar groves. The air is saturated with a coniferous aroma, silence and tranquility reign everywhere. When ascending, a bewitching panorama of the sea, lush forests and nearby villages opens up. Climbing to the very top of Olymbos is not possible, since it houses a military base and a radar of the British armed forces.
Kykk Monastery
The program of an independent road trip to the cult places of the Troodos mountain range should include a visit to the Kikk Monastery. Lavra is located at an altitude of 1,150 meters above sea level, surrounded by majestic hills and lush green trees. To get to this Orthodox shrine, you need to overcome the path along the mountain serpentine with coniferous trees. Various stone buildings were erected on the territory of the monastery, including the main temple, the bell tower, utility buildings, cells, the abbot's house, a library, a museum and a refectory.
In the center is a paved courtyard with a well. The buildings are interconnected by arched galleries. The interiors of the monastery premises, the inner walls and corridors of buildings are decorated with colorful mosaics and frescoes illustrating various biblical scenes. Delight is caused by amazing wall and ceiling paintings of the interior decoration of the temple. The Kykksky Monastery keeps unique sacred relics: miraculous icons, relics, a rare collection of manuscripts and other Christian artifacts.
Famagusta
The major port city of Famagusta is located in Northern Cyprus. Its history spans over 2,000 years. In the second half of the 20th century, the city was a fashionable resort destination with first-class hotels and developed tourist infrastructure. The Turkish invasion of 1974 left a deep wound in the fate of the city. Famagusta has buffer zones controlled by the UN troops and the Turkish military.
The once prestigious quarter of Varosh has become a ghost area with abandoned and dilapidated high-rise buildings. Today, the city is gradually returning to its former tourist glory, as evidenced by the presence of modern hotels and entertainment for every taste.
It is important to know that when entering the territory of Northern Cyprus in a rented car, you will need to take out special insurance. Despite the complex historical upheavals, this settlement of Northern Cyprus attracts guests with numerous cultural and architectural attractions.
Of interest is the Old Town, surrounded by a majestic Venetian fortress wall. This is literally an open-air museum, where tourists are guaranteed to enjoy the aesthetic pleasure of walking through the medieval narrow streets intertwined with an intricate labyrinth.
Gothic cathedrals evoke delight, the facades of which are decorated with stone lace patterns, orderly rows of columns and various openwork decorative elements. Among the architectural monuments stands out the Castello citadel, which is a quadrangular structure with towering round towers at the corners. The city has preserved many ancient buildings and houses, as well as the ruins of temples.
Kantara Castle
Among the peaks of the mountain ranges of the coast of Northern Cyprus, at an altitude of 630 meters above sea level, the dilapidated medieval castle of Kantara rises. The first evidence of this architectural landmark dates back to 1191, when the island of Cyprus was conquered by the legendary English king Richard the Lionheart.
The favorable strategic position of the fortress allowed the garrison to control the surrounding wooded area, the sea area and important mountain crossings. There is a small car park at the foot of the castle. To view the ancient citadel, tourists need to climb the steps carved into the rock. The Kantara Fortress is a multi-level fortification fortified with massive round and multifaceted towers.
Impressive thickness stone walls still amaze with their powerful and impregnable appearance. Visitors are offered the opportunity to see the surviving spacious castle halls: barracks with vaulted ceilings, storage and utility rooms, stables. From a bird's eye view, an amazing panorama of the bay and the Karpas Peninsula opens up. The unique combination of pristine nature with the blue sea surface provides an unforgettable experience from visiting the castle.
Kyrenia
A popular holiday destination in Northern Cyprus is the resort of Kyrenia. The city is located at the foot of the mountain range of the same name on the Mediterranean coast. It attracts its guests with architectural sights and magnificent beaches. It is forbidden to build buildings higher than five floors. Hotels, supermarkets, bars, restaurants for every taste and budget will satisfy the needs of even the most demanding vacationers. Leaving the car in the parking lot, independent tourists can walk around all the iconic places.
The dominant feature of the city is a fortress with massive walls and bastions. Inside the fort there is a museum of shipwrecks and a torture room. A horseshoe-shaped bay originates from the fortress, along the coast of which a cozy and beautiful embankment is laid. The harbor is filled with yachts, boats and fishing boats. In the old quarter, many historic houses of the Venetian style of architecture have been preserved. The bell tower of the snow-white church of the Archangel Michael rises above the city.
Abbey of Bellapais
It is a dilapidated, but no less expressive example of the medieval Gothic architecture of Northern Cyprus. This is an atmospheric and picturesque architectural landmark, which is recommended for independent travelers. The monastic complex of Bellapais dates back to the middle of the 13th century. It crowns the steep cliff of the village of the same name, located a few minutes from Kerinia.
The abbey gained fame as a place of pilgrimage after the crusader Roger Norman presented it with a piece of the Life-Giving Cross, brought from Jerusalem, as a donation. To date, among the majestic buildings of the monastery, erected from light shell rock, only a few buildings have survived. In the temple, you can see the surviving elements of the interior: the remains of wall paintings, high vaults, an iconostasis and a carved pulpit. The refectory hall is famous for its perfect acoustics.
Its length is 27 meters, and vaulted ceilings rush up to 38 meters. Noteworthy is the courtyard of the abbey, framed by an arched gallery. Gothic vaults, multifaceted columns and two stone washstand sarcophagi are amazingly combined with the green and fragrant territory. Visitors can take a walk along the ancient walls and cells to feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Karpas
The Karpas peninsula is a natural pearl of Northern Cyprus. It is a national reserve with golden beaches stretching for many kilometers in a narrow and long strip. Endless low hills, covered with emerald green coniferous and olive trees, alternate with magnificent sandy wild coasts.
The turquoise bay of the Mediterranean Sea strikes with the purity and crystal clarity of the waters. A truly measured and calm atmosphere reigns here. You can get to Karpas by a narrow road from Kyrenia in two hours. The pristine region is not particularly burdened with a developed first-class infrastructure. The absence of numerous hotels and entertainment complexes is more than compensated by rest in the wild. On the way, auto travelers will meet picturesque villages, sites with archaeological excavations and ancient Christian churches.
On the steep rocky coast of the peninsula is the monastery of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called. This is a modest stone monastery with a holy spring source. A visit to the monastery church leaves a gracious impression. Noteworthy is the three-tiered iconostasis, decorated with elegant wood carvings and gilding.