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Why you should explore Cyprus by car

 

Ah, there’s nothing quite as handy as having the freedom to explore under your own steam on holiday, is there? Read all about why you should hire a car to get around Cyprus...

Whether you’re thinking full package perks of perfection with a Jet2holiday to Cyprus, just your Jet2.com flights or a Jet2Villa which comes with car hire included, it couldn’t be easier to explore more here. This Mediterranean isle is a treasure trove of history, culture and gastronomy, where biscuit-hued beaches aren’t in short supply either. So it’s only right that your itinerary will be bursting at the seams, and you’ll have a lot to get stuck into. That really is why you should think of doing it from the comfort of four wheels.

And even if you haven’t opted for a villa getaway, you can add on your vehicle with us through Jet2carhire. We scour all the top rental companies to bring you the very best prices, to make those all-important days of discovery a doddle.

Quick behind-the-wheel facts

  • The road layouts here match the UK’s, so you’ll drive on the same side. Nothing new to get used to. Easy!
  • Similarly, any overtaking’s done on the right side of the road.
  • Most people speak English in Cyprus, which means no awkward explanations if you need directions.
  • Road signs typically conform to familiar EU standards.
  • Distances on signs are usually in kilometres, as well as speed limits (km/ph).
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You can journey between Paphos and Larnaca with ease

It doesn't take too long to get from A to B in Cyprus, depending on where you’re going. Paphos is in the west and Larnaca’s in the east, but point-to-point on a map of their central locations, it’s 132km to reach the other.

A lot of the key landmarks are reasonably close to one another, so you might be by the coast in the morning, having lunch in a marina come noon and then onwards to a countryside photo opp spot all before sundown. Your ride, your way, hey?

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You can box off lots of key landmarks

  • Unearth a chunk of the past by visiting the jutting Aphrodite’s Rock, which is said to be the birthplace of the goddess herself.
  • Wind back the hands of time and go for a wander through the eerie cavernous network by the sea, the fabled Tombs of the Kings.
  • The vast aquamarines of Fig Tree Bay are quite something, so pitch up and have a paddle. It’s such a popular plot in Protaras that it made Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best list in 2022!
  • Keen shopper? Park up at Kings Avenue Mall for a dollop of retail therapy in Paphos. It’s got all the main stores, plus eateries.
  • Paintings, mosaics, frescoes... they’re all on show at Kykkos Monastery. So set your sights on this peaceful place to while an hour away.
  • Fancy going Greek or traditional Cypriot for lunch? Pull up at Limassol Marina for lunch with a view. How about stopping for a cycling tour too?
  • For impressive scenery and then some, gaze out from the Greco-Roman amphitheatre at ancient Kourion and prepare to be in awe. Camera at the ready!
  • From hire cars to classic cars, let Cyprus Motor Museum lead the way to gorgeous, mint-condition rides that’ll leave your jaw on the floor.
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There are loads of dedicated routes

You’ve only got to eyeball the map to know that there are plenty of routes you could work your way around in Cyprus. For one, the mighty Troodos Mountains beg to be glanced at out the window. As they’re crowned by Mount Olympus, you might like to stop in the village and have a good stretch of the legs as well.

Longing to be beside the seaside? Lara Beach is a pretty patch that nesting loggerhead turtles call home, and you can stop at en route to the Akamas Peninsula. It’s seriously breathtaking!

And of course, between Paphos and Larnaca, you’ve got fit-for-a-postcard Limassol if you need to refuel. For a proper taste of a time gone by, we recommend Nicosia and Famagusta Gate, where there’s an olde worlde feel to this cultural epicentre.

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There’s no limit to what you can stuff into your rucksack

Bucket, spade, hat, sun cream, guidebook, snacks... yeah, all the usual suspects need to go with you, so having a car to facilitate packing heavy makes life much simpler. You might even pick up souvenirs and knick-knacks on your travels, so you won’t want to be jostling for room in your bag. Thank goodness for all that boot space!

So now you know how much of a breeze it is to drive in Cyprus, all that’s left to do is hit the open road...

Posted: 27th Jan 2023.

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