Cyprus Buses, Taxis And Finding Your Way Around Cyprus

Cyprus Buses, Taxis And Finding Your Way Around Cyprus
By Kevinor Moore

Cyprus buses, First off let me just say that the buses in Cyprus aren't brilliant. Unless you are on one of the main coastal roads or high ways you aren't at all likely to be blessed with a bus service of any kind.

There are however regular services between the main holiday resorts and Cyprus places of interest throughout the holiday season serving the tourist trade as well as many Cyprus charter services again operating mostly during the holiday season only.

If you decide to take your holidays on the eastern side of Cyprus there is a great regular service operating between Paralimni and the water park in Agia Napa which stops of in Pernera as well as the main resort of Protaras.

These Cyprus buses aren't the most modern fleet in the world and with so many stops along the way I wouldn't describe it as an express service either but it is fairly reliable. Although there are plenty of official bus stops along the route the drivers aren't adverse to picking you up if you flag them down most anywhere.

The fares are mind blowingly inexpensive too but that goes with the territory in Cyprus so don't expect to be traveling in luxury. In fact some of the older Cyprus buses don't even have aircon apart from the windows down both sides. They also appear to be fitted with a unique gearbox that has only two speeds. STOP! and flat out Go! so hold tight.

If the joys of coach travel don't readily appeal to you there are plenty of stretched taxis that will easily accommodate seven or eight passengers and an increasing number of mini buses with even more space inside.

These Cyprus taxis or mini buses are a great way to get around and you can share the cost with a group or family trip to just about anywhere in Cyprus you please. Always be sure to fix the price though before you agree to the journey.

On the whole the taxis and mini buses in Cyprus are "price fixed" by government or local licensing authorities but that doesn't always stop some drivers forgetting to switch the meter on. They prefer instead to make it up as they go along and although they are in the minority you should always fix the price before you get into the vehicle.

If you want to see more of this beautiful Mediterranean paradise there are literally hundreds of companies offering excursions by coach or even Cyprus jeep safaris into the less accessible parts of the Island. If there is a group involved you may want to consider a hiring self drive mini bus or people carrier and have the total freedom to travel where ever in Cyprus the fancy takes you.

Stop off when and where it suits you without having to stick to the set timetable or itinerary of an organized coach tour. Whatever you decide it would be a shame not to explore at least some of Cyprus whilst you are there.

For those who wish to see a lot of the Island whilst having the independence and freedom to do so at their own pace there is only one real option. Cyprus car hire or car rental as it is also known. There is no doubt that having the use of a hire car throughout the duration of your Cyprus holiday is a much superior option to jumping on and off the Cyprus bus service or paying out for taxis on a regular basis.

The roads are well signed and the directions are in English so getting around Cyprus by hire car is totally stress free. They even drive on the left like the U.K. so for many it will be like motoring at home without the traffic problems or hassle.

Another advantage of car hire over Cyprus buses is that you can collect your Cyprus car rental at the airport and drop it off there when you return thus saving the transfer fees from the airport to your accomadation.

There is really no better way to get around the Island and the rates are quite realistic too when you take into consideration that Cyprus is an holiday Island. So there you have it then. The choice as they say is yours to make. Taxis, minibuses a car rental package or those weird and wonderful Cyprus buses.

Kevin Moore writes regularly on all aspects of Cyprus including holidays and beautiful Cyprus property. You can find out a whole lot more buy visiting us here Cyprus Info

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Cyprus Buses, Taxis And Finding Your Way Around Cyprus

Have a Beach of a Time in Paphos Cyprus

Have a Beach of a Time in Paphos Cyprus
By Peter Thornton

Flying into Paphos Airport, you may be surprised to find that the Airport is 15-20 minutes away from Paphos town centre. You may elect to take a taxi into town coerced by the many taxi drivers in the Paphos Airport hall soliciting you to use them for the drive in. Depending on what you want to do on your holiday, this may be a big mistake.

If you are staying near the Paphos City Center and are looking to soak up some rays at the beach or do some sightseeing at some point during your holiday, a better alternative may be to pick up a rental car at Paphos Airport.

To get a hire car at Paphos Airport, you can do a Google search for “cheap car hire deals Paphos” or visit car hire websites, like Vroom Vroom Vroom, that pool together the prices of all the most popular car rental companies to get a great car rental Paphos deal.

Once you have your Paphos Airport hire car, the South Coast of Cyprus is at your beck and call. If going to the beach keep in mind that most of the beaches on the South Coast of Cyprus near Paphos are quite rocky.

Most people when going swimming on these beaches put on a pair of old tennis shoes, some reef shoes or some scuba shoes. If you would rather be near a beach that is sandy, you will need to drive up to Coral Bay which is West of Paphos City Centre.

The road to Coral Bay is clearly marked with signs down near the Port and Seaside in the City Centre. Expect a 15-20 minute drive on a single lane highway along the coast. You will know that you are close because there are several large hotels that have their own private beaches.

Don’t let this intimidate you as there are several places where the public has access to the main beach. Parking is free but make sure you lock up your car. Even if your car is a Paphos Airport hire car, you still need to lock up and not leave any personal items in plain view.

If you have small children, a very nice secluded beach is down from a Café called Veronica. You will see the café from the highway as it is designated by a large sign with a big fork and spoon on it.

This beach is very well protected from surf, there are several areas where the rocks form a kind of paddling pool for the small ones. You also have the convenience of being right near a nice café that has decent food and restroom facilities.

If you do opt to rent a car, and are staying in the city centre, remember to watch the signage for where you can park overnight, where it is free and where they charge money.

If sightseeing is your thing, you can drive your Paphos Airport hire car up to Trudos Mountain. Dress warmly as even during the summer months, the top of Trudos can be quite cool—there may even be snow on the ground! You may want to visit the birthplace of Aphrodite or the Tomb of Kings.

For more information on these and other tourist spots near Paphos, visit [http://www.cosmosnet.net/azias/cyprus/paphos.html]. Good luck with your holiday plans in Cyprus!

Peter Thornton is the CEO of Vroom Vroom Vroom which allows you to compare global brand car hire prices side by side before you book, with no deposit and no cancellation fees. For more information visit http://www.vroomvroomvroom.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Thornton

Have a Beach of a Time in Paphos Cyprus

Does Car Hire in Protaras Make Sense?

Does Car Hire in Protaras Make Sense?
By Sara Turner

If you're holidaying in the Cypriot resort of Protaras any time soon, you may be mulling over the idea of renting a car during your stay. But taking in to account the added cost of renting a vehicle for one or two weeks, does hiring a car in Protaras make sense?

First of all, you need to decide how you intend to make your way to the resort from the airport. As Cyprus does not have a rail system and bearing in mind Protaras is over 40 minutes from Larnaca airport, you will certainly need access to some form of road transport.

Many tourists opt to book a taxi transfer to the resort at a cost of around 70 Euros per person for a return ticket. While taxis are a great, hassle free way to find your accommodation as quickly as possible, the price of transferring a family of four or more can be as expensive as renting a car, especially if you're only holidaying for a week.

If you are travelling in a party of four or five, it probably makes sense to rent a car and enjoy the benefits of having transport at your disposal between your arrival and departure.

Having successfully found your accommodation, you'll more than likely want to gather supplies, especially if you're staying in a villa. With a rental car, your shopping options are immediately broadened.

Shops in the heart of the resort tend to be a little more expensive than those further afield and can lack the variety of the larger supermarket chains. With access to a car, holidaymakers have the opportunity to visit Paralimni's largest supermarkets Carrefour and Orphanides, popular with the locals for the variety and savings on offer. Transporting heavy grocery bags will no longer be a problem, providing the car you choose has plenty of boot space!

While Protaras has plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and beaches spread across the entire strip, hiring a car will give you the opportunity to explore the surrounding area at the drop of a hat. There's the magnificent rocky landscape of Cape Greco for a start, with warm clear waters proving great for snorkelling.

There is also the town of Paralimni, with several traditional restaurants offering remarkably authentic Cypriot cuisine. Last but not least, the resort of Ayia Napa, notorious for its nightlife and party atmosphere, can be reached by car in as little as 15 minutes.

Protaras boasts a number of beautiful beaches, all within walking distance of the resorts' hotels and holiday villas. For this reason the most central beaches can become a little overcrowded with sun-worshipers. Having a hire car at your disposal grants you access to the tranquil beaches just outside the main resort, such as Konnos beach and Sirena Bay to name a few.

If you are a holidaymaker from the UK then driving a hire car in Cyprus could not be simpler. Unlike many other European holiday destinations, in Cyprus you drive on the left, the same as in the UK and all road signs are in both English & Greek.

The road network is modern, comprising several motorways and mainly paved roads. What is more; all the roads on the island are toll free and there is plenty more free parking than in the UK.

Considering the above benefits it is possible to recognise that hiring a vehicle would certainly enhance your holiday experience in Protaras. Not only does a hire vehicle give you added convenience, the fact that there is little traffic on the roads makes for a very pleasant drive.

Sara Turner writes for protaras.org.uk, a website dedicated to providing in depth travel information for tourists visiting the popular Cypriot resort of Protaras. For more information on Protaras car hire, holidays, villas and hotels, visit protaras.org.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Turner

Does Car Hire in Protaras Make Sense?

Guide to Paphos Airport Car Hire

Guide to Paphos Airport Car Hire
By Michelle Elkins

As the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Paphos is as you might expect: beautiful. From the mesmerising Coral Bay with its fine sand and blue waters, to the myriad restaurants and bars and World Heritage sites, Paphos has something to tempt everyone.

In the summer the fabulous Cyprus weather means temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees centigrade, which makes it ideal not only for lying around the pool but for the wide variety of water-sports on offer. During the winter, the temperatures become cool enough for cyclists and ramblers to enjoy the fantastic landscape.

Nestled on the west coast of Cyprus, Paphos is divided into the main residential district and original town centre, Pano Paphos, and the area around the medieval port, Kato Paphos, where the luxury hotels and tourist entertainment are centred.

Paphos International Airport is the second largest airport after Larnaca Airport. Last year it catered for 1.8 million passengers but the addition of a new terminal building at the end of 2008 has seen its capacity rise to 2.7 million.

Paphos Airport, or Pafos Airport as it is also spelt, is located 10km east of the city centre. While the Paphos Airport buses, taxis and transfers offer a reliable way of getting between it and your accommodation, generally the public transportation in Cyprus is not good.

Car hire at Paphos Airport is advisable for those who want to travel around at all. Fortunately there is a superb road infrastructure, with 4 lane motorways connecting the major cities and well-maintained routes linking smaller villages and towns.

Cypriots also conveniently drive on the left hand side and as most road signs are provided for in English as well as Greek it makes driving here relatively simple for Brits. To get from the airport to the centre of town takes about 15 minutes and is reachable via the B6 motorway and E603 secondary road.

There are 8 Paphos Airport car hire firms in total, all of which have offices in Paphos Airport arrivals (except for Hertz which is based off site). The Paphos Airport car rental companies are Astra, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Petsas, Sixt and Thrifty.

It is pretty much standard that you have to be over 21 years old to hire a car here, although for some it is 25 years. Even so, it is likely that anyone under 25 will have to pay a young person´s surcharge.

Each of the Paphos car hire firms have their own deals so check closely on what is included in the quoted price when you get it, particularly when it comes to insurance. Make sure to find out how much the excess is and whether the insurance covers for theft, personal incident and the damage of items such as tyres and windscreen. If not, then if may be worth paying for additional insurance.

The best way to work out which companies offer the best prices is to use a price comparison engine like that available on the Cyprus-Airport-Guide.com which will display all the cheap car hire at Paphos Airport. Cyprus is hot on drink driving and speeding so it is wise to be aware of this when hiring a car.

On motorways the speed limit is 100 kph, while on regional roads and built up areas it is 80 kph and 50 kph respectively, unless otherwise indicated. Drink driving regulations are pretty much the same as those in the UK.

Michelle Elkins is a regular contributor to the Cyprus Airport Guide which provides information on the best rates for Paphos Airport car hire and all other relevant advice for Paphos Airport from weather to buses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Elkins

Guide to Paphos Airport Car Hire

Cheap Car Rental in Cyprus - 4 Valuable Tips for Driving in Cyprus

Cheap Car Rental in Cyprus - 4 Valuable Tips for Driving in Cyprus
By S. Malcolm

When you decide on cheap car rental in Cyprus, you may want to follow these 4 valuable tips for driving in Cyprus:

1- Parking Facilities

Along a single yellow line, loading and unloading is allowed, but parking is prohibited at all times. Parking and waiting is prohibited along a double yellow line. Parking for the registered disabled is free.

Parking spaces (private and municipal) are found in the centre of town and charge roughly 1.70 Euros - 3.00 Euros for half a days parking. City centre parking areas are meter controlled. On week days during office hours, the cost per hour is 0.80 Euros - 2.00 Euros. On Saturday afternoons, all day Sunday and public holidays, the parking meter is out of operation.

2- Safety on the Roads - Speed Limits and Rules for Children

Remember, you drive on the LEFT hand side of the road. The same as in the United Kingdom. Distances and road speed limits are given in kilometers and kilometers per hour. The maximum speed limit on the motorways is 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) and the lower speed limit is 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour).

In built up areas, the speed limit is generally 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour).

Children under the age of five must not, under any circumstances sit in the front passenger seat. Children from five to ten years old may occupy the front passenger seat, only if an appropriate child's seat belt has been fitted.

The use of seat belts is mandatory.

3- Drink Driving

It is an offence, if you are caught driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle OR pedal cycle, with the concentration of alcohol above the prescribed limit. The prescribed limit in blood is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The prescribed limit in breath is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath.

If you were thinking about having that relaxing drink after your meal, just be extra cautious if you are driving in Cyprus. Police officers are generally on patrol, late Friday and Saturday evenings.

4- Fuel Type and Cost

If you are unsure about the fuel type, please check the fuel filter door of your car. Contact the rental agency or the staff at the petrol station. Fuel is generally around 20 cents cheaper per litre (for unleaded), compared to the UK.

When you decide on cheap car rental in Cyprus, these 4 tips should serve you well.

Stephen is a holiday let landlord and editor of
http://www.yourcyprusholiday.com
More information about cheap car rental in Cyprus can be found at his website - Copyright: you may freely republish this article, provided the text, author credit, the active links and this copyright notice remain intact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._Malcolm

Cheap Car Rental in Cyprus - 4 Valuable Tips for Driving in Cyprus
By S. Malcolm

What to See in Famagusta North Cyprus With Your Car Hire

What to See in Famagusta North Cyprus With Your Car Hire
By Ayse Berkcan

Famagusta - Time Travel in a North Cyprus Car Hire

The ancient city of Farmagusta provides some of the finest maintained and restored architecture from medieval times to be found in the entire eastern Mediterranean region. The city's remarkable reminders of ancient days are exhilarating and remind many travelers of some of the world's best maintained medieval cities.

Although the early history of the town remains shrouded in mystery, many historians believe the first settlements occurred here around the 3rd century B.C. Later, during the time of the Crusades, the town became a principal market of commerce located along the popular trade routes through the Eastern Mediterranean region.

North Cyprus Car Hire - Things to See in Famagusta
Much like the walled city of Carcassone, France, the ancient city of Farmagusta remains encircled by the defensive walls that were originally built in the 12th century by the Lusignan family of western France. Later, while the city was under the control of the Venetian forces, the walls were improved and strengthened.

These walls are huge, averaging 60 feet high and 30 feet thick or 18 meters high and 9 meters thick. One particularly interesting section of the wall is the original 15th century iron covered gate to the city, Porta del Mare or Sea Gate, that still maintains its original appearance.

The Venetian control over, and improvements to, the town are evidenced in the statue of the winged lion of Venice that can be seen at the Porta del Mare as well as prominently elsewhere throughout the old town. The largest medieval building in the city is the impressive Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque building that dates from the 14th century.

This building was the Cathedral of St. Nicholas until the Ottomans conquered the island in the 16th century and converted the cathedral to a mosque. Many visitors have noted that the style of the building is reminiscent of the great medieval cathedrals of France.

This is not an unexpected comparison since French families ruled the island of Cyprus from the 12th to the 15th century and it was here in the cathedral that various French family members were crowned as King of Cyprus. This French influence is also obvious in the great rose window that is located above the building's main entry doors.

Today, located just south of the old town, the forbidden city of Varosha can only be seen through the wire fence that surrounds it. Prior to the invasion of Cyprus by Turkish forces in 1974, this modern Varosha neighborhood of Farmagusta was the number one tourist area in Cyprus.

Many high rise hotels had been built here to accommodate the large number of international travelers that visited the city in the early 1970s. But when the Turkish army seized control of the city in 1974 they fenced the area off and no one was admitted.

Even today only members of the Turkish military and United Nations personnel are allowed to enter the abandoned city. After 34 years of abandonment the once-modern buildings are nowfalling apart and many stores and restaurants look as if they were just abandoned, with tables still set for diners and clothing still on the shelves.

North Cyprus Car Hire - Things to See near Famagusta

One advantage of having a North Cyprus car hire is that it gives you the ability to visit more remote sites that are located near larger towns like Farmagusta. For example, the excavated ruins of ancient Salamis are located just a short drive up the coast and include a Greek theater that seated as many as 20,000 people as well as many Roman structures and classical monuments.

Another outstanding site in Salamis is the 4th century Kampanopetra Basilica located at a spot near the harbor and overlooking the sea. The Basilica's elaborate floor pattern, consisting of 2,400 individual diamond shaped stones, is exquisite.

This important city of ancient Cyprus may have originally been settled by Greek colonists following the end of the Trojan War. Later, it was visited by Saint Paul during his first journey as a missionary.

With your North Cyprus car hire you can also visit the nearby ruins of Engomi, a powerful city that existed during the Bronze Age around the year 2,000 B.C. Treasures that have been recovered from the tombs found here have included gold and ivory as well as glass vases and rare pottery.

The settlement of Engomi is believed to have been abandoned around 1000 B.C. when an earthquake destroyed many of the buildings and the residents moved to the nearby town of Salamis.

Whether walking through the city of Farmagusta on foot or driving through the surrounding area in your North Cyprus hire car, the time spent in this fascinating town of ancient Cyprus may be the highlight of your trip to North Cyprus.

Are you travelling to North Cyprus with your family? If your answer is "yes" Please get information about North Cyprus first before you hire a car in North Cyprus

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ayse_Berkcan

Buy Cyprus Property, The Time's Now

Buy Cyprus Property, The Time's Now
By Adrian Jones

Those of you who have property for sale in Cyprus, we are sorry to inform you that in the "buy sell Cyprus" property market, the advantage is currently definitely in favour of the buyer.

Property prices are low now but, if economists are to be believed they are about to rocket, so buyers, hurry if you don't want to miss out on some fab bargains, book yourself some cheap flights and some cheap car hire, Cyprus is waiting for you to invest in a little piece of her.

The climate on the Island is wonderful for both young and old alike, the youngsters love it because of the constant sunshine, around 320 days each year, and the older generation thrive as the mild climate means those old aches and rheumy pains disappear. You can almost jump out of bed in the mornings.

Whether you want to buy or sell Cyprus property you will find that it definitely a buyers market at the moment, there are many looking to buy Cyprus property and many developers looking to sell., so the choice is vast. There are many developers offering great incentives if you buy their properties. Something for nothing, now who could ask for more?

You can find Cyprus property for sale almost anywhere on the Island, even in the mountains. There are some stunning little villages dotted all over the mountain region and some equally stunning Cyprus homes for sale.

You can choose from a huge villa, log cabins, old stone village houses or even renovation projects if you so wish, the choice is vast and the choice is yours.

Cyprus is often called the Island of love and fall in love with her you certainly will. She is hot, sassy, and very, very beautiful. She will enthrall you each time you explore her. She is full of surprises and hidden secrets and has a history that will amaze.

Why not log onto the internet and put in "buy or sell Cyprus property" and see what comes up, you will be astonished at some of the great bargains on offer. There is so much to choose from and the prices will leave you wondering how they can be so cheap.

If economists are to be believed (and they have been right so far), property prices are about to rocket so, in a year or twos' time you could be sitting on a goldmine if you invest wisely now.

Why not look at look at the buy or sell Cyprus property section and see if you would be wise in investing in two smaller properties and then wait for the prices to rise, you could sell one in a few years for much more than you paid, a nice little nest egg there!!

Whether you are looking to buy or sell Cyprus property, the current advantage is with the buyers. As we have already said if you want to grab a bargain before its too late, you will need to book yourself some cheap flights to Cyprus and take a look for yourself. Hurry though as would hate you to miss out on these bargains, prices are bound to rise shortly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Jones

Buy Cyprus Property, The Time's Now

Cyprus Larnaca Airport Car Hire - How to Rent a Car at Larnaca Airport

Cyprus Larnaca Airport Car Hire - How to Rent a Car at Larnaca Airport
By Michelle Elkins

Originally known as Khittim, Larnaca in the southeast of Cyprus is an ancient port which has embraced the modern to create an eclectic mix of old and new. Together with the nearby Blue Flag beaches, World Heritage Sites and Great Salt Lake, Larnaca has proved an irresistible draw for British tourists who regularly top the visitors' list.

Between 2007 and 2008 the number of holiday makers travelling to the country increased by 4.4 percent and seem set to grow this year despite the credit crunch, as this beatific isle continues to offer good value for money.

Of the two main Cyprus Airports, Larnaca International Airport is by far the most popular with approximately 5.5 million passengers passing through its' gates last year.

Transfer from Larnaca Airport is possible by bus, taxi or private transfers, although it is advisable to organise car hire at Larnaca Airport if you want to truly take advantage of everything this fascinating island has to offer.

The good thing is that unlike most other European destinations, Cypriots drive on the left and road signs are presented in both English and Greek so negotiating the new terrain should prove relatively simple. As Cyprus is not re-known for having the best public transportation system, getting around easily is only possible with private vehicles.

Therefore car hire is a necessity for those who want to really explore. The country makes up for the inadequacy in public transport however by having a fantastic road network with four lane motorways connecting to the major cities and well-maintained routes into smaller villages and towns. All roads are toll free and getting to well-loved towns such as Agia Napa, Protaras or Limassol by car takes just 45-60 minutes.

Alternatively a drive to the magical city of Paphos on the west coast with its coral reef and archaeological treasures is 1½ hours. There are 8 car rental firms with offices located in Larnaca Airport arrivals. The Larnaca Airport car hire companies are Astra, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Petsas, Sixt and Thrifty.

To drive in Cyprus, the age limit is 18 years but most rental firms set a higher age restriction. Very few hire to anyone under 21 years of age (or over 72 in some cases) and many will add a minimum age surcharge for those less than 25 years old.

Be very careful to check exactly what is included in the quoted price when you receive it. This is particularly true for insurance. Many companies will provide basic third party insurance in the quote but the excess is likely to be high.

It is practical to buy additional cover not only to bring this excess down but for personal accident insurance, additional damage waiver (for items such as tyres and windscreen) and theft protection waiver.

When driving in Cyprus there are certain regulations that should be adhered to in order to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage. Like the UK, seat belts are obligatory for everyone, while children under 5 must be strapped into an appropriate child car seat in the back of the car.

Over 5 years and it is feasible for kids to be sat in the front seat, provided a child's seat belt has been fitted. Mobile phones must not be used when driving, although hands-free units are permitted and horns should not be sounded between 22:00 and 06:00.

It is forbidden at any time, however, to do it near a hospital. One very important rule to note is that smoking in a vehicle whilst carrying a passenger under the age of 16 is forbidden.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Elkins

Cyprus Larnaca Airport Car Hire - How to Rent a Car at Larnaca Airport

Guide to Cyprus Car Hire

Guide to Cyprus Car Hire
By Christine Harrell

Because so much of Cyprus’s appeal is its natural beauty, traveling by car has long been the preferred method transportation for tourists. Many of the places travelers hope to visit in Cyprus aren’t accessible by public transportation, but are connected through well-paved, visitor friendly roads that wind though gorgeous Mediterranean scenery.

Finding the Best Car Hire Deal
When shopping for a rental car, it’s best to find an agency local to the area that offers rates and cars from 3-4 different rental companies. Local travel agencies know which car rental companies are most reputable and trustworthy in the area. By comparing several options for pricing and packages, you can find money-saving deals and make more educated decisions about the car you choose to hire.

Booking a Car for Hire in Cyprus
Car hire dealers often boast money saving discount packages via the Internet. To ensure that deals and reservations are valid once you arrive, book your car hire from a third party travel company within Cyprus who has first hand knowledge and direct access to the rental agencies.

Car Hire Age Requirements
To take a car for hire, a renter must be at least 21 years of age and have had a valid driver’s license in any country for at least 3 years. Those with children should reserve child safety seats online when booking their rentals.

Children under the age of 5 are required by law to ride in a safety seat. Cypress car hire agencies can also impose a maximum age for rental eligibility for those between 65 and 75 years of age.

Driving in Cyprus
Reminiscent of its rule by the British until 1960, Cyprus driving rules follow the guidelines of those in the UK. The steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle and driving is done on the left side of the road. Speed is measured in kilometers per hour with the maximum speed being about 100 km/h, or about 62 miles per hour.

Driver License
Visitors only need a valid driver’s license from their own country or an international driver’s license to hire and drive a car in Cyprus. The driver’s license must be valid for the same class of vehicle you wish to rent (such as a passenger car, motorcycle, etc).

Insurance
While many car insurance companies cover rental cars within the country where the policy is written, most insurance companies will not transfer the insurance coverage to a foreign country.

In Cyprus, third party liability is mandatory up to $78,000 US dollars. When leaving the country, it’s best to take insurance with the car hire package instead of guessing about various requirements or missing details with extended international coverage.

Parking in Cyprus Cities
You’ll be able to navigate your way around some of the larger cities such as Lananca, Paphos, and Nicosia, by foot. However, since most hotels are located away from the city and require that you drive in, it’s important to remember to bring change for parking meters.

Parking meters usually require one 20 cent coin per hour. Because of the low parking costs, choosing a car hire as opposed to a taxi or bus can be a smart choice economically when traveling around various cities in Cyprus.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Cyprus for its rich cultural landmarks or the gorgeous natural scenery, choosing a car hire for transportation is the preferred method among travelers. Finding the right Cyprus car hire deal can be simple and stress-free when you compare rates and packages through a local agency.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Harrell
Guide to Cyprus Car Hire

Discover Cyprus With Your Car Hire

Discover Cyprus With Your Car Hire
By Mairead Foley

It's not just stunning beaches and sunshine, there are endless possibilities for exploring and a long history and impressive architecture also form part of this amazing country.

Cyprus Car Hire Tip - Driving in Cyprus is easy and there are relatively few traffic problems. Cypriots drive on the left hand side and the road signs are also in English making it easy to navigate the island. All motorways are toll free.

Travelling between main towns is a possibility using public transport in Cyprus but if you really want to discover the real Cyprus the only way to get around is by car. Public transport is not reliable and won't let you experience the true lifestyle of the Cypriots.

Cyprus Car Hire Tip - The speed limit on motorways is 100km/hr, on regional roads it's 80km/hr and in built up areas it's 50km/hr.

Taking a tour of this breathtaking island by car will leave you with amazing memories. The 40km or so stretch between Larnaca and Agia Napa on the south coast of the island has the best beaches. For much of the journey you're overlooking Larnaca Bay. Larnaca is steeped in history and you'll find the Turkish Fort, Lazarus Church and Pierides Museum here.

Travel route A5 south from Larnaca to Limassol and follow the coastline to Paphos. Larnaca is a town with plenty of activity. There are lots of restaurants and lively pubs and a great nightlife as well as loads for the kids with a fun park, camel rides and karting.

Limassol is not as touristy as other parts of the island. It's more of a cosmopolitan town with lovely shops, busy markets and shopping centres. Limassol has great beaches and like Larnaca has a bustling nightlife.

The town of Paphos is situated on the coast of Cyprus. Here you can visit the Baths of Aphrodite, the Odeon Theatre, The tombs of the Kings and many museums. For the kids there is the Aphrodite Waterpark.

This waterpark is situated in the tourist area of Paphos and hosts the biggest family rafting ride in Europe. It's the ideal spot to stop if you have kids in tow and it's a great way to spend a day. There's just so much to do here - the kids young and old are guranteed to have a ball!

Cyprus Car Hire Tip - Children under 5 years must be strapped into a proper child car seat in the back of the car. Children aged between 5 and 10 can sit in the front passenger seat, provided a safety belt is worn.

Limassol is also a great base for visiting the Troodos Mountains. Travel deep into the countryside and explore the quaint little villages in the Troodos mountain area, which covers a large area of central Cyprus. Troodos is the largest mountain range in Cyprus. It's peak, Mount Olympus, stands at 1,952 metres tall. Some of the villages in this region well worth checking out include Louvaras, Palaichori, Kourdhali and Pelendri.

Cyprus Car Hire Tip - The drink-driving limit in Cyprus is 0.9 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood.

While driving around this area you'll stumble across numerous churches and monasteries and the beauty about having a car is that you can stop at whichever ones you like. One of the more famous monasteries is in Kykkos, about 20km west of Pedoulas - the holy Monastery of the Virgin of Kykkos.

Further north (from Paphos) and close to the town of Polis which overlooks the pretty Chrysochou Bay you'll find The Baths of Aphrodite. Legend has it that this is where aphrodite bathed. In historic times people thought that bathing here would aid their fertility.

You can travel north of Limassol to Nicosia (Lefkosia), the capital of Cyprus. Nicosia has an abundance of restaurants, pubs, a great nightlife and pedestrianised streets with lovely shops. There are lots of historic sites and it's surrounded by delightful villages.

If you're into golf there are two great courses on the island. Secret Valley is about 18km east of Paphos and 50km from Limassol, while the Donald Steel designed Tsada Golf Course is on the outskirst of Paphos.

The possiblilties are endless when you have your own transport!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mairead_Foley

Discover Cyprus With Your Car Hire

Car Rentals in Northern Cyprus

Car Rentals in Northern Cyprus
By Ozlem Canates

You can hire a car for a minimum of 3 days. The car can be delivered to Ercan Airport or to your house or hotel. Cars cannot be delivered to the South of the island, but a transfer from and to the airport can be arranged for you & then the hire car can be delivered to your chosen place in the North.

You need to be over 25 to hire a car and will need you driving licence and passport to complete the paperwork. You will then need to carry your driving licence and contract around with you. Petrol in North Cyprus is cheaper than in the UK, so site-seeing in your air-conditioned hire car is a must.

You could drive to Kyrenia area (Girne) to see around the harbour, Kyrenia Castle, Bellapais Abbey, St. Hilarian Castle or just walk around the city centre and have lunch or a drink while you're there.

The Famagusta (Maayusa) area has some great history. You could visit St. Barnabas Monastery, Salamis Ruins, the old city walls or the deepest harbour in North Cyprus. Or again you might like to see the town centre. There are also some lovely beaches surrounding Famagusta that you could relax on once you have seen some of the sites.

Nicosia (Lefkoaya) might appeal more to you. You've got the Old City and Kyrenia gate, Selimiye Mosque, Great inn, covered bazaar. The border has now been opened so that you can walk over to the South of the island. You'll see a difference between the North and South straight away.

On the North of the island the surrounding area is narrow cobbled streets, but as soon as you cross the border it's like any other high street. You even have Debenhams, McDonalds, Marks & Spencer, Peacocks, Next etc as well as the Greek shops.

The Karpaz Peninsula (Pan Handle) is very popular, although some people stay over night to break up the journey. There are miles of sandy beaches for you to enjoy and sometimes you are more likely to see donkeys around than people! Scattered around are ancient ruins, towns and tombs for you to explore.

The beaches in the Karpaz area are also popular with the endangered Chelonia Mydas and the Caretta Caretta turtles. Also around the Karpaz area are rural traditional Cypriot villages where the locals live off the land. They will all make you very welcome to their part of the island.

They are just the main towns/villages that you can easily visit if you have a car. Apart from them you can drive up into the mountains, the views are fantastic and the villages beautiful. Or follow one of the side turnings down to a secluded and undiscovered beach.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ozlem_Canates

Car Rentals in Northern Cyprus