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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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