-DRIVING IN CYPRUS

Traffic moves on the left, and international Highway Code applies. Direction signs are in Greek and English. Distances are marked in kilometres. Modern highways link the major towns of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, with surfaced roads linking all other towns and villages. Two International Airports located in the towns of Larnaca and Paphos service Cyprus.

Larnaca International Airport is 5km from Larnaca town, 49km from Nicosia, 70km from Limassol, 46km from Ayia Napa and 139km from Paphos.

Paphos International Airport 15km east of Paphos town, 63km from Limassol, 129km from Larnaca, 50km from Polis and 146km from Nicosia.

The following speed limits apply unless otherwise stated: 100kph (highways), 60kph (all other roads), 50kph (towns and residential areas). Police traffic patrol units operate on the highways, and traffic wardens in the major towns. Rush hours in the towns are between 07:30 - 08:00, 13:00 - 13:30, 17:00 - 18:00 in winter and 18:00 - 19:00 in summer.

The use of seat belts is compulsory and children younger than 12 years should not travel in the front seats. The renter of the vehicle is responsible to pay parking and traffic fines.

Drinking and driving laws are similar to those in the UK and are enforced. If you have an accident whilst under the influence of alcohol you may be fully responsible for any damage caused and could be jailed immediately.

A national or international driver's license, valid for one year, is acceptable. When you are driving, you must have with you in the car your driving license, and cars hire insurance papers. In case of breakdown or accident please call our 24hrs emergency number (00357) 99195088.

Most petrol stations are closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, all day Sunday and on public holidays. However, 24hour stations with petrol vending machines, accepting bank notes and credit cards are available.

Pre hire Checklist

Tyres: Ask for another car if you find bald patches in the tread, or cuts or bulges in the sidewalls. If any of the tyres appears to be flat, ask for the pressures to be checked.

Bodywork: Point out to the rep any dents, scratches, or damage to the interior, and have it recorded on the contract to be sure you are not charged on returning the car.

Washers and Wipers: Check that any windscreen washers and wipers work, and remember to try out the washer's jets to make sure that they hit the windscreen.

Seat belts: Check all belts fit comfortably and click securely into the catches. Tug sharply on inertia belts to check they lock.

Controls: Ask us to demonstrate any controls on the car that you are unfamiliar with.

Spare tyre: Ask us show you where the spare tyre and jack are kept and demand a replacement if any of the tyres are bald, cut, or bulging.

Lights: Ask someone to stand outside the car to confirm that the sidelights, dipped and main beams, indicators, brake and reversing lights all work.

Brakes: Try out the brakes by having a test run round the car park or block before setting off any further. Check that the brakes don’t pull to one side.

Contact number: Make sure that you have a contact number in case of any mechanical problems with the car, or in case of an accident or other emergency.