Driving in Cyprus is the best way to get to know the island, including its hidden corners. They drive on the left, but you get used to it quickly – thanks to good signage, red number plates on hire cars and friendly local drivers, driving in Cyprus is easy for tourists too.
Planning to explore South Cyprus by car? Great choice! By car you can easily reach the less accessible corners of the island, where picturesque villages, deserted beaches and breathtaking views await you.
The first thing that surprises many travellers from continental Europe is driving on the left – in both the south and the north of the island. It is a remnant of the time when Cyprus was a British colony until 1960. The British also left behind type G sockets (the same as in the UK) and clear road signs, which in the south are in Greek and English.
This article is about South Cyprus. We write about crossing to the north in the article Travelling between South and North Cyprus, and you will find the differences between the two parts in the comparison South or North Cyprus?
Buses and other ways of getting around the island are described on the official Cyprus tourism website.
On the left, in both the south and the north of the island
50 km/h in towns, 80 outside towns, 100 on motorways
A UK driving licence is valid; an international one is not needed
Clear, in Greek and English
If you are not used to driving on the left, you may feel a little unsure for the first few minutes. That is why hire cars have red number plates. Locals can tell straight away that a tourist is at the wheel and tend to be more forgiving of small slips.
Other drivers can spot you more easily and often give you more space. It is not an official rule, but the driving culture in Cyprus is generally accommodating and patient, which greatly reduces the stress of driving somewhere unfamiliar.
Your brain adapts to driving on the left very quickly – usually after the first slightly uncertain drive. When you get back home, you will keep heading for the passenger seat for a while 🙂
If you drive in the UK, the rules will feel familiar. This is worth knowing before your first drive:
Roundabouts are driven clockwise, and cars on the roundabout have priority.
Seat belts are compulsory for everyone – in the front and the back.
Mobile phones only hands-free while driving.
Children must sit in a car seat suitable for their age and height, and children under 5 must not sit in the front.
Speed is monitored by cameras, and there are more and more of them.
Alcohol: the limit is 0.5 ‰, 0.2 ‰ for drivers with less than 3 years’ experience – best not to drink at all.
Hiring a car in Cyprus is easy, and with it you can really get to know the island. The roads are in very good condition, the signage is good and you will find petrol stations even in the countryside. Rental prices are affordable and competitive.
In high season cars are in great demand, so I recommend booking in advance – and if you are travelling with children, book a child seat at the same time.
Most hire companies in the south have no collision damage cover for the north. At the border you can only buy compulsory third-party insurance, so you would pay for any damage to the car yourself. Always check the conditions in advance.
Petrol and diesel prices, the nearest filling stations and live traffic information – road closures, accidents and other restrictions – are shown in the GasBu app.
With a car you have the whole south of the island at your fingertips. Three trips that are hard to do without a car:
Mountain villages, Kykkos Monastery and waterfalls. The roads are beautiful but winding – allow more time.
The wild coast in the west of the island with the Baths of Aphrodite and the Blue Lagoon. On dirt roads only with a car the hire company allows there.
Rocks, sea caves and turquoise water between Ayia Napa and Protaras. An ideal stop on a drive along the coast.
People who hire a car in Cyprus often travel independently. Direct flights go to Larnaca and Paphos, and you can choose your accommodation according to where you want to drive. If you would rather go on a package holiday and hire a car for just a few days, tour operators’ holidays will do the job.
Yes, on the whole island – in both the south and the north. It is a remnant of the time when Cyprus was a British colony (until 1960). Roundabouts are therefore driven clockwise.
No, a UK driving licence is valid in Cyprus. Hire companies, however, often require a minimum age and several years’ driving experience – check the conditions when you book.
50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside towns and 100 km/h on motorways, unless signs say otherwise. There are more and more speed cameras.
So that other drivers know a tourist is driving who may not be used to driving on the left. Locals tend to be more forgiving and give more space.
Most hire companies in the south have no collision damage cover for the north. At the border you can only buy compulsory third-party insurance, so you would pay for any damage to the car yourself. Always check the conditions with the hire company.
Travelling around Cyprus by car is comfortable and adventurous and gives you the freedom to discover the island at your own pace. Don’t let driving on the left put you off – the experience is definitely worth it.
