Our Holiday Guide: Exploring Cyprus by Car
Looking to venture further than the Spanish islands this year? The unsung hero of European travel destinations, Cyprus might be just the place you’re looking for.
We’re talking white sand and pristine waters for the beach-lover, World Heritage sites for the history-enthusiast, and delicious, exotic cuisine for the foodies. Of course, the additional all-year-round summer temperatures, thriving nightlife and laidback lifestyle go without saying. With this said, we don’t blame you if you’re already searching for those direct flights from the UK. What’s more, to make things even more appealing, Auto Europe offer their affordable, straightforward car rental services so you can explore the island’s 3,500 square miles of diverse, natural beauty, at ease.
Ready to discover everything this beautiful spot has to offer? Here’s our guide to make the most out of your trip.
The Must-Sees
With Auto Europe’s car rental servces in Cyprus, you won’t have to find yourself trekking to the airports to retrieve your mode of transport. You have the option to pick up your car rental in any major city around the island, making that transition into holiday-mode a breeze. So, where to first?
As we’ve established, Cyprus goes beyond your average party island or seaside break. This soon becomes apparent with easy access to the World Heritage sites, charming coastal towns, medieval castles and even skiing slopes during the winter.
The southern part of the island features the major centre of Paphos in the south-west. Here, you’ll find one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus. Of course, we’re talking about The Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos. With sites and monuments to see from the 4th century BC, the Middle Ages, and the Roman period, this awe-inspiring complex is bound to impress.
After a short drive of one and a half hours, you’ll reach the south-east where you’ll find a lively and charming coastal city called Larnaca. Perfect for slow strolls and a tasty meals with a sea view, this architectural gem deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Located in the middle of these two cities is Limassol, a unique spot that welcomes visitors with the Kebir Mosque and a Medieval Castle. During the winter, you can even hit the snowy slopes of Mount Olympus. Did somebody say après ski?
Hidden gems
Thanks to the highly acclaimed services of Auto Europe in Cyprus, you can also venture beyond the typical tourist destinations and discover the best of rural Cyprus, from astounding religious landmarks to the traditional villages.
One of these hidden gems is Troodos Square. This charming area has something for everyone- there are playgrounds for the children, Alpine bars and restaurants for the parents, nature trails for the adventurists and charming markets for the shoppers. The mountainous scenery and laidback lifestyle make this destination a must on our list.
Another hidden gem is the Salt Lake near Larnaca. If you’re lucky enough to be in the vicinity between November and March, you can catch the rare opportunity of watching flocks of flamingos gather to feed on the shrimp!
Best Beaches
Finally, we have Cyprus’ blue flag beaches. From soft white sand and turquoise waters to nature reserve shorefronts, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to catching some rays by the sea.
Some of our favourites include the beautifully untouched Golden Beach that trails along the tip of the north of the island, the family friendly Konnos Beach where watersports and ample sun-loungers keep everyone happy, and finally, the Algadi Turtle Beach, where you can watch the turtles make their way across the sand. Have fun with latchi watersports and boat rental cyprus with family and friends!
As a relatively small island, Cyprus makes for the perfect holiday destination to cover by car. In the morning, enjoy a traditional Turkish pastry for breakfast whilst strolling the waterfront in Girne, North Cyprus. After just a short 2–3-hour road trip, you can find yourself breathing in the fresh air from the Mediterranean Sea-breeze in the south. With ample things to do and see, we’d recommend you go the extra mile this year and explore all that Cyprus has to offer.