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Cyprus
A former British colony, Cyprus received independence in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," but it is recognized only by Turkey. The latest two-year round of UN-brokered direct talks - between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to reach an agreement to reunite the divided island - ended when the Greek Cypriots rejected the UN unity plan in an April 2004 referendum. Although only the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot-controlled "Republic of Cyprus" joined the EU on 1 May 2004, every Cypriot carrying a Cyprus passport will have the status of a European citizen. However, Nicosia continues to oppose EU efforts to establish direct trade and economic links to northern Cyprus as a way of rewarding the Turkish Cypriot community for voting in favor of the UN unity plan.
Towns in Cyprus (click town name for more information)
Driving Advice in Cyprus
Driving in Cyprus - some useful information:
Driving in Cyprus is by far the best way to get around the Island. Whereas most of the countries of Europe use left-hand-drive vehicles and drive on the right side of the road in Cyprus they use right-hand-drive vehicles and drive on the left side of the road as in the United Kingdom.
The minimum age of a driver is 18 years. Children must be at least 6 years of age to sit in a front seat. The use of seat belts is compulsory for front-seat passengers and children between the ages of 6 and 10 may only occupy the front seat if a child's seat belt is fitted.
Speed limits are generally as follows: 50 kph in built-up areas, 80100 kph outside built-up areas. Distances and speed limits are posted in both kph and mph.
Headlights are required to be on half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise. Use of the horn is discouraged, especially between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and near hospitals at all times.
Equipment
You must carry two warning triangles in your vehicle.
Fuel
Fuel is available 24 hours in larger towns. It is illegal to carry spare fuel.
Most of the roads linking villages and places of interest are classed as fairly good. Motorways link all major towns with Nicosia. Minor roads such as in forestry areas are usually not surfaced but are considered to be in fairly good condition and passable for most of the year. Use minor roads with special care.
Driving Licence
Drivers visiting Cyprus can drive using a valid International driving licence or their national driving licence provided it is valid for the class of vehicle being used.
Parking facilities are many and usually well positioned in most major resorts.
On the Road
Traffic drives on the left hand side of the road in Cyprus.
International Traffic signs are displayed along the roads as per European standard. They are in English.
Sun Glare. The sun is very intense and it is recommended that all drivers use quality sunglasses, even when the sun is not bright.
Drinking and driving is illegal and frowned upon in Cyprus.
Accidents
If you are involved in an accident you must not move your vehicle until the police have arrived. If you do move your car you will be blamed for the accident regardless.
When visiting Cyprus drive with extra care, Greek drivers are known to be impatient. Drivers from most countries usually drive on the right so beware of driver error as they try to drive on the right.
We offer car hire in the following locations in Cyprus
Ayia Napa, Larnaca Airport (LCA), Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos Airport (PFO), Paphos, Polis/Latsi, Protaras and other locations.
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