Compare car hire in Cyprus 

Whether you fly into Larnaca International Airport (LCA) or Paphos International Airport (PFO), there are plenty of car hire brands, such as Hertz, Avis and Sixt, offering great deals on Cyprus car rental.

Cyprus's main international airport is located in Larnaca, a popular port city on the island's southeast coast.Picking up a car from Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is a popular option, and it's just a 15-minute drive north around the Larnaca Salt Lake to reach the city centre. The airport is also a good gateway for other large resort towns - Limassol and Nicosia are about 45 minutes' drive away, while Paphos is around 90 minutes.

If you're flying into Paphos Airport (PFO), you'll also find several car hire companies there. It's a 20-minute drive from the airport to the popular resort of Paphos.

If you don't want to pick up at the airport, it's also possible to hire cars within most large resorts - several brands have locations in the likes of Limassol, Ayia Napa and Nicosia.

The desks of all the main car hire companies based at Larnaca International Airport are located in the Arrivals Hall, with pick-up points a short walk away in adjoining car parks. It's worth noting that many car hire companies will charge you a considerable fee for picking up and dropping off your car at different locations. Stick to one location to get the best deal.

Car rental companies with desks at Larnaca Airport include:

• Avis/ Budget (Tel: +357 24 008707)
• Hertz (Tel: +357 24 008692)
• Europcar (Tel: +357 24 008686)
• Sixt (Tel: +357 25 257724)
• Astra (Tel: +357 22 558120)
• Thrifty (Tel: +357 24 643350)

Car rental companies with desks at Paphos Airport include:

• Avis (Tel: +357 24205666)
• Hertz (Tel: +357 26 933985)
• Sixt (Tel: +357 25 312345)

Cyprus is a relatively small island but doesn’t have a great transport network, so if you want to see as much as you can on your trip you'll need to drive.

The country’s driving rules are very similar to the UK with driving on the left and road signs in English. Most of the main roads are in good condition with motorways linking the larger towns. If you travel to smaller villages or drive around rural North Cyprus you'll find the quality deteriorates, with some unpaved, winding and narrow roads to negotiate.

Parking is informal and easy to come by in Cyprus – locals tend to park anywhere there’s space. Bigger towns and cities may have parking meters where tickets are usually issued for an entire day.

Traffic in Cyprus is generally quiet unless you’re driving during peak times. These tend to be on weekdays from 7am to 9am and from 4pm to 5pm. In more rural areas and on some of the motorway stretches you won't see another car for miles.

Kyrenia Castle

Driving time: One hour 30 minutes

Located across the border and on the north coast of Cyprus, Kyrenia Castle is an impressive Venetian built fortress that overlooks a pretty harbour. It was built in the 16th century over an existing Crusader fort, and is worth a visit for its history, views and fascinating Shipwreck Museum.

Limassol’s archaeological attractions

Driving time: 50 minutes

Limassol is a popular town located down the coast from Larnaca. While the town itself has plenty to offer, its surrounding attractions include some superb archaeological sites. Two of the best are ancient Amathus, a 3,000-year-old ruined city, and Kolossi Castle, a 15th-century Crusader stronghold.

Omodos wine village

Driving time: One hour 30 minutes

The countryside of Cyprus is dotted with picturesque wine villages, and Omodos, nestled on the slopes of the Troodos Mountains just north of Limassol, is one of the best. Wander through its cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings, and pop into some of the countless wine shops for a taste of the local produce.

1. Drink driving laws are strictly enforced. The legal alcohol limit when driving is lower in Cyprus than in the UK so it's best not to drink at all before getting behind the wheel. Random breath tests aren't unheard of, especially in busier areas.
   
   
2. Be wary of acknowledging other drivers and pedestrians with an outward palm. This gesture may be taken as offensive by some locals, especially Greek Cypriots.
   
   
3. Remember to purchase extra insurance if you want to drive to North Cyprus. Many Cypriot rental car companies won't offer insurance that covers the northern side of the island, so you'll need to purchase it at the border if you decide to make a trip to that region.
   

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.