W Strone Slonca – Towards the sun

Cyprus is one of those places that looks small on a map but feels huge when you actually start exploring. When I first arrived, I thought, Eh, I’ll just use buses and taxis — it’ll be fine. It was not fine.

After one too many long waits at bus stops, overpriced taxi rides, and the sheer frustration of trying to get anywhere without a car, I decided to rent one. And honestly? It was the best decision of my trip.

So, if you’re thinking of renting a car in Cyprus, here’s everything you need to know to avoid the rookie mistakes I made — and why having your own wheels will completely change your experience on the island.

Why Renting a Car in Cyprus is a Game Changer

Cyprus has some amazing sights, but most of them are nowhere near a bus stop. The best beaches, the prettiest villages, the most epic mountain views? They’re all much easier to reach by car.

When I rented my car, suddenly everything became so much simpler. No more waiting for buses in the heat, no more rushing to catch the last one back. I could go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted.

Want to catch the sunrise at Cape Greco? Go for it.
Want to explore Troodos without a tour group breathing down your neck? Easy.
Want to find a tiny, family-run taverna in the middle of nowhere? Done.

Basically, renting a car in Cyprus… ultimate freedom.

But Wait — They Drive on the LEFT?!

Yes, Cyprus drives on the left side of the road. And yes, if you’re from a right-side-driving country, this might feel completely unnatural at first.

I won’t lie — the first few hours were terrifying. My brain was screaming, “YOU’RE ON THE WRONG SIDE!” every time I turned a corner. And roundabouts? Pure chaos at first.

But honestly? You get used to it quickly. The key is taking it slow at the beginning and reminding yourself left, left, left until it feels natural.

By day two, I was handling the roads like a pro — and actually enjoying it!

The “Hidden” Costs You Need to Watch Out For

This is where things get tricky. Not all car rental companies in Cyprus are honest — some advertise super cheap prices, but later, they hit you with hidden fees.

What you need to check before renting?

Insurance – Many companies advertise “full insurance,” but in reality, there is no such thing as 100% coverage. Insurance only cover up to 80%, meaning that if you’re responsible for an accident, you’ll have to pay the remaining 20% out of your own pocket. Always ask for details!

Deposit and credit card hold (BEWARE OF TRAPS!) – Some companies block hundreds of euros on your credit card, while others don’t require a deposit at all. Sounds harmless? This could be the biggest trap!

Once, I rented a car from a company that put a hold on my credit card. I returned the car in perfect condition, signed all the paperwork, and thought everything was settled. Two weeks after returning the car, I received a notification that they had charged my card €250 for “damage” they had suddenly “discovered” long after I had returned the car.

At that point, I had no way to fight back — the car was long gone, there was no evidence, and the company knew that disputing this from abroad would be nearly impossible. Moral of the story? If the company requires a credit card hold, make sure you have written confirmation of exactly what conditions allow them to charge you.

Can you drive to Northern Cyprus? – Some rental companies strictly forbid crossing the border into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Those that allow it do not cover this part of the island with insurance. If anything happens in Northern Cyprus — you are fully responsible for repairs, transport, towing, and any other costs.

Off-road driving is NOT allowed! – I’ve seen so many tourists get fined for driving regular rental cars into Akamas National Park. If the road looks like something out of a Jeep commercial, turn around unless you want to pay a huge fine!

Minimum driver’s age – Each company has different rules for the minimum age to rent a car. Some allow rentals from 21, others 25, and some even charge extra fees for young drivers. The last thing you want is to show up at the rental counter, only to find out you’re not allowed to drive!

Parking Nightmares? Not Really!

I was fully prepared for parking to be a disaster, but surprisingly? It wasn’t bad at all!

In cities like Limassol and Nicosia, there are plenty of paid parking lots where you can leave your car for just a few euros. In smaller villages, you can usually park for free.

The only place where parking felt like a competitive sport was Paphos Harbour— but even there, if you arrive early, you’ll be fine.

Fuel Prices & Road Conditions

The good news? Fuel prices in Cyprus aren’t too bad compared to the rest of Europe. The bad news? Gas stations don’t always have attendants to help you.

Also, be prepared for some… interesting roads. Most highways are smooth and modern, but once you head into mountain villages, you’ll start questioning if your car’s suspension will survive. (Pro tip: Avoid potholes at all costs.)

Should You Rent a Car in Cyprus?

If you love freedom and exploring hidden spots — YES.
If you want to visit places without relying on slow public transport — YES.
If you’re okay with driving on the left and navigating a few tricky roads — ABSOLUTELY YES!

Would I rent a car in Cyprus again? Without a doubt. In fact, I don’t think I’d visit Cyprus again without renting one!

Have you ever driven in Cyprus? Did it take you a while to get used to the left-side driving? Let me know in the comments!