The Republic of Cyprus is a popular resort destination in the Mediterranean. The island welcomes over two million tourists a year. It is a picturesque land of harmony and contrasts. Magnificent beaches, cozy bays, turquoise sea bays, forests and mountain ranges create a mesmerizing natural ensemble. In the small territory of Cyprus, there are many expressive architectural monuments, including Orthodox churches and monasteries, Gothic cathedrals and Byzantine churches, impregnable fortresses and luxurious palaces. Here, modern cities alternate with medieval villages and ancient settlements. One of the most acceptable options for traveling around the iconic places of the island is a car tour. For its implementation, tourists will have to decide what to see in Cyprus by car.
The advantages of car rental
Traveling with a rented car provides tourists with the opportunity to independently compose an exciting route and plan a memorable vacation program. Among the indisputable advantages of this method of spending a vacation, it is worth highlighting such advantages as mobility of movement, comfort, time saving and independence from the schedule of public transport.
The presence of the "iron horse" allows travelers in a short time to get acquainted with the main attractions of the republic, visit popular resort towns, relax on the best beaches and visit original mountain villages. To rent a car at a reasonable price, it is recommended to use the popular service Myrentacar.com. The aggregator site sorts the best offers from Cypriot car rental companies. Customers have the opportunity to pre-order a specific car, not a class, without deposits and deductibles.
Drivers should be aware of some of the specifics of driving on the roads of Cyprus. Left-hand traffic is accepted on the island. The driver will need to adapt to driving a right-hand drive car. It is better to take a car with an automatic transmission, since it will be unusual and rather unsafe to switch gears with the left hand. The driver will have to adapt to the change in the feeling of the car's dimensions.
It is important to remember that while driving (leaving the parking lot, driving along the lane, overtaking, changing lanes, etc.), the familiar space between the edge of the car and objects on the road is now on the left. Red numbers are installed on the rented vehicle, which guarantees the widespread loyalty of road users to autotourists. Enjoy driving around the island using the Cyprus on road navigator. You just need to enter the required coordinates of the points and the optimal route will be built.
Ayia Napa
One of the pearls of the coast of the island of Cyprus is the town of Ayia Napa, which stretches along the coast of the turquoise sea bay. It has turned from a distinctive fishing village into a popular resort destination, which is a must-see for independent travelers by car. Delightful wide white beaches, an abundance of all kinds of entertainment venues and a developed hotel base - all this attracts numerous holidaymakers from all over the world.
A huge number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs are ideal for those who love the active nightlife. We recommend touching the grandeur of the city's centuries-old history. In Ayia Napa, you can see the medieval monastery of the Virgin, built during the Venetian rule in Cyprus. On the territory of the monastery there are old chapels and olive trees. It is impossible to pass by the monastery square, where beautiful fountains are spread out.
Next to the monastery there is a new church of the Mother of God, where childless women come every day to pray to the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. The rock tombs of Makronisos are of interest. This archaeological site consists of tombs and shrines dating back to the Greco-Roman period. The educational program is presented by the Museum of Marine Life, the exhibits of which reflect the richness of the marine fauna. Tourists can have fun in the water park equipped with water attractions, artificial caves, fountains and bridges.
Cape Greco
On the southeastern part of the coast of the island is one of the most beautiful places in Cyprus - Cape Greco. You can get to this unique attraction by car in 15 minutes, if you follow the highway from Ayia Napa resort. The cape is a rocky coastal strip, 10 meters high. It is indented by numerous grottoes and karst caves, forming bizarre shapes. There are practically no shady areas here, since the wind constantly blows from the sea, sweeping away the fertile soil layer.
This corner of pristine nature amazes the eye with amazing landscapes. From here a picturesque sight opens when the blue of the sky merges with the endless emerald sea bay. Walking along narrow paths, tourists can look into the seaside caves and walk through arched bridges of natural origin. Stone decorations of the territory of the cape are carved by the forces of wind and sea waves, which gives the area a special appeal. On the edge of a rocky cliff, a snow-white Orthodox church with a blue roof was erected.
Lefkara
On the slopes of the Troodos mountain range lies the picturesque village of Lefkara, a visit to which will leave an indelible impression. A cozy and original settlement is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has carefully preserved its architectural appearance for several centuries. Cobbled narrow winding streets are lined with two-story old limestone houses with bright facades, flat roofs, colorful doors, carved balconies and wooden window shutters. The white stone pavement is strewn with colorful islets of flower greenhouses.
There is a leisurely way of life and a measured atmosphere steeped in rich cultural traditions. Lefkara is famous all over the world for the centuries-old lace weaving technique. In numerous craft shops, you can see how craftsmen create extraordinary hand-made works of art. Craftsmen are busy weaving lace ornaments from textiles and silver. While walking through the tranquil village, tourists will see several churches. The ancient temple of St. Stavros deserves attention. It contains a unique relic - a particle of the life-giving cross.
Stone of Aphrodite
A scenic road winding serpentine among the mountains between the cities of Limassol and Paphos will lead travelers to the iconic Cypriot landmark - the Stone of Aphrodite. The visitor will see a magnificent pebble strip with several huge rocks. You can park your car in a dedicated free car park next to the roadside restaurant. There is an underground passage between the wild beach and the car park.
The coast is mesmerizing with its pristine beauty. According to legend, the Greek goddess of love and beauty emerged from here from the depths of the sea. The stone named after Aphrodite rises right out of the water. One of the legends says that the one who swims around the boulder several times will gain eternal youth and good luck in love. The difficulty lies in the fact that unbridled waves regularly rage in the bay and the water is almost always cold due to strong underwater currents.
Pathos
At the southwestern tip of the island of Cyprus is the resort town of Paphos. Its mesmerizing appearance is formed by the Troodos hills, the Mediterranean coast, olive groves and orchards. Fishing harbors and narrow streets create a cozy atmosphere. A wealth of historical heritage dating back over 5,000 years has made Paphos an open-air museum. Architectural monuments of antiquity are included in the UNESCO list of world cultural values.
One of the main assets of the city is the impressive size of the archaeological park. Here you can see a huge number of unique mosaics discovered during archaeological excavations. Picturesque panels, created long before the beginning of our era, served as decorations for the interiors of ancient temples, institutions and mansions of wealthy citizens. Among the sights of Paphos, one should highlight the royal tombs, carved into the rock with columns of the Doric order.
The medieval fort is considered to be the hallmark of Paphos. The ancient fortress is a rectangular stone building with powerful walls and one tower. It will be interesting to see the surviving fragments of ancient shrines, buildings, fortresses and amphitheaters. Noteworthy is the Byzantine church of Ayia Kyriaki. Next to it is a two-meter fragment of St. Paul's column. According to legend, the great apostle preached in the Cypriot lands, for which he was tied to a stake and subjected to lashes.
Zigi village
On the Mediterranean coast, close to cities such as Larnaca, Nicosia and Limassol, is the village of Zigi. Tourists flock here not only for a quiet, measured rest on the cleanest beaches, but also for gastronomic pleasure. It is a popular fishing area with a lovely promenade and numerous taverns serving fresh seafood delicacies. The life of the village is serene and carefree.
The fresh breeze, the sound of the surf, the aromas of the salty sea fill the souls of the guests of this cozy corner with a special pacification. Boats, schooners, longboats and yachts are moored along the pier. Here every local resident is professionally engaged in fishing. Travelers have the opportunity to go on a boat trip under the guidance of an experienced fisherman and catch various marine life. The coastal waters of Zygi are ideal habitats for fish, octopus, squid and crabs.
Larnaca
The small port city of Larnaca is located on the flat western coast of the island. The hospitable resort invites vacationers to get acquainted with its centuries-old history. Here you can feel the breath of antiquity and appreciate the magnificent natural landscapes. The hallmark of Larnaca is the embankment, lined with slender rows of date palms. Sandy beaches, hotels, souvenir shops, shops and restaurants line the crowded pedestrian boulevard. From here, a wonderful view of the seascapes and yachts moored in the coastal waters opens up.
Tourists strolling along the main street of the city in the shade of tropical trees will come to the ancient fortress of the XIV century. Curious travelers are advised to visit the Archaeological Museum, where unique artifacts of ancient civilizations are collected. Larnaca's most iconic landmark is the Church of Saint Lazarus. A beautiful monument of Byzantine architecture of the 9th century is rectangular in plan with an apse, domes and a bell tower. The interior of the temple is decorated with frescoes, bas-reliefs and a magnificent carved iconostasis.
Nicosia
The unique city of Nicosia is the capital of both the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. The settlement with a thousand-year history occupies the central flat part of the island between the Troodos and Kyrenia mountain ranges. A trip to Nicosia is ideal for those tourists who want to diversify their beach holidays and enrich themselves with the cultural values of two different civilizations. Since 1974, the Greek and Turkish territories have been separated by the UN Green Line.
In order to get acquainted with the administrative, economic and political center of Cyprus, a car is not required. The main attractions are concentrated in the Old Town, surrounded by a Venetian fortress wall. A walk through the districts and quarters will bring a lot of positive impressions. Deeper into the intricacies of narrow cobbled streets, tourists will see monasteries, Orthodox churches, Muslim mosques, palaces and old houses with interesting facades.
The outwardly ascetic appearance of the main cathedral of St. John the Theologian contrasts sharply with its interior decoration, magnificently decorated with colorful paintings. In numerous Orthodox shrines, century-old frescoes and iconostases have been preserved. The palace complex of the Archbishop deserves attention, the facade of which is decorated with high arches and elegant stucco molding.
Troodos
The green pearl of Cyprus is the Troodos mountain range. It is an internationally recognized nature reserve with its own unique ecosystem. It attracts numerous tourists with its delightful landscapes, Christian shrines and picturesque villages where you can enjoy contemplative relaxation and majestic tranquility. A trip to the Troodos mountainous region guarantees car travelers a lot of positive emotions. The fascinating route runs along a narrow, winding road with steep descents and ascents.
The slopes of Troodos are covered with an evergreen fragrant forest blanket. More than a hundred species of plants grow here, including pines, cypresses, junipers, oaks and various outlandish trees. Valleys of rivers and waterfalls form a mesmerizing natural ensemble. Picturesque mountain villages, which have their own unique image, are of great interest. They are known for their developed agriculture, folk crafts and architectural sights. In cozy settlements, tourists will see a considerable number of stone buildings, ancient ruins and Byzantine churches with ancient and miraculous icons.
Platres
The popular village of Platres is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. It occupies the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range. The village is literally immersed in the greenery of a pine forest and dense bushes. Guests and residents of Cyprus come here to relax from the sweltering heat of the coastal regions and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery.
Leaving the car in the free parking lot, tourists will have an interesting and informative walk. Tidy red brick houses, souvenir shops, pastry shops and craft workshops line the narrow streets. Many structures are built on rocky cliffs below road level. At first glance, they seem to be one-level, but in fact, the subsequent floors go downhill.
The visiting card of the village is the chocolate factory, where the highest quality chocolate is produced. Visitors are offered the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the production of sweet products. Some of the delicacies are plated with gold leaf. On a forest path leading from Platres, tourists can walk to waterfalls and a stream with the purest spring water. It is recommended to walk to the trout farm and see how the river mouth serves as a breeding and habitat for valuable fish.
Mount Olympus
The highest point of the island of Cyprus is Mount Olympos. Its height reaches 1,952 meters. This is a favorite place for hikers. You can leave your car in the parking lot and continue on foot.An extensive network of tourist roads with a length of up to 14 kilometers has been laid on the slopes of the mountain.
A scenic ascent runs through pine and cedar groves. The air is saturated with a coniferous aroma, silence and tranquility reign everywhere. Ascending, a breathtaking panorama of the sea, lush forests and nearby villages opens up. It is not possible to climb to the very top of Olympos, since there is a military base and a radar of the British armed forces on it.
Kykkos monastery
It is worth including a visit to the Kykkos Monastery in the program of an independent autotravel through the cult places of the Troodos mountain range. Lavra is located at an altitude of 1,150 meters above sea level, surrounded by majestic hills and lush green trees. To get to this Orthodox shrine, you need to overcome the path along the mountain serpentine with coniferous trees. Various stone structures were erected on the territory of the monastery, including the main temple, a bell tower, utility buildings, a cell, the abbot's house, a library, a museum and a refectory.
In the center is a paved courtyard with a well. The buildings are connected by arched galleries. The interiors of the monastery premises, internal walls and corridors of buildings are decorated with colorful mosaics and frescoes illustrating various biblical scenes. Delight is caused by the amazing wall and ceiling paintings of the interior decoration of the temple. The Kykkos monastery contains unique sacred relics: miraculous icons, relics, a rare collection of manuscripts and other Christian artifacts.
Famagusta
The large port city of Famagusta is located in Northern Cyprus. Its history goes back over 2,000 years. In the second half of the XX century, Famagusta was a fashionable resort place with first-class hotels and a developed tourist infrastructure. The 1974 Turkish invasion left a deep wound in the fate of the city. Famagusta has buffer zones controlled by UN troops and the Turkish military.
The once prestigious quarter of Varosh has become a ghostly area with abandoned and dilapidated multi-storey buildings. Today, the city is gradually returning to its former tourist glory, as evidenced by the availability of modern hotels and entertainment for every taste. It is important to know that when entering the territory of Northern Cyprus in a rented car, you will need to take out special insurance. Despite the complex historical twists and turns, this settlement of Northern Cyprus attracts guests with numerous cultural and architectural attractions.
Of interest is the Old Town, surrounded by a majestic Venetian fortress wall. It is literally an open-air museum, where tourists are guaranteed to get aesthetic pleasure from walking along medieval narrow streets, intertwined with an intricate labyrinth. Gothic cathedrals are delightful, the facades of which are decorated with stone lace patterns, slender rows of columns and various openwork decorative elements. Among the architectural monuments, the Castello citadel stands out, which is a quadrangular structure with towering round towers at the corners. The city has preserved many ancient buildings and houses, as well as the ruins of temples.
Kantara castle
Among the peaks of the mountain ranges of the coast of Northern Cyprus at an altitude of 630 meters above sea level rises the dilapidated medieval castle of Kantara. The first evidence of this architectural landmark dates back to 1191, when the island of Cyprus was conquered by the legendary English king Richard the Lionheart.
The favorable strategic position of the fortress allowed the garrison to control the surrounding woodland, sea area and important mountain passages. There is a small car park at the foot of the castle. To explore the ancient citadel, tourists need to climb the steps carved into the rock. The Kantara fortress is a multi-level fortification, fortified with massive round and multifaceted towers.
The impressive thickness of the stone walls still amaze with their powerful and unapproachable appearance. Visitors are offered the opportunity to see the surviving spacious castle halls: barracks with vaulted ceilings, storage and utility rooms, stables. From a bird's eye view, an amazing panorama of the bay and the Karpas peninsula opens. The unique combination of pristine nature with the blue sea surface makes an unforgettable experience of visiting the castle.
Kyrenia
Kyrenia resort is a popular holiday destination in Northern Cyprus. The city is located at the foot of the mountain range of the same name on the Mediterranean coast. It attracts its guests with architectural sights and magnificent beaches. It is forbidden to erect buildings higher than five floors here. Hotels, supermarkets, bars, restaurants for every taste and budget will satisfy the needs of even the most fastidious vacationers. Leaving the car in the parking lot, independent tourists can walk around all the iconic places.
The dominant feature of the city is a fortress with massive walls and bastions. Inside the fort is a shipwreck museum and a torture room. A horseshoe-shaped bay originates from the fortress, along the coast of which a cozy and beautiful embankment is laid. The harbor is filled with yachts, boats and fishing boats. Many historic houses of the Venetian style of architecture have been preserved in the old quarter. The bell tower of the snow-white temple of the Archangel Michael rises above the city.
Bellapais Abbey
Bellapais Abbey is a dilapidated, but no less expressive example of medieval Gothic architecture in Northern Cyprus. It is an atmospheric and scenic architectural landmark that is highly recommended for independent travelers. The Bellapais monastery complex dates back to the middle of the 13th century. It crowns a steep cliff of the village of the same name, located a few minutes from Kerinia.
The abbey gained fame as a pilgrimage site after the crusader Roger Norman presented him as a donation with a particle of the Life-giving Cross brought from Jerusalem. Today, among the majestic buildings of the monastery, erected from light shell rock, only a few buildings have survived. In the temple you can see the surviving elements of the interiors: the remains of wall paintings, high vaults, an iconostasis and a carved pulpit. The refectory hall is famous for its perfect acoustics.
Its length is 27 meters, and the vaulted ceilings soar 38 meters high. Noteworthy is the inner courtyard of the abbey, framed by an arched gallery. Gothic vaults, multifaceted columns and two stone sarcophagi-washstands are amazingly combined with a green and fragrant area. Visitors can take a walk along the ancient walls and cells to feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Karpas
The Karpas Peninsula is a natural gem of Northern Cyprus, a national reserve with golden beaches stretching for many kilometers in a narrow and long strip. Endless low hills covered with emerald green conifers and olive trees alternate with magnificent sandy wild coasts.
The turquoise gulf of the Mediterranean Sea amazes with the cleanliness and crystal transparency of the waters. A truly measured and calm atmosphere reigns here. You can get to Karpas by a narrow road from Kyrenia in two hours. The pristine land is not particularly burdened with a developed first-class infrastructure.The lack of numerous hotels and entertainment complexes is more than compensated for by recreation in the bosom of the wild. On the way, car travelers will meet picturesque villages, sites with archaeological excavations and ancient Christian temples.
On the steep rocky coast of the peninsula is the monastery of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called. It is a modest stone monastery with a holy spring. A visit to the monastery church leaves a blessed impression. Noteworthy is the three-tiered iconostasis, decorated with elegant wooden carvings and gilding.
