Car Rental in Paphos

Where to drive

• Explore the Akamas Peninsula: Drive to Latchi (≈45 km, 50 min) for boat trips to the Blue Lagoon or hike the Aphrodite Trail, experiencing rugged natural beauty.
• Visit the Troodos Mountains: Head inland to villages like Omodos or Platres (≈70 km, 1 hr 15 min), enjoying cooler climates, vineyards, and traditional Cypriot charm.
• Discover Ancient Kourion: A scenic drive along the coast (≈50 km, 45 min) leads to this impressive Greco-Roman archaeological site with stunning sea views and mosaics.
• Relax at Coral Bay: Just a short drive north of Paphos (≈15 km, 20 min), this popular sandy beach offers clear waters and family-friendly amenities.
• Journey to Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou): An iconic landmark and birthplace of Aphrodite, located east of Paphos (≈25 km, 30 min) perfect for a scenic stop and photos.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Cyprus, you will typically need a valid driving licence held for at least one year, a passport or national ID card, and a major credit card in the main driver's name. If your driving licence is not in English or a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended or may be required. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Paphos vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 10-15 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium models might range from 40 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Peak summer months see prices increase substantially across all categories.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Cyprus, driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside urban areas, and 100 km/h on motorways. The legal blood alcohol limit is very low (0.22 mg per 100 ml of breath). Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 5 must use appropriate child seats. Headlights are not required during the day unless visibility is poor.

Parking

In Paphos, parking in the city centre often involves paid parking zones, usually indicated by signs and parking meters. You can typically pay with coins or sometimes through mobile apps. Free parking can be found further away from the main tourist areas or at larger establishments like supermarkets and hotels. Always check signs carefully to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Petrol stations are widely available across Paphos and along main routes. Fuel types are primarily unleaded petrol (95 or 98 octane) and diesel. Prices are regulated and tend to be similar across stations, typically paid in Euros. Most stations accept card payments, but it's always wise to have some cash, especially in more rural areas or for unmanned stations outside operating hours.

Which car to choose

For most travellers exploring Paphos and its immediate surroundings, an economy or compact car is sufficient. These are easy to manoeuvre on narrow city streets and economical for fuel. If you plan to venture into the Troodos Mountains or explore more rugged areas like the Akamas Peninsula (where some roads are unpaved), an SUV with higher ground clearance would be a more comfortable and practical choice. Automatic transmission cars are readily available and often preferred by visitors unfamiliar with manual shifting on the left side of the road.

Frequently asked questions