The website devoted to Cypriot archaeology
For getting around Cyprus the car is the ideal method of transport, allowing you to visit those sites that are off the normal tourist routes. In Cyprus you drive on the left and a valid international licence or one from you own country is required. It is usually possible to arrange with the larger companies to pick cars up at the airport. Distances and speed limit signs are shown in kilometres and road signs are usually in Greek as well as English. The speed limits on the motorways is usually 100 km/h and there are radar traps. In villages the limit is 50 km/h and there has been an outbreak of road humps or sleeping policemen in recent years in the villages. Speeding does occur and be particularly aware of road conditions in the spring or late summer when you may get a short downpour. The roads become very greasy and Cypriots are generally not as good drivers in wet conditions since they experience it less.
Overall driving a car in Cyprus is easy compared to many foreign countries and parking is not too much of a problem. The car hire cars all have red Z number plates and so you will be easily spotted as someone who is not as familiar with the road system.
The main Cyprus airports of Larnaca and Paphos both have booths just outside the arrivals gates which have a variety of car hire agencies. If you have pre-booked your car hire then just got straight to the relevant booth and complete the paper work to pick up your car. If you have not pre-booked any car hire, then you can talk to each car hire firm in turn to find the best car hire rate that suits you.
In my experience the daily rate for car hire does fluctuate with the season. The more people on Cyprus over the summer then the higher the rate that you will pay. In the quieter periods though then it is easier to get a cheaper car hire rate on Cyprus. If you are checking different prices on the internet then these can be more expensive than if you ring them up and arrange the daily car hire rate personally.
It is often difficult to ascertain what the final daily rate will be since there are added extras. Some to be aware of are: insurance, excess, collision damage waver (CDW), excess waver and airport pick up. Also be aware of the full tank of petrol and empty tank return options.
A small car such as a Nissan Micra is generally suitable for most site visits. For going off road then there are smalls jeeps to big Toyota Land Cruisers. It all depends upon your budget.
The question of taking a hire car to Northern Cyprus is a complex one. Your insurance is probably not valid but you may be able to arrange alternative insurance though your car hire company. Alternatively there are car hire companies that only operate in the North. Be aware that there are only certain border crossings where it is possible to take vehicles through anyway. On the border issue be certain to follow the instructions on all signs near the border. You do not want to ignore them and cause an International incident.
Some car hire companies are: