On the roads As a legacy of British rule Cyprus is one of only four EU nations in which vehicles drive on the left. Vehicle ownership is quite high the motorways (highways as they are known here) are considered quiet – certainly compared to most motorways in the UK. Traffic jams are practically unheard of.
Even so, the standard of driving often leaves something to be desired and whether you are driving a car or a lorry, riding a motorcycle, a pedal cycle or even walking as a pedestrian you are well advised to expect the unexpected at ANY time.
Private cars Private cars are widely used across the island. Cars are imported from various parts of the world both by companies who import cars to sell and by individuals bringing their own cars and vehicles to the island.
We have range of companies who sell a wide range of vehicles and rental companies who rent cars on both a long-term and short-term basis.
If you want to import your own vehicle together we can provide help and advice regarding the shopping/transportation, official paperwork and administration.
Commercial vehicles Vehicles are obviously also available for commercial use both to hire and purchase. General vans and pick-up trucks are numerous but more specialist vehicles are brought in by order.
Public transport In Cyprus this is somewhat limited and therefore private car ownership in the country is the fifth highest per capita in the world with many people choosing to use the car for even short distances (understandable in the summer to avoid the heat).
There are however, inter-urban public bus services connecting major towns, urban buses which run within most large towns and tourist centres with rural buses connecting smaller villages to their nearest towns. Bus services are generally quite reliable and punctual.
There privately run bus services, taxis, and interurban shared taxi services - locally known as ‘service taxis’.
Cycling There are a number of bike sharing operations in the main tourist areas around the island, similar to programs employed successfully in various cities around the world (Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Melbourne, etc.). There are Dedicated Cycle tracks particularly in Limassol and the Potoras/Agia Napa area and many roads are marked with a cycle ‘lane’. Riding a bike here is no different to anywhere else in the world in that you need to be very careful cycling in traffic. Drivers are often not aware of cyclists and the use of indicators is sporadic at best. Having the ability to foresee potential danger is a must!
Airports Southern Cyprus has two international airports in Larnaca and Paphos. Both of which are easily accessable and have very modern terminals.
The British RAF base at Akrotiri Limassol is used by the military (and the famous Red Arrows). The airport in Nicosia is now known as Ercan and is in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TNRC) Ports and harbours The ports of Cyprus are operated and maintained by the Cyprus Ports Authority. Major harbours on the island are in Limassol and Larnaca, which service cargo, passenger, and cruise ships.
Limassol is the larger of the two, and handles a large volume of both cargo and cruise vessels. Larnaca is primarily a cargo port and a smaller cargo dock also exists atVasilikos, near Zygi between Larnaca and Limassol.
Smaller vessels and private yachts can dock at Marinas in Cyprus. There is a marina in the tourist area of Larnaca, St Raphael Marina in the tourist area of Limassol, a new (2016) marina in the centre of Limassol on the site of the ‘old port’ as well as traditional smaller harbours dotted around the island. General information
Most traffic signs will be recognisable as they conform to EU standards.
Speed limit signs are in Kilometers Per Hour (Kph)
Information signs are generally in Greek and English, with some in Turkish.
The standard of driving is generally poor. (See common driving problems section)
All occupants of vehicles must wear seatbelts.
Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. (Hands free is permitted by law but not advisable as it impairs concentration).
Crash helmets are required to be worn for all mopeds and motorcycles.
Motorcycles must have daytime running lights illuminated.
Highways have maximum speed limit of 100kph and a minimum speed limit of 6okph.
The drink driving limit is now a lot lower than in the UK.
Traffic laws in general are similar to those in the UK. The traffic law section has a list of main offences.
Whatever the season, always carry with you a pair of sunglasses. It is likely you will travel towards the sun at some stage of your travels, as the coast runs east/west.
During the summer it is a good idea to carry some bottled water. Dehydration is a dangerous condition and adversely affects a driver to the detriment of road safety.
All that being said, the official website for driving in Cyprus http://cyprusdriving.net states “YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED” and“DO NOT ASSUME THAT ANY SIGN IN YOUR FAVOUR WILL BE COMPLIED WITH”!!
