Thinking of going on a road trip in Cyprus, but not sure which car to choose?
That’s a smart question. So many car options online can leave most people puzzled. Some cars are aesthetically pleasing, but not that comfortable for long drives. Certain cars work well in urban environments but are less appealing on mountain roads.
So, before you hit that “book now” button, it’s good to consider the type of trip you’re contemplating and what sort of car will make that trip easier for you.
Let’s make it easy and go over the top considerations that you need to bear in mind before selecting your rental car in Cyprus.
Where Are You Going to Drive?
This is the first thing to simply ask yourself.
Are you going to roam around only one city, say Limassol or Nicosia?
Or will you go to other places, beaches, mountains, villages, or cities?
If you plan to be pretty much in a single city, the small hatchback car is all you need. It’s easy to drive and easy to park, and it also consumes less petrol.
That‘s utter bollocks, unless you want to visit more then one place and jump from city to city, or maybe head out to places like the Troodos Mountains, in which a slightly bigger car is acceptable.
How Many People Are Travelling With You?
If there are just two of us, even a small car will do. But if you’re travelling with family or friends, you should consider larger cars. Not seating for you, seating for your luggage. You have to spend hours and hours pushing bags under seats or sitting cross-legged or bending over again and again.
For 3-5 people, rent car in cyprus, then a mid-size car is acceptable. If you have a bigger family or entourage, you can opt for a 7-seater or a van. And if you are toting things like strollers or sports equipment, you’ll want to check boot size before you book.
Do You Prefer Automatic or Manual?
Automatic cars are what most people coming from abroad are used to; that’s what most people like. It is easy to do, especially when you are new to the roads and still acclimating yourself to the side of the road on which you drive. In Cyprus, you will also drive on the left side of the street.
So that’s a change for a lot of tourists already. If you drive an automatic, you can concentrate much more on the road and look at signs than constantly having to change gears.
But if you’re a stick-shift driver and you want to shave some dollars off your rental, a manual is perfectly fine too.
What’s the Weather Like?
Most of Cyprus has fine weather. It gets pretty hot in the summer, though. So make sure your rental car has good air conditioning. You don’t want to be dripping in sweat when you’re stuck in traffic or have to climb a hill.
And in spring or early autumn, the temperature can be warm in the afternoon. So, AC is a must. Most cars have it, but double-check when booking.
What Type of Roads Will You Be On?
In Cyprus, majority of main-streets and highways are nice and broad with smooth surface. But if you’re heading off to mountain villages, nature parks or small countryside areas, some of those roads might be narrow or a bit bumpy.
Fuel Type and Economy
Both petrol and diesel are accepted at all filling stations. Most rental cars are petrol, and that’s fine for every trip you’ll be taking. But some people enjoy the better mileage that diesel cars provide, especially on longer trips. If you’re going longer than 3–4 days and doing a lot of driving, request a car with better km/L.
What Features Do You Need?
Cars are so much better-equipped these days, even the teeny rental cars carry an awful lot of useful stuff. But you should still expect certain features:
- Connections for music via Bluetooth or USB
- Phone holder or GPS
- Rear-view Parking Sensor (or cam)
- Enough charging ports
If you’re not packing a navigation device of your own, a phone holder can be good, since you can get where you’re going with minimal difficulty thanks to Google Maps. A few will also request baby seats or booster seats. You can use the Special Requests box when booking.
Pickup from the Airport or City?
You can also pick up your car at Larnaca or Paphos airport if you are flying in. That’s easy and saves time. But if you’re already in the city, you can opt to pick up the car at your hotel or a city location.
Be sure to get the pickup location and time with the rental company in writing so there’s no confusion down the line. Flexible return points. Some providers also offer flexible return points if you end up in a different place than where you started.
How to Check If the Car is in Good Condition
After you get the car, just spend a few minutes checking it out. Check the tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors and seat belts. Take a seat inside, and see if the AC is blowing. And check for any odours or damage. If something seems weird, ask politely.
Conclusion
It’s not that hard to select the right car if you know what sort of trip you are going to have. Cyprus is a pretty country, with good roads, great weather and lots to see. So, better book a car that fits your comfort, group and travel plans.
