Overview
Cyprus may be a small country, but it has a very vibrant Mediterranean character and draws visitors with its momentous legends of love, its epic past of more than 10,000 years and its diverse, extremely tasty cuisine. After a meal of salty halloumi cheese, spicy dolma (stuffed vine leaves) and kleftiko (slow-baked lamb), one can always find an exciting evening party in the larger towns of Cyprus – but especially Ayia Napa – as well as a range of clean beaches, where you can recover from the hardships of the night the day after. Those looking to take the holiday a little slower will want to indulge in Nicosia’s fine coffee houses or explore some of the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However you choose to spend your free time, Cyprus whets the appetite for more. Cyprus is a member of European Union defined by extrareference.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Attention: Travelers must register online before departure in order to receive a Cyprus Flight Pass. The following airlines, among others, offer direct flights to Larnaca from Germany, Austria and Switzerland: Cyprus Airways (CY) from Munich, Zurich (seasonal) and Geneva (seasonal); Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M. and Munich; Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna; Swiss International Airlines (LX) from Zurich and Geneva as well as Edelweiss Air (WK) from Zurich and Eurowings (EW) from Stuttgart. Condor (DE) flies to Larnaca from numerous German airports and from Zurich.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Larnaca: 3 hrs 40 mins; Vienna – Larnaca: 3 hrs 5 mins; Zurich – Larnaca: 3 hrs 35 mins
Arrival by ship
Limassol has the most important port in Cyprus, where cruise ships also dock. Larnaca is the second largest port in the country. There are other ports in Kyrenia (Northern Cyprus) and Paphos.
Cruise ships
Several cruise lines call at Cyprus including Hapag Lloyd, Cunard Line, TUI Cruises, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line and Costa.
Ferry provider
There are occasional ferry connections between Greece and Cyprus from Piraeus, Rhodes and Ayios Nikolaos on Crete to Limassol. Cargo ships also take passengers and vehicles on board at various European ports. Among other things, Grimaldi Lines offers the possibility to ship vehicles to Cyprus all year round. Ferries operated by the shipping company Akgünler Denizcilik connect Alanya, Mersin and Asuku (Turkey) with Kyrenia on the North Island.
Transportation
Traveling by car/bus
Cyprus has the highest density of motorways in the EU. Four lane highways connect Nicosia with Larnaca, Paphos and Limassol. Mountain roads are narrow and simply developed. Tolls: There are no toll roads in Cyprus. The petrol stations in the coastal regions and in the larger cities have automatic dispensers. They offer 24 hour service and accept credit cards. In rural areas, not all petrol stations are open on Sundays and public holidays.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
Motorways and federal roads are in good condition. Occasional potholes are to be expected on smaller roads; often these are also not paved.
Road classification
The road network of Cyprus includes: – Motorways – Marking: A with a number; green signs with yellow letters; – main roads of the 1st order – marking: B with a number; blue signs with yellow lettering; – 2nd class main roads – marking: E with a number.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at the airport and business centers. In summer, they should be reserved in advance. The driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least 3 years. A young driver fee is often charged locally for drivers under the age of 25.
Taxi
Taxis in cities are usually metered. Travelers should insist that these are turned on as well. For taxis without a taximeter, it is advisable to negotiate the price in advance. Shared taxis operate on a scheduled basis between major cities but do not go to airports. They are comfortable and much cheaper than regular taxis. Shared taxis run every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday and every hour on Sundays, picking up passengers and stopping on request. Reservations can be made by calling 77 77 75 75, preferably through the hotel reception. In Northern Cyprus, shared taxis are called dolmuş. You can be stopped on main roads with hand signals.
Bicycle
Rental companies in cities offer both bicycles and scooters for rent. Bicycles can often also be rented from hotels.
Coach
Buses run all over the island and are a great way to see the more remote places. The bus network is good and includes: – Shuttle buses connecting towns with Larnaca and Paphos airports; – Intercity buses that connect the larger cities several times a day; bookable with LLLA Intercity Buses Ltd.,; – Scheduled buses that operate in towns and – Country buses that offer connections to the nearest town from almost all villages.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Left-hand traffic. – Alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰. – Vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way. – Children under the age of 5 are never allowed to sit in the front. – Telephoning at the wheel is only permitted with a hands-free device. – Between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. there is a general ban on honking. – Smoking is prohibited in the vehicle if persons under the age of 16 are traveling. – The international traffic signs apply. Road signs are written in Greek and English and are placed on the left side of the road. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 65-80 km/h; – on motorways: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; for vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, for illnesses: +49 (89) 76 76 76. The ADAC partner club in Cyprus is the Cyprus Automobile Association (CAA) in Nicosia, Tel. +357 (22) 31 32 33, opening hours: Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 17.30. The emergency number +357 (22) 31 31 31 is available 24 hours a day.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to be able to enjoy full insurance cover in the event of damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. In addition, the international motor insurance card can make it easier to record accidents.
Traveling in the city
There is a good private bus network in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Paralimni, Ayia Napa and Polis. Buses run regularly during the day. In some tourist areas, the bus service is offered until midnight. Further information is available from the tourist office in Frankfurt/M. available. Taxis are a very popular means of transportation in cities (see the Taxi section for more information).
Traveling by ship
There are several ports for private boats and yachts on the island. The two marinas in Larnaca and Limassol have repair and supply facilities for petrol, diesel, electricity, drinking water, showers and cleaning.
