Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is located south of Turkey and is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Since 1974, Cyprus has been divided into two parts by the Green Line (controlled by the UN), with Northern Cyprus, the Turkish zone, and Southern Cyprus, the Greek zone.
The Republic of Cyprus effectively controls the southern part of the island, while the north has proclaimed itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The southern part of the country joined the European Union in 2004, and the euro has been in circulation there since 2007.
The capital is Nicosia, which straddles the Turkish and Greek zones and is divided into two zones, North and South, separated by the Green Line.
In the south of the island lies Limassol, popular with tourists for its beaches, entertainment, and wealth of archaeological remains.
To the west lies the port city of Paphos, known for its mosaics and Roman ruins.
Famagusta is a city located on the Karpas Peninsula, the most remote part of Cyprus, with a rich history.

Traveling by car in Cyprus

Following the British occupation in 1914, driving is on the left.
The road network is in good condition and mostly paved.
There is a single, toll-free, four-lane highway connecting the capital to Larnaca and Limassol.
Road signs are green and written in Greek in southern Cyprus, while in the north they are white and written in Turkish.
Within the UN-protected green zone, they are written in English.
Speed ​​limits are: 100 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 50 km/h in urban centers.
Vehicles rented in the uncontrolled territories of the north of the island are not covered by insurance in the areas controlled by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus (and vice versa). If visiting both sides of the island, we recommend renting two separate cars or taking out specific insurance for the other side, where permitted by the rental company.

Travel Itineraries

SOUTHERN CYPRUS

From Larnaca, head south to visit the site of Choirokithia, with Stone Age remains, and then continue to Limassol, famous for its wines. Here, you can visit the remains of the Temple of Apollo, Kolossi Castle, and see the mosaics of ancient Kourion.
From Limassol, heading northwest, crossing a region rich in beaches and coves (legend has it that Venus was born here), you reach Paphos, where a temple of Aphrodite once stood, and you can see the Roman ruins and mosaics of Nea Paphos.
From Paphos, heading inland, you reach the Troodos Mountains (here lies Mount Olympus), full of fascinating monasteries.
From here, heading northeast, you reach the capital, Nicosia. The circle closes with a return to Larnaca Airport.

NORTHERN CYPRUS

From Larnaca, you head east to Famagusta, with its mighty fortifications and sandy beaches.
Continuing north, you reach Karpaz, with golden beaches where turtles come to lay their eggs.
Returning southwest, you pass through the coastal region of Kyrenia, beloved by the British.
Continuing along the coast, you reach the town of Guzelyurt, an enchanting city surrounded by citrus groves.
You continue inland to the capital, Nicosia, and then return to Larnaca.