Renting a car in Limassol is one of the easiest ways to explore southern Cyprus, and driving here is comfortable for most visitors, with roads well signposted in English. The two things to keep front of mind are that Cyprus drives on the left, and that taking a car into the north of the island has its own rules.
Who can rent, and driving on the left
EU driving licences are accepted in Cyprus, and the named driver must usually be at least 21 and have held a licence for around three years, with a young-driver surcharge often applying to those under 25. The main adjustment for many visitors is that Cyprus drives on the left. If you are not used to it, take a few minutes to get comfortable in a quiet area before joining busier roads, and remember that roundabouts flow clockwise and you give way to traffic coming from the right. Comparison sites such as DiscoverCars help you check prices and availability.
The north-south rule
There is one point specific to Cyprus worth planning for: most rental companies in the south do not allow their cars to be taken into the north of the island, or their insurance stops working the moment you cross the line. If your plans include Northern Cyprus, confirm the position with the rental company in advance, and be prepared to arrange separate cover for the north rather than assuming your southern rental is valid there.
Driving and booking tips
Fire and third-party liability insurance is mandatory and included in rentals, but read what else is covered and the excess. Local drivers can be assertive, especially when overtaking, so drive confidently and keep your distance. Roads are well signed in English, which makes navigation easy. Read the rental terms for the deposit, fuel policy, insurance, and any north-south restriction, and book ahead in the summer season to get the best choice of vehicle.