Car Rental in Limassol

Top ways to enter Limassol

• Larnaca Airport: The busiest in the country, Larnaca Airport is the main point of entry for foreign visitors. The airport is served by around 45 airlines (although some are only active during the summer months), providing flights to and from all over Europe, as well as the Middle East and Africa. Larnaca Airport is only about a 50-minute drive northeast of Limassol.
• Paphos Airport: Cyprus’ other international airport, Paphos Airport is especially popular with passengers of low-cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. Serving the city of the same name, the airport is about 60 km (37 miles) west of Limassol and can be reached in 45 minutes.

Top sights and activities

• Architecture. Limassol is home to a wide variety of architectural styles, making sightseeing one of the main attractions in the city. Landmarks include the medieval Limassol Castle, Ayia Napa Church, and the well-preserved Limassol old town. Mixing local, Greek, Byzantine, and British influences, hidden gems can be found every step of the way.
• Archaeological Museum. Greek-speaking, Cyprus was very much a part of the ancient Hellenic world, with many important myths originating from and sites to be found on the island. One of the best places to learn about this heritage is the Limassol Archaeological Museum, which, while not as big as the one in the capital, Nicosia, provides a well-rounded insight into the island’s fabled past.
• Folk Art Museum. The classical past of Cyprus is magnificent, but it can be equally interesting to learn about Cypriot arts, crafts, and customs. Although quite small, the Folk Art Museum has received several international awards and showcases the traditional occupations, music, and costumes of the island. Also known as the Municipal Folk Museum, it is located just a short drive or walk southwest of the aforementioned Archaeological Museum and the Limassol Municipal Zoo.

Traffic and parking

Driving in Cyprus can be quite hectic for the uninitiated. Most traffic regulations are often treated as mere guidelines by Cypriot drivers with laws prohibiting driving under the influence being a notable exception (due to the harsh penalties). Expect other drivers to only care about themselves including ignoring road markings, making illegal shortcuts, failing to use their signal, and taking the best route for themselves, through traffic circles (roundabouts). Also note that everyone else on the road will know that you are driving a rental car due to its red license plate (all rental cars have red license plates).

Due to Cyprus’ history as a British territory, traffic is left-hand drive, unlike in Greece or Turkey. 

There are roads on the island that are mountain roads or considered off-road meant for 4WD vehicles only. It is prohibited by all car rental providers to use these remote roads. Taking these roads will violate the rental contract and void any insurance. 

Parking may cause some concern for drivers. While there is free parking, it is often hard to find a sport without parking somewhere you are not supposed to, though many others will have done the same already. At times it can feel as if sidewalks are actually just parking lots. The city has various municipal and private parking garages. These are often a driver’s best option. Some hotels do not have parking at all and garages must be used.  

Toll roads

There are no toll roads in Cyprus.

Ideas for day trips

• Beaches. Since much of Limassol’s coastline is taken up by the harbor, access to the beach is somewhat limited in the city (although you can still find some nice spots). But many other popular spots like Malindi Beach, Pissouri Bay, and the Governor’s Beach are just a stone’s throw away — and with a rental car, you can also explore the rest of the coastline to the east and west.
• Paphos. Compared to Limassol and Larnaca, Paphos might strike some visitors as very relaxed, but this small city actually boasts a very interesting past. A UNESCO Heritage Site, it is home to the impressive Paphos Archaeological Park which has a number of notable sites, not least of which are two Roman villas with well-preserved mosaics. Other sites like the Odeon Amphitheater and the Tomb of the Kings are also very much worth a visit.
• Nicosia. Not located on the coast and without an international airport, the capital of Cyprus is not as popular with tourists as Limassol or Larnaca, but the city has plenty to offer. In addition to many interesting museums and galleries, Nicosia also boasts some of the country’s most impressive churches and a special, timeless atmosphere. Located some 85 km (53 miles) northeast of Limassol, the capital can be reached in about one hour and 20 minutes (depending on the traffic).
• Kourion. Another site of historical significance, Kourion (or Curium) is the archeological remnants of an ancient city. Affected not only by the passage of time, but also a number of earthquakes, its temples, baths, and theaters nonetheless provide an insight into what life was like for the inhabitants of the region 2,000 years ago. Located only 17 km (11 miles) from Limassol, the site can be reached in about 20 minutes. Kourion is technically inside the British-controlled Akrotiri and Dhekelia, but the territory has the same visa policy as Cyprus.
• Larnaca. The coastal city of Larnaca is located around 67 km (42 miles) east of Limassol. Popular sights in Larnaca include the St. Lazarus Church, the Medieval Castle of Larnaca, the Larnaca Salt Lake, the Archaeological Museum of the Larnaca District, the Kamares Aqueduct, and the city’s main beaches (Finikoudes Beach and Mackenzie Beach).
• Omodos. Omodos is a picturesque village situated around 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Limassol. Its old cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and authentic tavernas make it a popular place to visit for many tourists. Moreover, Omodos is also a cultural treasure, housing the Monastery of the Holy Cross.
• Lefkara. Another popular, traditional village to visit in Cyprus is Lefkara. The village is located around 50 km (31 miles) from Limassol. Lefkara is known for its exquisite lacework and delicate silverware. The village boasts a rich tradition of craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Limassol is the Suzuki Alto, followed by the Kia Picanto and Daihatsu Cuore. The most popular car types are mini, economy, and economy elite. 

Car rental prices in Limassol

• Small cars - from $12 per day
• SUVs - from $24 per day
• Large cars - from $23 per day
• Medium cars - from $17 per day
• Vans - from $67 per day
• Station wagons - from $39 per day
• Convertibles - from $82 per day
• Premium cars - from $128 per day

Money-saving and other tips

These are some good methods to save money on your rental car:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Limassol is the cheapest in March when renting a car is a whole 85% cheaper than the yearly average.