Car Rental in Paphos

Why rent a car in Paphos?

Paphos is a great place to visit. As known for its many beautiful beaches as it is for its ancient cultural heritage, the city has all the right ingredients for a great vacation. If you get a rental car, Paphos can also serve as a base for exploring southwestern Cyprus and its numerous landmarks and attractions.

Top ways to enter Paphos

• Paphos International Airport: Served by around 25 different airlines, Paphos Airport offers flights to and from many destinations in Europe, as well as some in the nearby Middle East. The airport is just 13.5km (8 miles) southeast of the city center and is easily reached by car.
• Larnaca International Airport: The busiest international airport in Cyprus, Larnaca-Glafcos Clerides handles more than 8 million travelers every year. As of 2019, the airport is served by more than 60 different airlines. Larnaca Airport is less than two hours drive east of Paphos.
• By ferry: It is also possible to travel to nearby Limassol by ferry and pick up a rental car at the Port of Limassol. Limassol is about an hour’s drive east of Paphos.

City facts

Like the rest of Cyprus, Paphos has a subtropical semi-arid climate. Winters are mild, but quite wet while summers are hot and extremely dry with practically no precipitation from mid-May to September. The average temperature is 25°C  (77°F) in July and August, though significantly higher on many individual days. The average temperature is 12°C  (54°F) in January and February.

Inhabited by ancient Greeks and Romans, Paphos has an impressive history. According to legend, Paphos is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Because of its well-preserved remains, Paphos is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historical importance was the main reason why the city was selected as a European Capital of Culture in 2017.

Top sights and activities

• Paphos Archaeological Park. Containing a large part of an old Greek and Roman city, part of the Paphos Archaeological Park is still under excavation. Here you can visit lavish ancient villas like the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus, see the ruins of the Odeon Theater, and marvel at the colorful mosaic floors.
• The Tombs of the Kings. Although no ancient ruler actually ever lived here, this underground burial place carved into the rock is no less impressive. Eerie and awe-inspiring at the same time, some of the more luxurious resting places feature ornaments like Doric columns and frescoes on the walls. A must-visit if you’re in Paphos.
• Aphrodite Water Park. With plenty of slides, rides, and wave machines, this water park is the perfect place for families and anyone else who ever gets tired of the beach. In addition to the mentioned attractions, the water park also offers different swimming pools, saunas, and a large, youthful crowd regardless of the season.
• Agios Neophytos Monastery. Located a short drive north of Paphos itself, this 12th-century monastery is one of the most visited attractions in the area. Started by a single hermit who went into the coastal mountains to escape life’s earthly temptations, it was built around the cave where he found his initial dwelling. Nowadays, there is also a museum and a collection of Byzantine Christian paintings.
• Coral Bay and Potima Bay. Located just north of Paphos itself, these two are among the most visited places in the area. An oasis of white sand among coastal rocks and cliffs, Coral Bay is a Blue Flag beach, and, according to some visitors, among the nicest in all of Cyprus. The area can be quite crowded during the warmer months of the year, but all the same, is worth visiting at least once.
• Edro III Shipwreck. Located near the Sea Caves northwest of Paphos, the Edro III Shipwreck has become a popular tourist attraction. The ship ran aground due to heavy seas in 2011. It is a great photo spot and an amazing place to watch the sunset.
• Aphrodite’s Rock. The Rock of Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou) is situated around 20 minutes southeast of Paphos. According to legend, it is where the goddess Aphrodite rose from the sea. Therefore, this place is known as the birthplace of Aphrodite. On the shore, you will find a small pebble beach, which is why this spot can be very crowded during the summer months.

Traffic and parking

• Unlike most EU countries, Cyprus drives on the left-hand side of the road.
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 100km/h (62mph) on highways, 80km/h (50mph) on most of the other motorways, 65km/h (40mph) on many countryside roads, and 50km/h (31mph) inside cities, villages, and other built-up areas.
• While most national highways are in great shape, some countryside roads and mountainous inland roads can be in a considerably worse condition. Always plan your driving route in advance and look up the roads on which you are going to drive.
• Like in other cities of Cyprus, many streets in Paphos can be quite narrow, so choosing a large rental car might result in some problems. On the other hand, some nature and mountainous areas might require a rather powerful vehicle to travel safely. Many 4x4 vehicles are available for rent in Paphos. 
• Compared to many other European countries, Cypriot drivers like to use their car horns quite a lot. It might come as a bit of a cultural shock, but do not get upset about this - nobody means any harm, it is just a part of the local driving culture.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for high risk groups (novice drivers, motorcycles, etc.). Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, an EU-wide license ban, or even imprisonment.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

Although there have been plans to introduce them in the future, as of October 2023 there are no toll roads in Cyprus.

Ideas for day trips

• Troodos Mountains. A large mountain range in the center of Cyprus, Troodos has impressive vistas, forest hiking paths, highland villages with ancient churches, and slopes for skiing in the winter. The mountains are also home to many unique and endangered species like the Cypriot Mouflon. Thanks to the scenic serpentine roads, the area is especially enjoyable to travel through by car. The nearest part of the mountains is less than one hour’s drive north of Paphos.
• Dhiarizos. A beautiful river valley not far from the small village of Nikoklia, Dhiarizos is another calm green area. A perfect place for birdwatching and long walks in nature, it feels like another world when compared to the crowded beaches of the coast. Dhiarizos is just a 30-minute drive east of Paphos, but if you don’t feel like traveling back to the city, you can stay at one of the family-run guest houses in the area.
• Limassol. The second largest city of Cyprus is a famous beach destination, with its long and golden shores attracting visitors from all over Europe. Not as well known, but just as exciting are its old magnificent castles and churches, distinct colorful neighborhoods, and many local festivals.
• Baths of Aphrodite. Legend has it that this natural grotto on the Akamas peninsula, nowadays a 45-minute drive from Paphos, was once the favorite bathing place of none other than Aphrodite, the Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty. The natural splendor of the nearby botanical garden, as well as Akamas National Park and Chrysochou Bay, might suggest that the story has at least some truth to it.
• Avakas. With a gorge and a hiking trail that surrounds it, Avakas is one of the most popular hiking areas in Western Cyprus. Crossing the gorge is only possible on foot and there are several different ways to do so, so it’s a good idea to do some research in advance. Located about a 40-minute drive north of Paphos, Avakas can be visited on the way to the previously mentioned Baths of Aphrodite and Akamas Peninsula.
• The Blue Lagoon. Located in the Akamas National Park, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most stunning bays in Cyprus. The lagoon features crystal-clear waters surrounded by panoramic rocks. The best way to visit this beautiful place is by boat from Latchi Harbor, which can be reached in around one hour from Paphos.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Paphos is the Nissan Micra, although many travelers also pick the Kia Picanto and the Suzuki Splash. The most popular rental car type is an economy, followed by mini and compact.

Further destinations

• Larnaca. Known for its salt lake that is home to flocks of flamingos every winter, beautiful churches and mosques, and some of the best diving opportunities in Europe, Larnaca is a place that’s hard to leave. It takes about two hours to reach by car from Paphos, with most of the road winding east right along the coast.

• Nicosia. The atmosphere of the divided capital is quite different from its coastal counterparts. It is known for its Old Town with the Venetian walls, many impressive museums like the Byzantine Museum and the Nicosia Municipal Arts Center, and plenty of atmosphere to savor. About 152km (94 miles) east of Paphos, it can be reached in two hours by car.

• Ayia Napa. The easternmost city of Cyprus is named Saint Napa after its patron saint. It’s not known whether he approves of the city’s hedonistic lifestyle, but it’s hard to argue against Ayia Napa’s title as the party capital of Cyprus (and, indeed, the Eastern Mediterranean). The very central Nissi Beach and Makronissos Beach are where it’s at with beach bars, DJs, and countless parties creating the vibrant atmosphere. Should you ever grow tired of the festivities, drive to the nearby Grecian Bay Beach or visit some of the smaller bays and beaches around Cape Greco and Protaras. Ayia Napa is 180km (112 miles) east of Paphos and can be reached in about two hours.

Car rental prices in Paphos

• Large cars - from $24 per day
• Vans - from $61 per day
• Station wagons - from $48 per day
• Small cars - from $16 per day
• Medium cars - from $21 per day
• SUVs - from $35 per day
• Premium cars - from $80 per day
• Convertibles - from $47 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Try these simple tricks to get a good car rental deal in Paphos:

• 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 Paphos is the cheapest in February when renting a car is a whopping 74% cheaper than the yearly average.