| Getting to
Cyprus is easy with scheduled flights available from most major UK
airports to Cyprus' two International airports, Larnaca on the East of the
island and Paphos on the West. Larnaca is the busiest of the two airports
and you'll have more choice of days and times booking a flight there.
There aren't any 'low cost'
airlines currently flying into Cyprus like EasyJet so fares can be more
expensive than you'd expect to pay to fly to Spain for instance. We've
booked fights for anything from £120 to £200 although cheaper deals (as
low as £69) are available with charter airlines.
Once here, the island has a good
taxi service operating all over the island and all of the bigger towns are linked
with bus services so getting around, or getting home after a night out is very
easy and inexpensive. However, to see the best of the island a car is essential.
Driving is easy as we drive on
the left here just like the UK and all road signs are in both Greek and English.
The real benefit though is that, apart from the major cities there is hardly any
traffic and you can drive for miles on 'B' roads without seeing another car. The
roads are of good quality and regularly maintained and a 'motorway' (in reality
a dual carriageway) links the major cities making 'long distance' travel quick
and easy.
Be aware though that the standard
of driving is not what you've come to expect in the UK! Although there is no
road rage or aggression to worry about, Cypriots rarely use indicators and road
signs, traffic lights, etc. don't necessarily apply if no policemen are about!
Generally, if you try and expect the unexpected you'll be okay!
Car hire is cheap with many
outlets offering a wide variety of vehicles for short or long-term hire at
competitive rates (always ask for a discount). Buying a car is cheap to as
'foreigners' can buy cars Duty Free and save 50% on UK prices.
As I've mentioned before, fuel is very cheap
compared to the UK with diesel costing just 45c per litre. There are
plenty of petrol stations wherever you go and all the major outlets are
represented here although the prices are fixed centrally. You'll be surprised to
find the attendant actually filling your car for you and cleaning your
windscreen while you wait (a 50c tip is normal)!
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