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More travelers than ever before are discovering the great natural beauty and historical treasures of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Since Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, millions of tourists each year have traveled here, drawn by the warmth and sunshine, and the island’s history, dating back tens of thousands of years, to the Tombs of the Kings and the Neolithic town of Choirokoitia. Throughout its long history, Cyprus has been occupied by empires such as the Hittites, the Assyrians, the Persians, the Egyptians and the Ottomans. Greek influence under the Ptolemies and the Byzantines is also evident here.
Many of the most popular cities as travel destinations have a charming mix of the very old and the very new, meaning there is something for everyone, from the archeology buff to the world-class shopper. Most tourists arriving in Cyprus land at Hermes Larnaca International Airport, located about 7 km from Larnaca city center. This is the most important international airport on the island, handling more than five million visitors each year.
When it comes to getting around Cyprus, the two best options today are renting a car and using taxi services. Although Cyprus is in the process of improving its public transfer infrastructure, cars remain the preferred way of getting around. While renting a car is great for those who know how to get around or want the most flexible schedule, it’s not for everyone. Driving on the left side of the road is unfamiliar to many visitors, and many would rather look at the scenery than the maps.
To move around cities and get from one city to another, taxis are the preferred method for many travelers. If you visit Cyprus and choose to get around by taxi, choose a licensed taxi company that employs professional drivers. The reasons for this are many. For one thing, licensed companies are insured and fleets are regularly maintained, tested and cleaned. Most licensed taxi drivers are fluent in English and know not only the local area, but often the entire island. All licensed taxis use meters and fares are regulated by law. Rates are higher at night and on some holidays, so check if your visit falls on any national holidays.
If you land at Larnaca airport, you will find a table of rates for taxis inside the arrivals hall. Expect prices for the trip to Larnaca proper to be around €15. Fares won’t vary much from one licensed taxi company to another, so it’s wise to check taxi companies in advance to see which one offers the best prices. services you need, such as chauffeured tours and minibus service. For travel within cities, or from one part of Cyprus to another, fares start with a base fare and metered charges are added. Normal amounts of baggage are handled as part of the regular fare, although larger amounts of baggage may incur additional charges. Taxis are a great way to get around Cyprus, as long as you choose services that are officially licensed.