Illustration of Paphos with the medieval harbour castle, a fishing boat and palms

All-inclusive car rental in Paphos

In short

In Paphos you drive on the left, and an all-inclusive rental gives you full insurance with zero excess - reassuring while you explore the Akamas peninsula, Troodos and the coast.

Paphos, with its UNESCO-listed archaeological park and Tombs of the Kings, is the base for western Cyprus. A car brings the wild Akamas peninsula, the hill villages of the Troodos and quiet beaches within reach - remembering that Cyprus drives on the left.

A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up at Paphos Airport.

Good to know before you drive in Paphos

Pick-up pointPaphos Airport (PFO)
Drives onLeft-hand side
HighlightsAkamas, Tombs of the Kings, Troodos
TollsNone in Cyprus

Western Cyprus by car

The Akamas peninsula northwest of Paphos is rugged and beautiful, with the Blue Lagoon and Avakas Gorge (rougher tracks need care). Inland, the Troodos mountains offer painted churches and cooler air, while the coast road links quiet beaches.

Driving on the left takes a little adjustment, but roads are quiet outside the towns and zero-excess cover removes the worry of an early mistake.

Practical tips

There are no tolls in Cyprus and distances are short. Fill up before heading into the Troodos, and note that some Akamas tracks are unpaved - check your terms.

The all-inclusive price already includes full insurance, unlimited mileage and airport fees.

Picking up your car at Paphos Airport

Paphos Airport (PFO) is small and close to the resorts, with the rental area near the terminal, so collection is quick and you are soon on the coast road. Remember that Cyprus drives on the left; most visitors adapt within a day on the island’s quiet roads.

Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence, and there is no deposit to block at most pick-up points.

All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance

Two cars on the same lot in Paphos can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.

All-inclusive (Cardamar) Basic rate + counter insurance
Damage & theft excess €0 – fully covered High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card
When you insure Before you travel, at a fixed price At the desk, under time pressure, price varies
Tyres, glass & undercarriage Included Usually excluded or charged extra
Deposit / card hold None or low at most stations Large hold blocked for the whole trip
Cancellation Free cancellation Often non-refundable
What you pay in total Known the moment you book Can climb sharply at the counter

A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.

Paphos car rental - FAQ

Is it hard to drive on the left in Cyprus?

Most visitors adapt within a day, and roads are quiet outside the towns. Zero-excess cover removes the worry of a minor mistake while you adjust.

Can I drive to the Akamas?

Yes - the paved roads reach the edges, but some tracks (e.g. to the Blue Lagoon) are rough; check whether your rental allows unpaved roads.

Are there tolls in Cyprus?

No - there are no road tolls, and distances are short, so touring is easy.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Paphos?

Your driving licence, a passport or national ID, and where required a card in the lead driver’s name. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence; online check-in beforehand speeds up collection.

Can I add a child seat or extra driver in Paphos?

Yes - add child seats and additional drivers when you book so they are confirmed in advance and ready at the desk.