The Republic of Cyprus is in the lower part of the island of Cyprus. To the north of the republic is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The republic has four districts: Paphos (Pafos), Limassol (Lemesos), Nicosia (Lefkosia), and Larnaca (Larnaka). The island is the third largest in the Mediterranean, and its land is dominated by mountains and plains. The weather in Cyprus is typical of the Mediterranean. Cyprus temperatures can be very hot and dry during the summer months of June to September, with August being the peak of the vacation season and tourist season. If you have money to spend then this is the best time to have a vacation in Cyprus. Cyprus hotels charge the highest in August, so if you’re on a budget visit during the mid-peak months of April, May, September, and October.

Driving around Cyprus can be difficult for the misinformed. A detailed map of Cyprus is available from the airport or from tourist information centers. Major motorways to remember are the following:

A1 is the Nicosia (Lefkosia) – Limassol (Lemesos) highway. Nicosia is the capital and main financial and administrative district of the country, while Limassol is the largest port and second largest city of the island. Nicosia, found in the middle of the island, is still divided between the north and the south, with most of the population in the Greek Cypriot south. There are quite a number of shops, shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment centers in Nicosia. Not much tourists stay in Nicosia for their vacation as it is in the center and far from the beaches and beach resorts. But the area has many interesting tourist attractions and tourist spots. Here you will find the Kykkos Monastery, the Municipal Theatre, Archbishop’s Palace, and Eleftheria Square. Limassol is in the southern coast of the island and has the biggest port used for trade in the Mediterranean. Known for its cultural tradition, the district is famous for its museums and archeological sites. But Limassol is one of the more famous swimming locations for tourists and vacationers; they have several hotels, villas, and apartments – some in the town, while some are on the beach, if not, near the waterfront. Further inside you will find a medieval castle that now doubles as a museum, the Folk Art and Archeological Museum, and soon a Limassol Marina that will include residential and commercial developments such as recreation centers, restaurants, clubs, sports, bicycle and walking paths and a church. The town is actually found between two ancient cities: Kourion that is famous for its Greco-roman theatre, and Amathus that still has standing pillars until today. These two are also famous tourist destinations that offer great scenery and amazing picture perfect sights.

A2 is the main Nicosia to Larnaca road. The A2 motorway branches off from the upper part of the A1 motorway located near Nicosia. Larnaca is also a coastal and port city. They have a working sea entry point in the Larnaca Marina (1 of 4 possible sea entry points to the island), and one of the two international airports of Cyprus, the Larnaca International Airport. They are also famous for their beaches, which cover around 25 kilometers of the coast. Most popular among the beaches are Phinikoudes Beach and McKenzie Beach. In the beaches are waterfront hotels, beach resorts, holiday villas, and apartments available for rent. In the town center are a few museums and archeological sites. As a main entry point, there are a number of international restaurants, bars, and cafes in the area. They also have lots of traditional Cypriot tavernas. Speaking of traditional, make sure you get to taste the famous Larnaka delicacy called “meze.”

A3 is the direct link of the Larnaca International Airport to Ayia Napa. Ayia Napa is perhaps the second most popular tourist destination in Cyprus (next to Paphos). Ayia Napa is known internationally as the clubbing paradise of Cyprus. People flock to Ayia Napa especially during the summer months where parties are non-stop – comparable to other worldwide destinations like Ibiza and Mykonos. Aside from that, the beaches in Ayia Napa are also famous for watersports like water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving and speed boating. The most visited and populated area in Ayia Napa is Nissi Beach, where most clubbers come and rent apartments, villas, and hotel rooms to party during the summer. Next to Nissi is Harbour Beach, which is one of the longest beaches in Cyprus. If Nissi is more for the party going tourists, Harbour is fit for families who wish to just relax and have fun in a quiet environ. In the center of the town is the aptly called Square where most of the nightlife is. There are bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes that cater to many food choices.

A5 connects the seaport of Limassol to the airport of Larnaca.

A6 is the Limassol - Paphos (Pafos) highway. Paphos is the top tourist destination in the Republic of Cyprus. It’s found in the southwestern coast. According to myth, Paphos is the birthplace of the goddess of love, sex, and beauty, Aphrodite – and the city has lived up to this proud mythical honor. The city is one whole tourist resort. Most of the vacationers of Cyprus come and stay at Paphos. They have a complete lineup of accommodation types – hotels, apartments, villas, self catering, etc. Paphos is a great starting point for a Cyprus tour because aside from the great beaches and resorts, this is also where you’ll find the other airport of Cyprus; the Paphos International Airport located a few kilometers from the city. Aside from the fabulous beaches, Paphos also has a small marina that serves mainly as a fishing dock, along with a number of other fishing harbors. Other things to see in Paphos include the Paphos Castle, the Tombs of Kings, the ancient Odeon Theatre, St Paul’s Pillar, and the Ayia Paraskevi Church.

It’s okat to bring a car or hire a car when having a vacation in Cyprus. Just remember that as a former British colony, driving in Cyprus is in the left-hand side. Cyprus is one of the few European Union states that use this rule of the road. Motorways and streets are paved and the traffic is not that bad even in the summer peak season. Using front seatbelt is compulsory. If you plan on bringing your children for your Cyprus holidays, do not let them sit in the front seat of the car if they are 5 years and below. Driving under the influence is not taken lightly in Cyprus - they only allow 39/100 mg of alcohol per breath. So if you plan on some heavy drinking, have someone who will bring you home and don’t bring a car – as should be done everywhere else in the world. Taxis are not hard to find, they have normal taxis and service taxis for hire. Speed limit is 100 kph on dual carriageways like motorways and main roads, 60 kph for back roads, and 50 kph for populated areas. Cyprus police use speed traps to track speed limit violators. Parking is very cheap and in the major towns there are ample parking space everywhere. Roads are given a scale of rating: like the A used in motorways and the B used in main roads. E and F roads are not so good in terms of quality. If you plan on spending time in each or in more than one destination or beach then you should get a car rental. If you plan on staying in one area, there are scooters and bicycles that can be rented, too. They’re quite cheap and economical as long as you don’t leave the district.