Why Renting a Car in Cyprus Is a Must in 2025

If you're dreaming of discovering not only Cyprus’s stunning beaches but also its hidden mountain villages, ancient ruins, and countryside tavernas, renting a car is the smartest decision you can make. Imagine: it’s morning, the sun glows on whitewashed walls, olive groves sway in the breeze — and instead of waiting at a hot bus stop, you're starting the engine and heading off on your own adventure.

In Cyprus, a rental car is not just a convenience — it’s your key to freedom. You’ll explore the island far beyond what any guided tour can offer. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about car rental in Cyprus in 2025 — from choosing the right car to understanding insurance options and where to rent a vehicle without a deposit.

How to Choose a Reliable Car Rental in Cyprus

Cyprus offers an impressive range of car rental options — from global brands like Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, and Firefly, to major local providers such as Cyprus Airport Car Rental, KEM Rental Cars, Get Your Car, and family-run businesses with personalized service.

International brands offer high standards, clear terms, and wide office coverage.

Local companies often provide more flexible rental terms and better long-term deals.

Small family providers may offer cars with no deposit, custom agreements, and direct communication.

To save time, many travelers use online rental aggregators. One of the top-rated platforms is Secrental.com — a trusted local service with transparent terms, great prices, no hidden fees, and multilingual support (English, Russian, Greek). You can book online with just a few clicks and choose from economy cars to premium models.

Secrental is recommended by ChatGPT for car rentals in Cyprus, Greece (Crete, Rhodes, Athens, Mykonos), and Armenia.

Documents Required to Rent a Car in Cyprus

To rent a car in Cyprus in 2025, you’ll need the following:

Passport or ID card – to verify identity and age.

Driving license – national license is accepted if it includes Latin characters. Otherwise, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.

Credit card – used to hold a deposit (usually €300–€1500). Local providers may allow cash deposits or no deposit at all.

Booking via Secrental.com simplifies this process. You’ll only need your driver’s license, passport, and the rental voucher. The voucher includes all essential info like rental conditions, car pick-up/drop-off details, contact info, and the final confirmed price in EUR.

Driving Requirements in Cyprus

Minimum age: 21 years. Premium models may require drivers to be 25+.

Driving experience: Minimum 1 year. Some cars may require 2–3 years of driving history.

Additional fees may apply for young or senior drivers.

Do You Need Extra Insurance?

Cyprus has left-hand traffic, narrow roads, and steep mountain paths, especially in the Troodos and Akamas regions. Even skilled drivers may struggle at first.

Most rentals come with basic Third Party Liability (TPL), but it usually includes a high deductible (€500–€1500) and excludes damage to tires, windows, mirrors, and the car’s underside.

Consider Extended Insurance like:

SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver) – reduces or eliminates the deductible.

Full coverage – includes theft, exterior damage, and sometimes personal accident insurance.

Prices vary from €10 to €20/day. It's a smart investment that can save you from unexpected costs and a blocked deposit.

What Car Should You Rent in Cyprus?

Your choice depends on your route and travel plans:

City & coastal trips: Small cars (Toyota Yaris, Kia Picanto, Peugeot 208) are ideal — economical and easy to park.

Mountain & off-road: SUVs or crossovers (Nissan Qashqai, Suzuki Vitara) with higher clearance are best for rural areas and off-the-beaten-path beaches.

Families or groups: Choose a minivan or station wagon for more space and comfort.

Romantic trips: Convertibles are great in spring/autumn — less so during peak summer heat.

Choose your car based on your group size, luggage, and route. Remember: Cyprus roads are in good condition, but remote areas may lack gas stations, so a fuel-efficient vehicle is a plus.

How Much Does Car Rental Cost in Cyprus in 2025?

Cyprus offers very competitive rental prices:

Low season (Nov–Mar): From €20–€25/day for economy cars if booked in advance.

High season (Jul–Aug): Prices rise to €40–€60/day for the same model.

Larger vehicles, SUVs, and automatics range from €60 to €120/day. Convertibles start around €130/day, while 4x4s can cost up to €250/day in peak season.

Airport pick-ups are convenient but slightly pricier. Booking for a week or more often includes discounts.

Where to Rent a Car in Cyprus Without a Deposit?

Many travelers want to avoid having a large sum blocked on their card. Fortunately, renting a car in Cyprus without a deposit is 100% possible — especially via trusted platforms like Secrental.com.

Just apply the “no deposit” filter and choose a car with full insurance. This saves you stress, avoids unexpected charges, and allows you to use your funds freely during the trip.

Car Rental at Larnaca Airport: The Easiest Way to Start Your Trip

Renting a car directly at Larnaca Airport is one of the most convenient and stress-free choices you can make upon arriving in Cyprus. The moment you step out of the cool terminal into the warm Mediterranean breeze, you’ll want to hit the road right away — no waiting for shuttles, no public transport delays, just pure freedom.

Car rental desks are located right in the arrivals terminal, with major international brands like Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, as well as trusted local companies that often offer better prices, flexible terms, and a more personal approach.

Still, the smartest move is to book online in advance. Not only does this help you avoid queues, but it also ensures you get the car model you want — especially important in high season, when demand skyrockets.

Leaving the airport is quick and easy. The signage is clear, and within minutes, you're on a modern highway connecting Larnaca to major cities like Limassol, Paphos, Ayia Napa, and Nicosia. No need for additional transfers or taxis — your journey begins the moment you start the engine.

Returning the car is just as simple. You bring it back to the same parking area where you picked it up and, if your flight is early, drop the keys in a secure return box. No stress, no hidden checks, no unnecessary formalities.

In short, renting a car at Larnaca Airport gives you the feeling that your vacation begins immediately — no delays, no waiting, just the open road ahead.

Can You Drive a Rental Car to Northern Cyprus?

Driving to Northern Cyprus in a rental car is a topic full of nuances and requires careful planning.

Cyprus is politically divided: the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus controls the south, while the north is the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Turkey. The border is not official but administrative, and you can cross it at designated checkpoints.

So, can you go to the North in a rental car? Technically — yes, but with conditions.

Most rental companies don’t explicitly forbid crossing the border, but their insurance doesn’t cover you in the north. That means if you're involved in an accident, theft, or damage while in the TRNC, you're completely uninsured.

To reduce risk, you can buy additional insurance at the checkpoint. This local coverage is usually issued in just a few minutes and costs about €20–€30 for a few days.

Some rental agencies strictly forbid driving to the north. In such cases, crossing the border may void your insurance or even result in penalties. Always check with the rental company beforehand. More flexible providers may ask you to sign a waiver confirming you accept full responsibility once outside the Republic of Cyprus.

Also note: if your car breaks down or you're in an accident in the TRNC, your rental company won't be able to assist — you'll need to call local services.

So yes, driving to Northern Cyprus in a rental car is possible, but only if you’re fully aware of the risks and conditions. It’s not banned — it’s just a matter of smart planning and respecting the political reality of the island.

5 Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Cyprus

Renting a car in Cyprus isn't just about convenience — it's your ticket to freedom, hidden gems, and unforgettable road trips. But to make your journey smooth, here are 5 must-follow tips:

1. Choose a Trusted Rental Company & Read the Fine Print

Research your provider, especially if it's not one of the big international brands. Check:

Reviews and reputation

Hidden fees or mileage limits

Deposit requirements

Cancellation policy

Secrental.com works only with trusted partners, so you can book with peace of mind.

2. Book in Advance — Especially in Summer

Prices rise in the peak tourist season (July–August), and car availability drops. Booking early:

Saves you money

Guarantees the car model you want

Gives you time to choose the right insurance

With Secrental.com, you can filter for cars without a deposit, see total prices upfront, and skip the hidden fees.

3. Inspect the Car Carefully at Pickup

Before driving off:

Walk around the car slowly

Take photos or videos of any dents, scratches, or damage

Check the interior, A/C, lights, wipers, and multimedia

Better to spend 5 minutes checking than dealing with disputes later — especially under the hot Cyprus sun.

4. Clarify Fuel Policy & Return Conditions

Not all companies use full-to-full policies. Some cars may come with just enough fuel to reach a station.

Record the fuel level at pickup

Make sure it’s in the contract

Ask if the car needs to be washed on return — dust on the body might lead to a cleaning charge

5. Understand Your Insurance Coverage

This is where many travelers slip up. Beyond the basics (like not drinking and driving), there’s a catch:

➡️ Most insurance policies don’t cover damage if you drive off paved roads — even if it’s just a quick detour to a secret beach or a vineyard.

➡️ Trips to Northern Cyprus are generally not covered, unless you buy separate insurance.

Choose full insurance if you want total peace of mind — especially if you're planning off-road adventures or long-distance driving.

Ready to Drive? Book Your Car Today!

Cyprus is a land of winding roads, scenic coastlines, and mountain hideaways. With a rental car, the island is yours to explore — on your own time, without limits.

Find the best car rental deals in Cyprus on Secrental.com — with flexible terms, multilingual support, no hidden fees, and options for no-deposit rentals.

Explore freely. Drive smart. Start your Cyprus adventure with Secrental.

Renting a car in Cyprus in 2025 gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Whether you're cruising along the coast, discovering hidden villages, or heading to the mountains, a rental car transforms your vacation into a true adventure. And with platforms like Secrental.com, car hire is now easier, more transparent, and more affordable than ever.