If
you're holidaying in the Cypriot resort of Protaras any time soon, you may be
mulling over the idea of renting a car during your stay. But taking in to
account the added cost of renting a vehicle for one or two weeks, does hiring a
car in Protaras make sense?
If you're holidaying in the Cypriot resort of Protaras any
time soon, you may be mulling over the idea of renting a car during your stay.
But taking in to account the added cost of renting a vehicle for one or two
weeks, does hiring a car in Protaras make sense?
First of all, you need to decide how you intend to make your way to the resort
from the airport. As Cyprus does not have a rail system and bearing in mind
Protaras is over 40 minutes from Larnaca airport, you will certainly need
access to some form of road transport.
Many tourists opt to book a taxi transfer to the resort at a cost of around 70
Euros per person for a return ticket. While taxis are a great, hassle free way
to find your accommodation as quickly as possible, the price of transferring a
family of four or more can be as expensive as renting a car, especially if
you're only holidaying for a week. If you are travelling in a party of four or
five, it probably makes sense to rent a car and enjoy the benefits of having
transport at your disposal between your arrival and departure.
Having successfully found your accommodation, you'll more than likely want to
gather supplies, especially if you're staying in a villa. With a rental car,
your shopping options are immediately broadened.
Shops in the heart of the resort tend to be a little more expensive than those
further afield and can lack the variety of the larger supermarket chains. With
access to a car, holidaymakers have the opportunity to visit Paralimni's
largest supermarkets Carrefour and Orphanides, popular with the locals for the
variety and savings on offer. Transporting heavy grocery bags will no longer be
a problem, providing the car you choose has ample boot space!
While Protaras has plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and beaches spread across
the entire strip, hiring a car will give you the opportunity to explore the
surrounding area at the drop of a hat. There's the magnificent rocky landscape
of Cape Greco for a start, with warm clear waters proving great for
snorkelling. There is also the town of Paralimni, with its attractive
churches, pleasant cafe’s and tidy shopping centre. Last but not least,
the resort of Ayia Napa, notorious for its nightlife and party atmosphere, can
be reached by car in as little as 15 minutes.
Protaras boasts a number of beautiful beaches, all within walking distance of
the resorts' hotels and holiday villas. For this reason the most central
beaches can become a little overcrowded with sun-worshipers. Having a
hire car at your disposal grants you access to the tranquil beaches just
outside the main resort, such as Konnos beach and Sirena Bay to name a few.
UK holidaymakers will find driving a hire car in Protaras is much simpler than
most other European holiday destinations. For a start, road signs in Cyprus are
written in both English and Greek – a remnant of the UK’s longstanding
association with the sunshine island. Like the UK, motorists in Cyprus also
drive on the left.
The island’s road network is modern with paved roads and
excellent motorways. Unlike many other European countries the roads on the
island are also toll free and it’s easy to find free parking throughout the Protaras
area.
When taking in to account all the benefits listed, it’s fair to say hiring a
car can certainly enhance your holiday experience in Protaras. Not only
does a hire vehicle give you added convenience, the fact that there is little
traffic on the roads makes for a very pleasant drive throughout your time on
the island.
Sara Turner writes for the Protaras Travel guide, a travel
resource for the Cypriot holiday resort with information on Protaras car
hire, beaches, flights, holidays, Protaras car
rental companies and more.
