Polis is one of the most tranquil and picturesque corners of Cyprus, located in the northwest of the island, near the Akamas Peninsula. The town retains the atmosphere of a traditional Cypriot village and is ideal for a getaway away from the bustling resorts. However, getting around here without personal transportation is difficult: public transportation is limited, and many beaches and attractions are located outside the center. Therefore, renting a car in Polis is a must for anyone looking to explore the region at their own pace.
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Why rent a car in Polis?
Polis is a small town, but its surrounding area offers a wealth of interesting excursions: Lara Bay, the Akamas Nature Reserve, the fishing village of Latchi, and the thermal springs of Skolio. Getting there is only possible via winding roads, where bus service is virtually nonexistent.
A car allows you to be independent of schedules, choose your own destination, and visit uncrowded beaches, wineries, and mountain villages. For travelers who prefer active recreation and solitude, renting a car offers maximum freedom of movement and saves time.
Many tourists coming to Polis for an extended vacation choose to rent for a month or more. Companies offer special rates that include maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance. This is convenient for those spending the winter in Cyprus or working remotely, combining vacations with business.
How to rent a car?
To rent a car with Polis, you need a driver’s license issued at least one year ago; a bank card for a deposit; and a passport or ID card. The minimum driver age is 21, but for certain vehicle categories, this can be raised to 25. Drivers under 25 typically pay an additional “young driver” fee. For tourists from countries where licenses are not supported in Latin characters, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Car rental prices in Polis are slightly lower than in larger resorts, ranging from €45 to €70 depending on the car class in summer; from €25 per day for a compact car in winter. Companies offer discounts of up to 30% for rentals of a week or more.
The price typically includes basic insurance, unlimited mileage, and road tax. Additional options, such as GPS, child seats, extended insurance, or a second driver, are charged separately.
Before renting a car, a deposit is made, which is blocked on the customer’s card. The deposit ranges from €300 to €1,000, depending on the car category and insurance coverage level.
Main types of insurance:
- Basic Insurance – basic protection against damage to third parties;
- CDW ( Collision Damage Waiver ) – covers damage in case of an accident, with the exception of certain situations (for example, off-road driving);
- Full Insurance – full coverage, including damage to the body, glass and tires.
Full coverage is especially important for tourists planning trips along rural and mountainous routes.
Choosing a car
Polis is home to both local agencies and international companies. The fleet includes a variety of vehicle categories, from economy and mid-range cars, SUVs and crossovers, minivans, and premium vehicles. Most cars are equipped with air conditioning, multimedia, and automatic transmission.
The main rental offices are located in the center of Polis and at the port of Latchi. Some companies offer free car delivery to your hotel or villa. Before signing the contract, carefully inspect the car and record all defects in the inspection report. Take photos of the car upon pickup and return.
Returns are made with the same fuel level as when picked up. Companies strictly adhere to time limits: delays of more than an hour may result in an additional rental day.
Traffic and parking in Polis
Driving on the left side of the road in Cyprus is mandatory. Drivers accustomed to driving on the right will need some time to adapt. The roads around Polis are of good quality, but there are some narrow sections and sharp turns on the approaches to natural areas. Speed limits in built-up areas are 50 km/h, outside of towns 80 km/h, and on motorways 100 km/h. Always wear a seat belt—fine for not wearing one are high.
It’s important to remember that many roads in the Akamas Nature Reserve are unpaved, so it’s best to choose a crossover or SUV for driving on them.
Parking is free in the city center and along the Lachi promenade. Paid parking is available at major hotels and tourist attractions, costing around 1–2 euros per hour. Locals and car rental companies often offer free parking with your rental car.
The fine for parking violations starts at 50 euros. It’s important to pay close attention to road signs, especially in the narrow streets of the old city center.
Popular routes from Polis
Renting a car opens up a wealth of opportunities for independent travel around northwestern Cyprus:
- Lara Bay is a protected beach where sea turtles nest, the journey takes about 30 minutes.
- Akamas Peninsula is a picturesque region with hiking trails, sea caves and viewpoints.
- Aphrodite’s Baths are a natural spring surrounded by forest, 10 minutes’ drive from the center of Polis.
- The village of Katerina is a traditional settlement with tavernas and wineries, a 25-minute drive away.
- Paphos is a large town with an archaeological park and can be reached by car in 45 minutes.
Each destination offers unique views and atmospheres not available when traveling by public transport.
Renting a car in Polis is an opportunity to truly discover the beauty of northwestern Cyprus. Having your own vehicle makes traveling comfortable, safe, and fulfilling. Thanks to a well-developed road network, transparent rental terms, and reasonable prices, this service is accessible to every traveler.
A car allows you to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations, enjoy nature, and plan your day without restrictions. For vacationers in Polis, renting a car isn’t just a convenience, it’s the key to a fulfilling and independent vacation.
