Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING AROUND
Cyprus is small enough for you to get around easily. Roads are good and well signposted, and traffic moves smoothly.
Public transport is limited to buses and service taxis (stretch taxis that run on predetermined routes). There is no train
network and no domestic air services in either the North or the South. Four-lane motorways link Nicosia (Lefkosia) with
Lemesos and Larnaka, expanding west to Pafos and east to Agia Napa. In Northern Cyprus there is only one motorway,
which runs between North Nicosia and Famagusta (Mağusa).
Bicycle
Cycling is a cheap, convenient, healthy, environmentally sound and, above all, fun way of travelling. However, it's advis-
able to limit long-distance cycling trips to winter, spring or autumn, as high summer temperatures will make the going
tough. In the Republic of Cyprus, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) produces a very helpful brochure entitled
Cyprus for Cycling,
which lists 19 recommended mountain-bike rides around the South. These range from 2.5km to 19km
from the Akamas Peninsula in the west to Cape Greco in the east.
Prospective cyclists are advised to consider the following:
It's best to stick to cycling on ordinary roads, many of which parallel motorways, where cycling is not allowed. The roads
are generally good, but there is rarely extra roadside room for cyclists, so you will have to cycle with care.
You will need a bicycle with good gears to negotiate the long hauls up and around the Troödos Mountains and Kyrenia
(Girne) Range.
Towns and cities in general are much more cyclist-friendly than their counterparts in other parts of the Mediterranean. In
some tourist centres, such as Protaras and Agia Napa, there are urban bicycle paths, as well as beachside boulevards that
incorporate space for bike riding.
You cannot take bicycles on all buses.
Hire
Bicycles can be hired in most areas. Rates start from around €15 a day and local tourist offices can provide you with a list
of reputable local operators.
Bus
Buses in the South are frequent and run from Monday to Saturday, with limited services on Sunday. Five companies cover
their respective districts and all have comprehensive websites:
Emel (
www.limassolbuses.com
)
Lemesos district
Osea Buses
(
www.oseabuses.com
) Larnaca district
Osel Buses
(
www.oseabuses.com
) Lefkosia district
Pafos Buses
Pafos district
