Cyprus is an enchanting island, attracting visitors from all over the world. During a trip to the ‘jewel of the Mediterranean’ you can experience vast cultural landscapes, breath-taking mountains and beautiful architecture – not to mention the golden sands. Hiring a car here will give you the opportunity to travel through the island’s cities and get a snapshot of thousands of years of history.

With plenty to see across the island, if you’re planning to explore the wilderness such as Cape Greco or the Troodos Mountains, you may find a 4x4 vehicle to be your best bet, as many of the smaller and forest roads can be bumpy and have loose surfaces. Main roads connecting the villages and towns, however, tend to be well-maintained, as do the four-lane motorways connecting the capital Nicosia and main towns of Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Paphos. You can travel to the south of the country from the north via the A1 from Nicosia to Limassol or, from Limassol you can follow the scenic route of the A5 over to Protaras in the east.

Cypriot driving regulations are very similar to the UK, and you should drive on the left. Before visiting, familiarise yourself with the rush hour times as you may want to avoid them: 7-8.30am and 4.30-6pm. Motorways are fairly quiet, but the Limassol and Nicosia intersections can get quite busy at those peak times. It’s worth noting that information signs are in Greek and English, with some in Turkish.

Speed checks are frequent on the island, so make sure you’re aware of the speed limits - 50kph in towns and villages, 80kph on highways and 100kph on motorways.

This is the birthplace of legendary Aphrodite, and upon stepping foot on this colourful island you can expect a warm and hospitable welcome from local people proud of their heritage. Perhaps you want to enjoy the many beaches, which rival some of the best in the world, or take in the archaeological splendours.

Relax and unwind

If you’re looking for a relaxing break with your family, visit the coastal city of Paphos, located in the south-west. Here, you can get to the core of Cyprus’ past. Why not take in the incredible scenic views of the area's countryside while navigating the winding country roads, and visit the architectural remains of the Temple of Aphrodite, built in the 12th century BC?

The Ayios Neophytos Monastery is a peaceful place to visit and offers stunning views. And for a taste of true Paphos paradise, head to Blue Lagoon. Its crystal clear waters are breathtakingly beautiful – here you can go snorkelling and cruise around all day soaking up the sun on a rented boat. Nature-lovers may be excited to know that the beaches in Paphos are home to some of the last nesting places of loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean.

Like Paphos, Larnaca on the southern coast is renowned for its monuments and medieval castles. Make your way to the Turkish quarter of Skala to get a taste of authentic Cyprus of old and immerse yourself in white-washed villages that play host to the art and craft traditions of the area.

Explore, shop and eat

If you fancy a day trip, the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is a modern city offering you the chance to explore the more cultural attractions. These include boating museums and churches, and there are also fantastic shopping facilities. Explore the ancient crumbling walls in the north and the traditional restaurants and meandering streets they’re wrapped around. If you’re a foodie, small city Protaras, on the coastline of Fig Tree Bay, is one of the best places to taste some authentic Cypriot cuisine, including tzatziki, moussaka and finikia (walnut cakes).

Cyprus at its peak

If you fancy a break from the hot weather, Limassol’s Troodos Mountains are perfect. Mount Olympus is the highest point in Cyprus at 1,952 metres and is surrounded by the Troodos National Forest Park. Getting up to the mountain range is made much easier with car hire in Limassol, but planning your route is advisable. During the winter months these peaks are covered in snow and attract skiers from around the world, and at the height of summer, locals head here for a break from the heat down at sea level. However you choose to spend your time in Cyprus, car hire means you can make the most of your time and visit all of the amazing sites the island has to offer. It might be a small island, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere that packs in as much history and beauty as Cyprus.