Paphos is a coastal city in the southwest of the island nation of Cyprus. In terms of historically significant cities, Paphos is pretty hard to beat. The city’s been inhabited since the Neolithic era, it’s home to many magnificent Byzantine castles, and it’s also the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. With so many incredible sites packed into one city, the best way to make the most of your time in Cyprus is to rent an ATV and ride around the city.
In classical antiquity, the city was divided into Old Paphos, which was also known as Kouklia, and New Paphos. And, as these names suggest, the modern city of Paphos offers visitors a glimpse into ancient history, while still providing a wealth of modern amenities like beautiful hotels, delicious restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. There’s no better way to experience all that Paphos has to offer than by hiring a quad bike and exploring.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a quad/ATV in Paphos. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter or a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- The cost of hiring an ATV
- Where to rent an ATV in Paphos
- What it’s like to drive in Cyprus
- Whether you need an international driving permit to drive in Cyprus
- The best places to go in Paphos by quad
What Is the Price of Quad Bike Hire in Paphos?
If you’re interested in renting an ATV in Paphos, you’ll probably be paying a minimum of €60 per day. If you really look around, and possibly haggle with the shop owners, you may be able to find a better price. However, most rental shops set their base price for a 300cc or 350cc quad bike at €60.
If you’re looking for a quad that’s even more powerful, many shops also offer 400cc and 450cc quads for around €70 per day.
Quad safari tours are also a popular activity in Paphos, and will typically cost around €60 per person per three hours.
Where Can You Find ATV Rental in Paphos?
If you are starting your trip by flying into Paphos International Airport, your closest place to hire an ATV would be to the north near Pachyammos Beach. Unfortunately, there are no services at the airport that will rent you an ATV, so you’ll have to get a taxi to a rental shop first.
If you arrive at Paphos Harbour by boat, you’ll be right in the area known as Kato Paphos, which is filled with plenty of places to rent a quad bike. There are also many accommodations in this area, so chances are you’ll be staying there anyway.
What Is It like to Drive in Cyprus?
In general, driving in Cyprus is quite relaxed and easy, and the city of Paphos is no different. The island nation of Cyprus is fairly small and not that densely populated, making for little traffic and a relaxed road environment.
Public transportation is also very limited in Cyprus, which means that car hire or quad bike hire is the best option for tourists visiting Paphos.
If you’re staying in Paphos, it’s recommended to hire an ATV rather than a scooter or a car because it gives you the ability to explore all of the off-road places around the city. The city has many beautiful beaches and wooded areas that are great for exploring.
In Cyprus, they drive on the left side of the road, which will be an interesting adjustment if you’re from the United States. However, drivers in Cyprus are typically quite relaxed and patient with foreign drivers.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire an ATV in Cyprus?
In Cyprus, foreign drivers from any country except Great Britain are required to hold a valid copy of their driver’s license from their home country as well as an international driving permit at all times while operating a motor vehicle, including a quad bike.
If you plan on hiring a quad in Paphos, you should apply for your international driving permit at least two weeks prior to arriving in the city. There is an $20 application fee, and you can apply online here. Once you’ve applied, your permit should arrive in the mail in under two weeks and it is valid for one full year.
The Best Things to Do in Paphos
Now that you have all the information you need to rent a quad in Paphos, here are some of the best things to do in the city with your rented set of wheels:
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is located about 6 minutes south by ATV from the center of the city, and contains a fascinating array of archaeological ruins from the Middle Ages to ancient Rome. There are old mosaics, murals, and remains of buildings that have been weathered over time. This is possibly the best site in the city for understanding the long history of the region.
One of the most frequented places in the park is the Tombs of the Kings, a series of underground caverns carved out of the rocks. The tombs were designed in the ancient Egyptian style and combined with Hellenistic Doric pillars, making them a magnificent display of cultural blending.
Aphrodite’s Rock
As the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite and the home of the historical cult of Aphrodite, one of the most interesting and historically significant sites in the city is Aphrodite’s Rock. The drive from Kato Paphos to Aphrodite’s Rock takes you about 24 minutes along the southern coast of the island, and offers some incredible views. There’s free parking available in the area, and the parking lots almost never fill up.
This site offers a massive rock on the ocean where the goddess Aphrodite is said to have been born from the waves. The beach in the area is a great place to take a swim, and you can climb to the top of the rock for a stunning panoramic view.
Akamas
For anyone renting a quad bike, riding around Akamas is an absolute must. The journey to Akamas takes you north about an hour and a half, but the ride is well worth it. The region is filled with lush plants and endemic animal species, and the coastline is gorgeous.
You can take your ATV off-road and explore untouched areas of wilderness, or you can park your ATV and take a dip in the clear waters. Temperatures in Akamas can be very high in the summer months, though, so make sure you bring plenty of water with you.
Get on a Quad and Get Going
From the gorgeous beaches to the myriad of amazing historical landmarks, Paphos has so much to offer, and it’s no wonder it’s become such a popular destination for tourists. With so many different experiences to be had in the city, the best way to maximize your time in Paphos is to rent a quad and explore at your own pace.
Do you still have questions about quad/ATV rentals in Paphos? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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