All you need to know about Renting a Quad in Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa, an area that sits on the eastern side of the island nation of Cyprus, is most well known as a party destination for young vacationers looking to dance the night away on the Mediterranean. However, there’s so much to do in the area beyond just nightclubs and bars. The entire eastern shore of the region is lined with beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. There’s also a wealth of remarkable landmarks and museums in Ayia Napa for those looking to learn a little bit about the region’s history. With so much to do in Ayia Napa, the best way to maximize your time there is by renting an ATV and exploring on your own time.

Ayia Napa is named after a Venetian-era monastery of the same name that still sits in the center of town. The name translates roughly to “holy wooded area”, which makes sense when you see the beautiful forests that encompass the region. Whether you’re seeking some beach relaxation, a history lesson, or a night out on the town, Ayia Napa is a can’t-miss destination on any European adventure.

This post will cover: 

• Safety issues to consider when driving a quad/ATV in Ayia Napa 
• The best areas to rent a quad/ATV in Ayia Napa
• The price of quad/ATV rental in Ayia Napa
• Whether you need an international driving permit while in Cyprus
• The best places to go by quad/ATV in Ayia Napa

Is it safe to drive a quad/ATV in Ayia Napa? 

The island of Cyprus, in general, has a very well-connected and modern road system. It’s very easy to get from one place to another, and this is no different in Ayia Napa. The motorways in Ayia Napa are exceptionally well maintained and are fairly easy to navigate. Cypriots tend to speed; however, regardless of how many taxis zoom past you as you’re driving, don’t speed. Cyprus has very strict traffic laws compared to the rest of Europe. 

In Cyprus, they drive on the left side of the road. This may be challenging for anyone traveling to Cyprus from the United States, where motorists drive on the right. It’s important to remember that right turns in Cyprus will be crossing the flow of traffic, so it’s best to drive very cautiously as you get used to driving on the opposite side of the road. 

Another law that you should be aware of while driving in Cyprus is that you’re headlights are required to on even during the day at all times. Motorists are also required to wear helmets at all times, even if they’re driving an ATV. There’s no law against driving in flip-flops, however! 

Where is the best place to rent a quad/ATV in Ayia Napa? 

If you plan on flying into Larnaca International Airport, the airport in Ayia Napa, there are several places where you can rent an ATV just outside of the airport. You will, however, have to take a taxi to one of these rental shops, as none of them are directly inside the airport. The information desk at the airport should be able to help you locate a rental shop nearby. Then, you can take a taxi to a rental shop, and ride your rented ATV straight to your accommodation.

If you’d rather make it into the center of Ayia Napa before renting your ATV, the highest concentration of rental shops is in the immediate area around the harbor. If you plan on taking a boat to Ayia Napa, you’ll probably see an ATV rental shop as soon as you step on land. There are also quite a few rental shops located on the eastern side of Ayia Napa in the area around Sunrise Beach. Either way, you should have no trouble finding a place to rent an ATV in Ayia Napa. 

What does it cost to rent a quad/ATV in Ayia Napa? 

Renting an ATV is a very popular activity in Ayia Napa, and the rates are typically very affordable. The lowest rates you can find are for 50cc ATVs, and they typically run around €40 per day in the low season and €45 or €50 per day in the high season. Either way, it’s still a very affordable way to get around Ayia Napa. 

If you’re planning to do some off-roading and are looking for a more powerful ATV, 200cc and 300cc ATVs are typically very affordable as well. You can usually find a 200cc ATV for as little as €50 per day and a 300cc ATV for around €65 per day.

Do you need an international driving permit to drive a quad/ATV in Cyprus? 

As long as the driver’s license that you’ve been issued by your country is in English, it is valid for 30 days of use in the nation of Cyprus. You should carry your driver’s license with you at all times while driving a quad/ATV in Ayia Napa, as driving without a license can carry a hefty fine. 

If your driver’s license is not in English, you’re required by law to have an international driving permit, which translates your license into 12 different languages. If you want to apply for an international driving permit, you should do so at least two weeks prior to arriving in Ayia Napa, as that’s typically how long it takes to arrive. You can submit your application here. There is an application fee of $20 and the permit is valid for one year.

Where are the best places to go by quad/ATV in Ayia Napa? 

There are plenty of tour companies in Ayia Napa that offer ATV tours at affordable rates, so you might want to look into that upon your arrival in Ayia Napa. Now that you know everything you need to rent a quad/ATV in Ayia Napa, here are some of the best things to do in the region: 

• About a 15 minute drive east from the harbor is one of the best places for swimming in Ayia Napa, Cape Greco. The waters at Cape Greco are known for being absolutely pristine, and you can swim among interesting rock formations and even find some hidden caves. If you’d rather stay dry and do some hiking, you can walk over to nearby Cape Greco National Forest Park and walk among the trees.

• If you’re looking to get some beach time and see an intriguing archaeological site at the same time, take a 10 minute drive west from the harbor and check out Makronissos Beach. This is one of the best spots in Ayia Napa for lounging out on the sand as well as for activities like waterskiing, paddle boating, and diving. There are also the Makronissos Tombs nearby, an archaeological wonder that you can freely explore.

• It wouldn’t be right to visit Ayia Napa without seeing the monastery after which the region is named. Located about a 5 minute drive north of the harbor, the Monastery of Ayia Napa is a monastery from the 15th century that’s filled with an air of Mediterranean magic. The sunbaked pillars and edifices are truly a sight to behold, and the beautiful gardens are a wonderful place to do some meditative walking.

Whether you’re looking for some beachside parties, hiking in a Mediterranean forest, or interesting history, Ayia Napa is a great stop on anyone’s travel itinerary. And the best way to see all that this region has to offer is by renting an ATV!