What to Look for in Cyprus Taxi Services
More travelers than ever before are discovering the great natural beauty and historical treasures on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Since Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004 millions of tourists every year have traveled here, lured by the warmth and sunshine, and the history of the island, which dates back tens of thousands of years to the Tombs of the Kings and the Neolithic village of Choirokoitia. Through its long and storied history, Cyprus has been occupied by empires such as the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. Greek influence under the Ptolemies and Byzantines is readily apparent here as well.
Many of the more popular cities for travel destinations have a charming blend of the very old and the very new, meaning there is something there for everyone, from the archaeological buff to the world-class shopper. Most tourists coming to Cyprus land at the Hermes Larnaca International Airport located some 7 km from the city center of Larnaca. This is the island’s most important international airport, handling over five million visitors every year.
When it comes to getting around Cyprus, the two best bets today are hiring a car and using taxi services. Though Cyprus is in the process of improving its public transfer infrastructure, cars are still the favored way to get around. While hiring a car is great for those who know their way around or want the most flexible schedule, it’s not for everyone. Driving on the left-hand side of the road is not familiar to a lot of visitors, and many would rather look at the scenery than at maps.
For getting around cities and getting from one city to another, taxis are the preferred method for many travelers. If you visit Cyprus and choose to get around by taxi, choose a licensed taxi company that employs professional drivers. The reasons for this are many. For one thing, licensed companies are insured, and the fleets are regularly maintained, tested, and cleaned. Most drivers of licensed taxis are fluent in English and know their way around not only the local area, but often the entire island. All licensed taxis use meters, and the fares are regulated by law. Tariffs are higher at night and on some public holidays, so check to see if your visit coincides with any national holidays.
If you land at the airport in Larnaca, you’ll find a fares board for taxis inside the arrivals hall. Expect prices for the journey into Larnaca proper to be around 15. Rates will not vary that much from one licensed taxi company to another, so you’re wise to check out taxi companies in advance to see which one offers the services you need, such as chauffeured tours and minibus service. For trips within cities, or from one part of Cyprus to another, fares start with a base rate and metered charges are added. Normal amounts of baggage are handled as part of the regular fare, though larger amounts of luggage may incur extra charges. Taxis are a great way to get around Cyprus, provided you choose services that are officially licensed.