North Cyprus Car Hire Blog - Pacific Rentals

Car Rental Kyrenia Service

2009-07-09T16:04:00.004+03:00

As an employee of Kyrenia car rental service, I take pride in our service and our customers. You would be amazed at the number of visitors to North Cyprus that come back to us time and time again. We love all of our customers and their opinion of our service is a very big deal to us. We cannot fix anything our customers have a problem with if we don’t know about them, so hearing from our customers is something we look forward to.

I am part of Pacific Rent A Car’s Service Excellence team and every month I pull together our customer surveys to see what they have to say. I’m especially interested in what our customers would like to see us improve. I must admit that I do get a chuckle out of some of things they ask for. I will be the first one to say that some of the requests are a little farfetched. But other suggestions have been really great – such as carrying car seats for our customers who have small children and my co-workers and I have actually wondered why we didn’t do what our customers suggested in the first place.

In order to get the best feedback from our clients we contact all of the people who have rented from us. Our car hire clients are from all around the world and we use an outside source to collect out surveys and send us the results. I know I prefer to have an unbiased and impartial view of the results sent to me so that I am not influenced in any way and can suggest changes that make sense. All of us at Pacific work on our survey and as we get more customers using our service we send out more surveys for feedback. How else are we going to build up a report with our customers if we don’t know how they feel?

I thought it was important when we developed our survey to ask our customers right off the bat if they would recommend us to a friend who is visiting North Cyprus. The answer is graded on a scale of 1 to 10 and the majority of our survey results come back with a score above 5, the mid range ‘maybe, maybe not’ spot. Our results have been consistent too over the last few years and that shows us that we are definitely on the right track to pleasing our customers and ensuring that they come back time and time again.

We also ask our clients how satisfied they were with the service we provided them. We want to know about all facets of our service, from the time they pick up the car from us at the airport to the time they bring the car back. We even ask if they required our free road side service because it’s important to know how well we responded to any problems they had with their vehicle. The survey I send out targets as many things as possible so that we can pinpoint any recurring issues right away and correct them in addition to passing on suggestions for improvement. And of course, I also pass along the praise we get.

If you should happen to hire a car from our office and you receive a survey from me, please fill it out and send it back. I want to hear from you and I want to know just how well we have been able to serve you while you have been in North Cyprus.

Our North Cyprus Car Hire Feedback Is Amazing

2009-07-07T11:53:00.003+03:00

Well I can finally say that all of Pacific Rent A Car’s hard work and diligence has paid off. As the company’s office manager I have been able to watch as we changed the way we did things in an effort to become the number one car hire company in North Cyprus. We have worked to streamline our surveys and the way our customers provide us feedback in an effort to provide you, our clients, the best service ever. So far we have received reams of survey feedback as well as a few thousand gigabytes of feedback e-mails and so far we have managed to read almost all of them.

Do you know what I found out?

I found out that our customers enjoy the service we provide them. We have been working on our website and all of our clients enjoy the ease of being able to book their car hire online with it. They have commented that all of our forms are clear and concise and that we do not hide any extra costs in the small print. They also appreciate the quick and easy service we provide them both in person and on line.

What does all of this mean?

It means that your feedback is helping us find new ways to utilize your suggestions and I can honestly say that we have been inspired by everything our clients have had to say. Some of these changes have been put into effect over the last year – like this blog section on our website that keeps you up to date with all of Pacific’s news and views. We have revamped all of the information on our website and we are even trying to provide you with information on North Cyprus to help you plan your stay here. I love reading the comments that you provide us and I appreciate the time our clients take to tell us what they think.

I know that we are trying very hard to make a difference in the car hire industry, especially in North Cyprus. But we need your help to do that. That is why we have launched this blog. That is why we are also looking at what you suggest and keep an eye on what our industry competitors are doing to draw them in. With all of this information at our disposal there is no reason why Pacific Rent A Car can’t stay the best car hire service in North Cyprus.

All of us here want to hear what you have to say and we invite you to interact with us through the use of surveys, e-mail communication, commenting on our blog and even sending us snail mail. Keeping in touch with you only benefits both of us and we hope that you recommend us to friends and family that visit our island paradise.
Remember we cannot improve our service unless you tell us what we may be doing wrong and what you would like see. Drop us a line today and let us know how we rate.

Pacific Rent-A-Car Values Our Customers Opinions

2009-06-26T15:28:00.001+03:00

In an effort to provide our customers with the best service possible, we always ask them to give us feedback on the vehicles in our fleet.Now we are giving all of customers the opportunity to provide us with their feedback via our website.

We at Pacific are always interested in hearing what you our customers have to say about the experience you have with us while visiting North Cyprus. We try very hard to provide you with clean, efficient, and fun vehicles to hire while you are here. With the current market conditions being what they are, we understand your need for a vehicle that is economical to get you around the island. Of course, some of our roads are challenging so we have made it a point to also provide our customers with 4x4s for those off road experiences as well as family vehicles that can not only seat all of your family members but also all of your luggage and holiday paraphernalia, like golf clubs, beach toys, and other items.

Currently our fleet includes the following vehicles that are ready for you to reserve for hire prior to entering the country. We are more than happy to deliver this vehicle to you at the airport so that you can simply get in and get your vacation started.

Economy 4x4
Suzuki Samurai

Small economy cars
Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Getz

Large cars
Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Hyundai Matrix

Family vehicles (7 seaters)
Opel Zafira

If you need car or booster seats for your trip we ask that you request it when you make your car hire reservations. We have a limited supply available, but we want your trip to be the best it can possibly be. Additionally, if you have any problems with the vehicle you hire from us during your stay, we will come out and replace the vehicle with the same model or a comparable one so that you can continue on your way with little to no hassle.

We look forward to reading your comments. They will help us serve you better and will allow us to choose future vehicles for our fleet based on what our customers are the most interested in driving. Even if you have a complaint, we invite you to tell us what it is. We cannot serve you properly unless we know what we need to do to fix any problems you may have.

Tips of getting the best deal !!!

2009-06-20T17:16:00.002+03:00

As a result of feedback from customers, I thought it might be useful to explain the principals of our car rental pricing.

As with any other product or service, the price you, the customer, pay is based upon;
• The cost of providing the service
• Demand vs supply

Like airlines, the number of people who want to rent a car (or get on a flight) versus the availability of cars (or seats on a flight) dictates the price of that car for that period, so when there becomes less supply - normally closer to the pick-up date, the price will increase. This means that booking close to pick up is likely to be more expensive than booking in advance.

How can our customers, get the best deal? Booking in advance allows Pacific Car Rentals to manage the business more efficiently thus keeping our costs down and allowing us to pass these savings onto our customers.

What is included in the price of hire? The cost of hire includes all taxes and insurance, CDW and collection and delivery of the vehicle within the Kyrenia area. We make a small charge for delivery and collection to the Famagusta / Bogaz area.

Focus Takes Place of Matrix At Pacific

2009-06-06T10:24:00.002+03:00

The staff at Pacific Rent A Car would like to apologize to all of our customers who were eagerly awaiting the new Hyundai Matrix vehicles we announced bringing into our hire selection. We have recently received word from Hyundai that there is currently a one month delay on all new models rolling out of the production plants and that we would not have them at the end of May 2009 as we originally promised.

“This is a small setback for Pacific and while we know that many of our regular customers in and out of Cyprus were looking forward to and had already made reservations for the new Matrix, we simply cannot put them in a car hire we don’t have. But we are able to offer all of our customers the new Ford Focus vehicle we have purchased in place of the delayed Hyundai’s,” stated Sue, our reservation manager.

We are going to be adding five Ford Focus’ instead of five Hyundai Matrix's. Both vehicles are comparable in style, gas mileage, and seating. The Focus is part of our ‘Comfort Car Hire’ division and they are great for families with small children. You can comfortably seat three adults and two children in the Focus or two adults and two children with baby seats. If you need a baby seat, let us know when you book your Ford Focus. We have a limited supply available.

Like the Matrix which is also in this division, the Ford Focus’ we will be receiving are all equipped with power steering, electric front windows, airbags, anti-lock brake systems, and central door locking mechanisms. They all use standard unleaded petrol and we recommend that you ask in advance for a manual or automatic transmission if you have a preference.

Huseyin Ocal, our current car tester and co-founder of Pacific, stated in response to the situation, “The Ford Focus is a reliable family vehicle that is great on gas and big on comfort. We have had a lot of customers compliment us on our selection of Focus’ for our fleet, and there was no hesitation on my part to recommend replacing the delayed Matrix with the Focus in preparation for our busy summer rental season.” The Focus’ will be joining the Matrix, the Opel Astra and the Fiat Grande Punte in our fleet.

We would like to remind our customers that we offer advance booking services and that our vehicles cannot be taken out of North Cyprus. Additionally, we do offer airport service and can meet your plane with one of our new Ford Focus’ when you arrive.

Pacific Rentals Commercial Video

2009-05-22T15:53:00.005+03:00

or YouTube

Pacific Rent-A-Car Adds More Matrix

2009-05-21T22:46:00.003+03:00

In an effort to keep up with our increasing tourist trade hitting North Cyprus, we at Pacific Rent-A-Car announce that we will be adding five automatic transmission Hyundai Matrixs to our car hire line-up. The decision came after reviewing all of our previous customer reviews and determining that this is the car our customers preferred the most.

The Hyundai Matrix is a multi-purpose vehicle that has been winning awards all over the world since it was first introduced to the automotive industry. It was actually designed by an Italian auto company, Pinindarina, and it is usually used by consumers as a mini MPV and leisure vehicle even though it is classified by automakers as a full sized MPV. It is a great family vehicle that can seat five, with a nice hatchback that allows tourists to North Cyprus plenty of room for their luggage and other gear.

“The Hyundai Matrix is one of the best vehicles we have ever had the fortune to have in our hire fleet,” stated Huseyin Ocal, co-founder of Pacific and current car tester and recommender. “Based on the rental numbers and the feedback we have received from our customers since adding the initial Matrix vehicles to the line up, we felt that adding five more of these MPVs would be advantageous.”

Additionally, the Matrix’s status as an MPV is a good thing on the roads of North Cyprus. Many of the back roads leading to the more interesting tourist sites are rough and contain plenty of potholes. The Matrix can easily traverse these roads.
Any problems with a vehicle hired from Pacific are immediately addressed and we offer road side assistance whenever needed. One of our service representatives will bring our customers a new vehicle so that they can continue on their road trip at no additional cost.

One thing tourists to North Cyprus need to remember is that they cannot take their hire vehicle into South Cyprus. All travel must be done above the embarkation line as we cannot insure our vehicles or our hire drivers in South Cyprus.

“These additional five Hyundai Matrix cars will definitely please our repeat customers, and they help us open up the doors for more families to use our services. We are very happy to be able to offer them to our guests in North Cyprus and look forward to working with them to make their stay in our country a pleasant and enjoyable one,” remarked Sue, our reservation manager.

The cars are expected to be available at the end of May 2009.

What is the next? Book your Matrix :)

Pacific Rent A Car Promotes New Ford Fiesta

2009-05-09T10:04:00.002+03:00

Pacific Rent A Car has been providing visitors to North Cyprus with high quality hire vehicles for quite a number of years, and as co-founder of the company I have been involved with helping determine the best cars for our fleet. My name is Huseyin Ocal, and I am the one who tests all of the cars for the Pacific Rent A Car company in order to find the ones that will suit the needs and tastes of our customers the best.

While my position in the company was considerably busier before I retired, I decided not to leave the Pacific family on a permanent basis. Instead I took on the position as researcher, investigating the many different makes and models of cars that have been released by auto manufacturers over the years. I was the one that recommended adding the Ford Focus and Hyundai Matrix to our hire fleet based on comments made by our customers. And in this position, I am delighted to take the vehicles I think would benefit our company out on test drives and put them through their paces.

I recently had the opportunity to test drive the new Ford Fiesta and I was very impressed with the way this compact car handled. It held the roads well and the gas mileage was beyond adequate. As North Cyprus does not have many gas stations, our customers are always looking to hire a vehicle that will do well on gasoline. The Ford Fiesta is one of them. It was released in both an automatic and standard model with a 1.4 litre gas motor. It is the same size as the previous Fiesta’s Ford has released, although the body style has been changed to reflect a more modern and rounded appearance.

By the time I was down test driving the Ford Fiesta I knew that this was the perfect hire car for Pacific and I made my recommendations on everything I gathered on this powerful little car. Thanks to my careful research I am pleased to announce that we have added five brand new Ford Fiesta’s to our fleet of hire cars. With the Ford Fiesta as part of our fleet we can now give our customers even more to choose from when they book a car with us.

Because the Fiesta is a compact, I felt strongly about adding it to the fleet to offer our business visitors a reliable and economical car that would suit them well in the cities or on the country back roads. Most business travellers need nothing more than a car of this size and there is adequate storage space in the hatch to accommodate their luggage and business paraphernalia. This is not a family car and I would not recommend it for families visiting the island. However, a vacationing couple interested in travelling light and touring the island will find the Ford Fiesta exactly what they need during their stay.

As with all of our other fleet vehicles we are more than happy to arrange pickup for you at Ercan Airport, providing you immediately with your hire car. If for some reason you are not happy with the car we provide, we encourage you to tell us so that we can return to the Pacific office and make it right. After all, you the customer must be pleased with the vehicle you are going to drive and the service we provide. If you are not, we simply ask to rectify the problem. Additionally, we will provide you with road service if needed, even on our new Ford Fiesta. We pride ourselves on our customer service and we look forward to meeting your needs.

Welcome To Pacific Rent A Car – Let Me Help You

2009-05-02T09:22:00.003+03:00

Thank you for visiting the Pacific Rent A Car website and learning about all of the rental car options we can provide you with. My name is Sue and I am the reservation manager for Pacific. About a month ago my friend Jayne went on maternity leave in order to welcome her newest family addition to the world, and in her absence I have taken on her role here at the reservation desk. So far my experience with Pacific has been the best and far more interesting than the job I previously held in my native Scotland. North Cyprus is a beautiful place to live and work, and during my month here I have learned quite a bit about the country, its people, and the many things you can see and do while you visit.

Pacific Rent A Car is owned and operated by Berkan. He worked with me during my training – the first two weeks in Jayne’s position – and he was patient and understanding as I learned the concepts behind our company and the new job I am responsible for. I have seen them treat their customers with the same patience and understanding when it comes to renting the cars in our fleet and solving the problems that arise. Let me illustrate for you what I am talking about.

About one week into the job we received a call from a young woman who was visiting North Cyprus and who had rented one of our vehicles. She rented from us a Ford Focus, and when she made the reservation she requested a child safety seat. This young woman made the reservation prior to my taking on the position, but I was here when the car was delivered to her and remembered her quite well when she came into the office to sign the rental papers. We, as always, picked her up at Ercan Airport.
Two days into her stay the Focus broke down on a very dark and deserted road around six in the evening.

The break down was a simple flat tire which she had no idea how to change. I could hear her child crying uncontrollably in the background, and between being on a deserted road at night by herself with her little one she was truly in a bad state. I spoke to her and kept her calm while Berkan dispatched one of our service personnel to the site. Within an hour they had returned and I helped her exchange her car for another model and sent her on her way. Throughout it all, Berkan,I treated her with respect and kindness.

We take pride in the service we offer all of our customers and we have received many formal letters and cards from previous customers who have been very happy with the service we offer here in North Cyprus. Yes, we have also had complaints with the majority of them complaining about the older vehicles in our fleet. While we understand that we cannot please all of our customers, it would not be professional for us not to try.

When you call me for a vehicle reservation I will do everything I can to get you the best rates possible and the vehicle of our choice from our fleet. You are the most important thing to Pacific Rent A Car, and North Cyprus is becoming more and more popular with tourists. If you need help getting from our offices to the airport or vice versa, we can help you. If you are going to visit this beautiful island nation, give me a call and let me help you get the hire vehicle that fits your needs.

Nicosia – Your Northern Cyprus Car Hire Takes You Back in Time

2009-04-17T19:28:00.002+03:00

As with most beach oriented vacation spots, the crush of the summer crowds in Northern Cyprus can be frustrating. So, with a North Cyprus car hire at you disposal, the divided city of Nicosia can be a welcome break from the beach crowds as you drift back into the timeless culture of ancient Turkey.

Nicosia Car Hire Driving Rules
As in most countries, a driver must be over the age of 25 in order to get a car hire in Northern Cyprus. And, as in the United Kingdom, the traffic flow here is also on the left side of the roads. Any children in the car that are younger than five years of age must not ride in the front seat of a car, and all passengers in the front seat of the car must wear a seatbelt. You should pay close attention to the seatbelt law because fines will be assessed if you are caught driving without one. You should also know that talking on a cell phone is against the law here and you might also be cited and fined for such a violation.

Access between the two Republics has been loosened in recent years so that you may now travel between the two in your North Cyprus car hire as long as everyone in the car has their passport and the insurance information on the car is available for inspection. You should also be aware that there are some restrictions on what goods can be taken across the border. As an example, you can take no more than 40 cigarettes per person when traveling south into the Republic of Cyprus. If you will only be visiting as far as the southern portion of the city of Nicosia it would be easy to park your Northern Cyprus car hire in a car park outside the wall and simply walk into the city on foot to see the sights.

Northern Cyprus Car Hire – Historic Sites in Nicosia
Nicosia was first founded around 280 BC and now serves as the capital city of both the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from The Republic of Cyprus. The ancient Venetian walls that once encircled the city are well preserved to this day and several sites in Northern Nicosia should not be missed, including:

The Selimiye Mosque was originally built as St Sophia's Cathedral in the early 13th century and is today the area’s most prominent landmark. The fact that it was designed by a French architect is evident in the style of the building that resembles some of the important medieval cathedrals in France. King Hugh the Second, a 13th century King of Cyprus, was buried at St Sophia's Cathedral with his gold crown placed on his head. That cathedral became a mosque when the Ottomans conquered the island in 1571. If you want to look inside the mosque remember to remove your shoes and be quiet, especially if prayer services are taking place.

What was once the church of St. George of the Latins is now a hamam known as the Grand Turkish Bath. A hamam is a traditional bath where one first relaxes in a room heated with dry air and then moves to an even hotter room before rinsing with cold water. Then, after a body wash and massage, one relaxes in a cooling room. This Grand Bath is located in a grand setting among the arches and thick walls of the old church.

The Great Inn is one of the only inns on Cyprus that still remains in its original format from the days of the Ottoman conquest of the island. A series of inns once spread across the country providing traveling merchants a safe place to sleep during their journeys. The traveler entered through a main gate into a central courtyard where stables for horses and camels were located on the first floor with 68 guest rooms on the level above. This historic inn was recently renovated and artisan shops now occupy both levels of the building.

Sights to See in Karmi

2009-04-03T20:29:00.001+03:00

Karmi is a wonderfully small town and most sights are within a short walking distance from the car park at Church Square. Park Your North Cyprus car hire here where you can then begin your explorations of the town. The most important sight to see is the unique small village itself, but there are other historic sites to be seen as well.

St Hilarion Castle can be seen in the mountains above the town and reached by an uphill trail through pine forests. The castle is named after a little-known saint who was one of some 300 saints who sought shelter throughout Cyprus after the Holy Land was overrun by Arabs. Built in the late 11th century the castle became part of a network of defenses along the coast. After most defense of the island was moved closer the coast the castle became a home for Cypriot royalty.

A small museum is now located in the old Greek Orthodox Church in Karmi. The church dates back to 1860 and, unfortunately, is now just open mostly on Sunday. If you are fortunate enough to visit when the church is open you will find the icon screen, or iconostasis, of the church interesting. An icon screen is a screen composed of icons that separates the sanctuary of the church from the nave where the congregation gathers. It is one of the most important features of Eastern Christian churches. The industrious villagers created the screen at the church with discarded items from abandoned churches in the area.

Just outside the village you’ll find a collection of chamber tombs, or tombs in the shape of a room, known as the Karmi Necropolis. The tombs here date back to the Bronze Age between 1900 and 1600 B.C. Of the tombs that have been excavated the most important sight is the relief of a man carved into the corridor of Tomb #6. This weathered figure is believed to be the goddess of fertility and one of the oldest effigies discovered in all of Cyprus. Beads and bowls from Crete were discovered in tombs of the necropolis, indicating that there commercial trading between the village and its neighboring countries existed at least as far back as the Bronze Age.

Enjoy the sights of this small mountainside town and the walks that can be taken through the surrounding countryside. But be aware that there are few services available here including a village shop and only a couple of bars and restaurants.

#4 in Cyprus44’s hot spots for 2009 is Lapta in North Cyprus

2009-02-28T10:41:00.001+02:00

What is the deal?
The town of Lapta in North Cyprus is located ten kilometres west of Kyrenia and is built in levels over a sprawling and diffuse hillside. It is the home to numerous natural mountain springs that feed the groves of citrus and olive plants. The village also has quite a few churches throughout it and not one of them dates before the 18th century, even though the village itself is considerably older having been settled way before the 13th century. There is also a beautiful mosque in the town, a wonderful example of the Ottoman influence. The town is divided into two parts and the main strip in the village is where visitors will find the hotels, bars, restaurants, pubs, and cafes. The town is a popular summer resort destination.
What are other holiday makers saying?
Visitors to the Cyprus44’s forum have stated that visiting Lapta on the off season is preferable if you want a laid back vacation. The town is so popular in the summer that the amount of people in it triples. The pubs, cafes, and restaurants in the village all serve wonderful food and the area itself is very laid back and relaxed, perfect for vacationing individuals and families.
How do I get there?
Lapta can be reached by hiring a car – North Cyprus Car Hire has some wonderful deals and they will deliver the car to you at the airport – and driving to its location. Visitors can fly in from Ercan Airport, the only airport in North Cyprus.

#3 in Cyprus44’s hot spots for 2009 is Karpaz in North Cyprus

2009-02-15T12:11:00.001+02:00

What is the deal?
Karpaz in North Cyprus is on the easternmost part of the island, making up the peninsula that tapers into a thin strip of land reaching for Turkey. The area is notable for its numerous beaches that stretch for miles on end and is the home of pine, cypress, and maquis that covers the hills above. This region of North Cyprus is a natural reserve for flora and fauna on the island. The main source of income for this area is fishing, and the villages of Bogaz and Kumyali are the centres of fishing in the area. In addition to the beautiful beaches there are many Byzantine churches to visit, including the Monastery of Apostolos Andreas. This is also the natural home of the wild donkeys of Karpaz, animals that are native to the island.
What are other holiday makers saying?
Visitors to the Cyprus44’s forum have commented that exploring the beaches in Karpaz is an enjoyable past time that could last for days on end without ever getting boring. Bird watching, shell searching, and fossil collecting are some of the things visitors have mentioned, and if visitors are looking for authentic restaurants featuring traditional foods they need to try the Cyprus Gardens Restaurant and the Karsel, both located in Bogaz and serving some of the best seafood meals on the island.
How do I get there?
When visiting North Cyprus, visitors can get to Karpaz via car hire from Ercan Airport, the only airport in North Cyprus. North Cyprus Car Hire will allow you to book your car ahead of time and will meet you at the airport with your rental vehicle.

#2 in Cyprus44’s hot spots for 2009 is Esentepe in North Cyprus

2009-02-05T12:13:00.002+02:00

What is the deal?
The village of Esentepe is surrounded by the Kyrenia Mountains, and thanks to the breezes this high up visitors love it during the summer months. It doesn’t get too hot there, making it comfortable and perfect for walking around this idyllic area of North Cyprus. The mountains offer some wonderful forests that you can hike in and explore, and even though it is nestled in the mountains the village is still close enough to the shore line for tourists to bask on the sandy beaches as the Mediterranean laps gently on the shore. There are plenty of historic places to visit, such as the domed Antiphontis Church, and the restaurants offer plenty of eating choices ranging from traditional to continental dishes.
What are other holiday makers saying?
Based on the comments on Cyprus44’s forum, visitors here enjoy the beach, hiking in the mountains and unblemished forests, and taking in a great round of golf at the newly opened Esentepe Golf Course and Country Club. The village’s restaurants serve local foods such as kebab with meze, and people insist that visitors try out this dish for a true Cypriot experience.
How do I get there?
Visitors can reach the village of Esentepe by arriving via boat or yacht at the Kyrenia port or flying into Ercan Airport which is the only airport located in North Cyprus. North Cyprus Car hire is one of the car hire places that will deliver your rental car to the airport and have it waiting for you if you are planning on driving through North Cyprus during your stay.

#1 in Cyprus44’s hot spots for 2009 is Kyrenia in North Cyprus

2009-01-31T09:23:00.003+02:00

What is the deal?
Kyrenia is one beautiful city that is steeped in 6,000 years worth of history. You can find remains of numerous civilisations and nationalities that have occupied North Cyprus over the last millennia. Visitors absolutely love the temperate climate here and with its miles of calm seas and natural, soft sand beaches, Kyrenia is one of the most beautiful Mediterranean towns. The town itself is surrounded by beautiful blue waters and rich green scenery thanks to the Besparmak (Fivefinger) Mountains that look down over the town. Whether you are interested in exploring the shops and local markets, enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the dockside cafes, or simply enjoying the white sand beaches, Kyrenia has plenty of things for the visitor to do and enjoy.
What are other holiday makers saying?
According to the Cyprus44’s forum, the beaches at Kyrenia are very popular with tourists of all walks of life. Other favourite hot spots in the city include the Byzantine Kyrenia Castle, the ruins at the Necropolis at Karmi, and the Cypriot Folk Arts Museum. Additionally, many of the cafes and restaurants in Kyrenia have received rave reviews, including the Ali Pasha Tavern, The Crow’s Nest, and Niazi's Restaurant & Bistro.
How do I get there?
Visitors to Kyrenia will fly into Ercan Airport, the only airport in North Cyprus. If you plan on driving through North Cyprus while you are there, you can hire a vehicle from North Cyprus Car Hire and they will deliver your rental car to you at the airport.

North Cyprus Trip by Car Part 5

2009-01-08T11:19:00.002+02:00

Client Testimonial: My Trip To Cyprus – Day Five: Lefke

Today was my last day in North Cyprus and I decided to drive to the Lefke area in order to take in some more scenery and visit the ancient city of Soli before heading back to Ercan Airport and catch tonight’s flight. I’m sad that my vacation here is over as there is still plenty to see throughout North Cyprus let alone crossing into South Cyprus. That’s a trip for another time though, and I’m simply thrilled that I did get the time here.
I made it a point to get to the Roman ruins at Soli today, and the mosaics here are just phenomenal. It’s amazing how well they have stood up to being buried for centuries and then rediscovered. Most of them are almost completely intact with maybe a tile here or there missing. The site is huge and there is plenty of work left to do to make sure it is completely uncovered and preserved as best as possible. There is even a Roman Amphitheatre here, the first feature that was discovered of the city in 1930.
From Soli I travelled to the Vouni Palace. This palace sits on top of the cliff and overlooks the ocean. You can see for miles and it is believed that the palace was built in the 5th century B.C. by Persian invaders. There was once a wall around the palace and it was burnt down by fire in 380 B.C. before the foundations were completely destroyed by the people who lived in Soli.
I took my time driving back to Kyrenia. I had plenty of time before my flight left and I was enjoying the evening scenery. North Cyprus is a beautiful country with a rich history that you can almost feel because of how old the history is. I will say that I plan to come back. As I was returning my rental car to the Pacific agent, I saw a shooting star rocket down in the distance. My wish? To be able to come back to North Cyprus for a longer stay.

North Cyprus Trip by Car Part 4

2008-12-28T16:39:00.006+02:00

Client Testimonial: My Trip To Cyprus – Day Four: Famagusta
Two more days in North Cyprus before I go home and today I left Karpaz and drove to Famagusta.From Famagusta I tool a short drive to Salamis which was once a very important city in Cyprus. I love old Roman ruins like this and the entire site is about 5 kilometres all together. I spent the rest of the day checking out the entire site, seeing the gymnasium with its columns and headless and appendage less statues, the theatre and the bath. The entire complex is impressive because it is one of the most complete Roman ruins to ever be excavated in Europe.
The sun was starting to set as I made it back into the city proper and I had enough time to visit Othello’s Citadel. This attraction is the most famous part of the wall that surrounds Famagusta, and while Shakespeare never made it to Cyprus he probably had heard tales about the island and its inhabitants during the time of his play and shaped them around that. You can see quite a way over the ocean and city from the Citadel.
Tomorrow I travel to the Lefke area and then back to Ercan Airport to go home. The last four days have gone very fast.

North Cyprus Trip by Car Part 3

2008-12-23T15:39:00.003+02:00

Client Testimonial: My Trip To Cyprus – Day Three: Esentepe And Karpaz

I woke up this morning to a beautiful sunny day and I decided to drive to my next destination, Karpaz, early. I wanted to have enough time to stop in Esentepe where some people at the hotel in Kyrenia told me was beautiful. Esentepe is nestled between the mountains and the ocean and the scenery is breath taking. The village itself is at the base of the mountains that overlook it like a sentinel, and the beaches are great for taking long walks on. I snapped some great pictures from both locations and then headed into the town proper to catch some lunch.

The local cuisine in Esentepe is superb and I enjoyed a meal of kabab with meze. It was filling and perfect for the rest of the drive.
As I headed out towards Karpaz I stopped along the road and took some more pictures of the countryside. Cyprus may be an island, but North Cyprus is filled with terrain that is so varied you cannot help but to stop and simply enjoy it. The forest behind Esentepe is cool and filled with plenty of local flora and fauna, and just being able to walk through some of it was a great way to stretch the legs.
I arrived in Karpaz early enough to get settled in my hotel before heading out to check out the unique peninsula that stretches out into the Mediterranean. There are numerous historic places to visit here including the Byzantine era Monastery of Apostolos Andreas.
According to the legend, this was the last place St. Andrew visited before heading back to Palestine. I took some time walking along the beaches here too before heading back into town for a light supper. I cannot describe the rich beauty of this land adequately. It’s definitely something you have to experience for yourself.

North Cyprus Trip by Car Part 2

2008-12-21T09:31:00.002+02:00

Client Testimonial: My Trip To Cyprus – Day Two: Kyrenia

After a good night’s sleep I decided to check out some more of Kyrenia. I went ahead and took a walk on the beach and saw some of the turtles that lived there. The air off the Mediterranean felt good as I sipped my coffee and walked along. I wasn’t sure what to do as there are so many historical things to see and do. I debated whether or not to take a ride into the Five Finger Mountains and go horseback riding or to do something else. I guess my natural instinct to see historic places got the better of me, and when I returned to the hotel I gathered up my camera, the keys to the rental car and took a drive out to the Karmi Necropolis.
The Necropolis is located outside of the village of Karmi close to Kyrenia and it is a group of Middle Bronze Age chamber tombs. There was a man found buried in one of the tombs when it was first discovered and he was holding blue beads that came from Egypt as well as bowls that were made in Crete surrounding him. Researchers believe that he was a sailor.
When I got back to Kyrenia, I decided to do a little bit of shopping. The streets of Kyrenia are narrow medieval ones that are filled with interesting little shops and stalls where you can find just about anything. If you can take your time, you can find numerous goodies that range from antiques to handmade Cypriot crafts to...well, just about anything else. You definitely want to stop at one of the cafes in town and enjoy a true Turkish coffee. But be forewarned, they are strong and take a little bit of getting used to. There were a few gentlemen there who got a chuckle out of the face I must’ve made when I took my first sip.
Tomorrow, I’m off to Estanpe and Karpaz. I can’t wait.

North Cyprus Trip by Car Hire Part 1

2008-12-18T15:17:00.005+02:00

Client Testimonial My Trip To Cyprus – Day One: Kyrenia

I recently had the opportunity to visit the island nation of Cyprus, namely North Cyprus. Excited about seeing this interesting place, I landed at Ercan Airport and collected my bags to find the Pacific Rent-A-Car agent waiting for me. I have to say that their service is definitely top notch and the car they brought me was clean, filled up with petrol, and ready for the week ahead. We quickly went over and signed the paperwork and within a half hour of landing – had to deal with getting through security and the whole passport checking thing – I was in my rental car and driving to Kyrenia. The car I rented was a Ford Focus, a car I was used to driving, and I felt comfortable driving on the strange North Cyprus roads to my hotel.
It was hard to not try and take in the scenery as I drove from the airport to the city of Kyrenia, but somehow I managed. I still had plenty of the day left to wander around Kyrenia a little bit, and once I got to the hotel and checked in I stood outside for a few moments to determine what I wanted to do first.

There are so many interesting places to check out in Kyrenia that choosing one is not the easiest thing. So I decided to check out Kyrenia Castle and then take in a little shopping. Kyrenia Castle sits at the mouth of the harbour and it is an impressive structure. It has the Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum inside of it with the remains of the ancient trading ship in it that was preserved after it was retrieved from the harbour. I was so intrigued by the museum that I never did make shopping. Ah well, I would catch some shopping before I left. After all, I had another day in Kyrenia and plenty still to see.

North Cyprus Hire Cars and Taxi Transfers from and to South Cyprus

2008-12-03T09:30:00.002+02:00

It’s a shame that you only ever hear bad press and propaganda about the border crossing between North and South Cyprus.

The reason we do not allow our vehicles to be driven in South Cyprus is simply a matter of insurance cover and recovery. Whilst the restrictions have recently been relaxed by the Greek Cypriot authorities, vehicles from the North may only be driven under 3rd party insurance cover. As you may or may not be aware, we cover all our vehicles with full insurance to provide security for our business and piece of mind to our customers when they hire with us. Therefore, allowing our vehicles to then be driven under 3rd party cover, presents many difficulties for us should there be a problem.

One of the main problems being that commercial vehicles are still not allowed to cross the border, meaning that we would be unable to for recovery of vehicles that have either broken down or been involved in an accident in the South.

We are fully aware that this may cause some of our customers an inconvenience, and we therefore provide taxi transfer services at extremely competitive rates to assist people who wish to fly into either Larnaca or Paphos airports. The rate from Larnaca Airport to our office in Kyrenia in a standard taxi is just £35, and just £5 more for a 7-seater (a party of up to 6 people). For any of you who may be concerned about crossing the border with your family and luggage, there is no need to worry. There are many people living in both the North and the South who cross on a daily basis with no problems. The customs personnel on both sides are generally very friendly and helpful, and if you are travelling by taxi, your driver is on hand to help you.

The process itself is very simple. Holders of EU Passports do not require a pre-arranged entry visa, you will simply need to show your passport, which is date stamped both on entry and exit.

by Jayne Butcher-Pacific Rentals,Reservation Manager

North Cyprus Safe Driving Tips

2008-11-24T21:16:00.002+02:00

No matter where you live or where you drive, following the rules of the road is imperative to staying safe. In North Cyprus, you drive on the left hand side of the road just as if you were driving in the United Kingdom. As a matter of fact, many of the laws that govern driving in North Cyprus are the same or similar to those in the U.K. The roads in North Cyprus have been improved over the years, and the new carriageway makes driving through the country a breeze.

However, there are a few quirks that Cypriot’s have when they drive that you should be aware of. Standard driving safety rules apply, but here are few things that you should keep in mind to help you stay safe on the roads.

•The speed limit in North Cyprus is a minimum of 65km to a maximum of 100km. Most drivers go about 120km and tailgating is a popular and very dangerous ‘sport’ over there. Keeping it between the minimum and maximum speed limits is a good idea.
•Seat belts and understanding the Highway Code is required.
•Do not take the flashing of headlights as an invitation to turn or go first through an intersection. In North Cyprus it means ‘I’m coming through’.
•Don’t always trust turn signal indicators as many times Cypriot drivers forget to turn it off.
•The orange light at the traffic light before the red light usually indicates to Cypriot drivers that they should speed up and not slow down.
•Try to keep your cool if you are in a narrow road in town and the car in front of you and one going the other way decide to stop and chat. This is part of the laid back Cypriot life.
•Do not jump the lights even if you see someone else doing it. Cameras have been installed and you will get fined for doing it.
•Beware making a right hand turn in North Cyprus if you are not used to driving on the left hand side of the road.
•Watch out for cars going to the wrong way on a one way street as you’ll get the response of ‘I was only going one way’.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR RENTAL AGREEMENT

2008-11-19T08:09:00.002+02:00

When hiring a vehicle from Pacific, the ‘Rental Agreement’ forms your legally binding contact with us as the vehicle owner.

Firstly, it is important to point out that the copy of this agreement that is given to you should be retained in the vehicle at all times and produced if requested by the Police or local authorities. You should also carry your Driving License with you whenever you are driving the vehicle.

If you decide to extend your period of hire, you should visit our office to obtain new documentation to cover the extended period.

You should ensure that you read the rental agreement thoroughly to ensure you fully understand the conditions of rental.

The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

This cover is automatically included in the price you have been quoted for your hire and ensures that you are exempt from any kind of damage caused by accident. You should note however that this agreement excludes: tyres, mirrors (internal & external), internal accessories, sunroof and other roof mechanisms, windows, lights and oil sump, theft and fire damage.

Mobile Phone Use While Driving Is A No-No

2008-11-10T09:35:00.003+02:00

Using a mobile phone while driving in North Cyprus – and pretty much anywhere in the world lately – is prohibited by law unless you are using what is referred to as a ‘hands free’ unit. A hands free unit could be a headset plugged into the mobile phone that allows you to keep both hands on the wheel or even a blue tooth wireless headset that works the same way. Anything that allows you to drive down the road with both hands available is acceptable.
You have probably seen many people driving down the road holding onto their mobile phone and chattering away without a care in the road. You could even be guilty of doing it yourself. While some countries want to ban mobile phone use in a vehicle all together because it is considered a distraction, they would have to consider banning listening to the radio or talking with other passengers as well. All of these things can be considered distractions, but trying to ban them is next to impossible.
If you are going to use your mobile phone while driving, do it safely. Try to only use it for a brief moment so that your concentration isn’t divided for very long. Always use a hands free method of talking. If you do not have a head set for your mobile phone, you could place your phone on speakerphone for the length of time your need to speak. Holding your mobile phone and speaking while driving is not worth the fine you will receive if you are pulled over by the authorities.

Don’t Drink And Drive In North Cyprus

2008-11-01T11:28:00.003+02:00

The hazards of drinking and driving are known all over the world and it is one of the worst things anyone can do. If you are under the influence of alcohol, your judgment is impaired. This means that you could be driving too fast, driving too close to another car, even driving on the wrong side of the road especially if you’re not used to left hand side traffic patterns. If you are going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver or call a taxi instead of getting behind the wheel and causing injury or death to yourself or anyone else that could be with you or part of the accident.
In North Cyprus, it is illegal to drive a car, motorbike, or even pedal bike under the influence of alcohol. You are considered driving drunk if:
• The breath/alcohol level equals or exceeds 39 microgram’s of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath
• The blood/alcohol level equals or exceeds 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood (0,9 grams per liter)

Use a designated driver. Or, better yet, you be the designated driver and enjoy your drink when you get back to your accommodations safe and sound.