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If you're holidaying in the Cypriot resort of Protaras any time soon, you may be mulling over the idea of renting a car during your stay. But taking in to account the added cost of renting a vehicle for one or two weeks, does hiring a car in Protaras make sense?

First of all, you need to decide how you intend to make your way to the resort from the airport. As Cyprus does not have a rail system and bearing in mind Protaras is over 40 minutes from Larnaca airport, you will certainly need access to some form of road transport.

Many tourists opt to book a taxi transfer to the resort at a cost of around 70 Euros per person for a return ticket. While taxis are a great, hassle free way to find your accommodation as quickly as possible, the price of transferring a family of four or more can be as expensive as renting a car, especially if you're only holidaying for a week. If you are travelling in a party of four or five, it probably makes sense to rent a car and enjoy the benefits of having transport at your disposal between your arrival and departure.

Having successfully found your accommodation, you'll more than likely want to gather supplies, especially if you're staying in a villa. With a rental car, your shopping options are immediately broadened.

Shops in the heart of the resort tend to be a little more expensive than those further afield and can lack the variety of the larger supermarket chains. With access to a car, holidaymakers have the opportunity to visit Paralimni's largest supermarkets Carrefour and Orphanides, popular with the locals for the variety and savings on offer. Transporting heavy grocery bags will no longer be a problem, providing the car you choose has plenty of boot space!

While Protaras has plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and beaches spread across the entire strip, hiring a car will give you the opportunity to explore the surrounding area at the drop of a hat. There's the magnificent rocky landscape of Cape Greco for a start, with warm clear waters proving great for snorkelling. There is also the town of Paralimni, with several traditional restaurants offering remarkably authentic Cypriot cuisine. Last but not least, the resort of Ayia Napa, notorious for its nightlife and party atmosphere, can be reached by car in as little as 15 minutes.

Protaras boasts a number of beautiful beaches, all within walking distance of the resorts' hotels and holiday villas. For this reason the most central beaches can become a little overcrowded with sun-worshipers. Having a hire car at your disposal grants you access to the tranquil beaches just outside the main resort, such as Konnos beach and Sirena Bay to name a few.

If you are a holidaymaker from the UK then driving a hire car in Cyprus could not be simpler. Unlike many other European holiday destinations, in Cyprus you drive on the left, the same as in the UK and all road signs are in both English & Greek. The road network is modern, comprising several motorways and mainly paved roads. What is more; all the roads on the island are toll free and there is plenty more free parking than in the UK.

Considering the above benefits it is possible to recognise that hiring a vehicle would certainly enhance your holiday experience in Protaras. Not only does a hire vehicle give you added convenience, the fact that there is little traffic on the roads makes for a very pleasant drive.