Compact Car Rental in Paphos: Four Automatic Hatchbacks, Compared

Compact Car Rental in Paphos

A compact car is the sensible default for most visitors to Paphos. It is the cheapest way to rent, it is easy to park in the old town and at the harbour, and it copes with the hillside roads out to Coral Bay and Peyia. We have four of them, all 2020 models, and all are automatic five-seat hatchbacks with air conditioning and a radio. This guide compares them, explains what a compact does well and where it runs out of room, and shows what each costs. CHMI Rentals has served Paphos for over 23 years from Tombs of the Kings Avenue.

The Four Compact Cars at a Glance

All four are petrol automatics with five seats and five doors. Prices for short rentals, from 3 to 21 days, are in the table above. Our minimum rental is 72 hours.

What a Compact Car Suits

• One to three people. A compact is comfortable for a couple, or for a small family with young children.
• Town and coast. Kato Paphos, the harbour and the old town have tight streets, and a small car makes parking far less stressful.
• Hillside roads. Villages such as Tala and Peyia sit on hillsides. An automatic takes the effort out of the hills.
• Keeping costs down. Small hatchbacks have the lowest rental prices in our fleet. See our cheap car hire guide.
• First-time drivers on the left. With no gear stick to manage, there is less to think about.

Where a Compact Runs Out of Room

A hatchback is not built for five adults with full-size suitcases. If you are travelling as a family of four or five with a lot of luggage, or with a group, choose more space. Our SUV rental has the Nissan X-Trail, and our family car hire guide helps you choose. Bigger cars cost more and are harder to park, so pick the smallest one that really fits.

Choosing Between the Four

• Lowest price: the Nissan Note has the lowest monthly rental and the lowest lease figure of the four.
• More room inside: the Nissan Note, described in our fleet notes as having extra legroom and cargo space.
• Fun to drive: the Suzuki Swift, an agile hatchback.
• Comfort and flexible seating: the Honda Fit.
• Smallest for parking: the Toyota Vitz.

Hatchback Rental: What That Means Here

When people search for hatchback rental, they usually mean a small five-door car with a rear tailgate and flexible luggage space. That describes all four of our compacts. Fold or lift the rear seats where the car allows it to fit larger items, and keep luggage out of sight when you park.

Driving a Compact Around Paphos

A compact is at home on every road you are likely to use. Here is how far the main destinations are from Paphos Airport.

Times are for normal traffic and are only a guide.

• Kato Paphos and the harbour. Look for marked bays or car parks, since unmarked kerbs often mean a fine. Park once and explore on foot.
• Coral Bay. A beach day on the coast north of Paphos. Arrive early in summer to find space.
• Petra tou Romiou. A scenic paved coast road east to the rock linked with Aphrodite.
• Limassol. By motorway, for the seafront promenade and marina.

What It Costs Beyond the Rental Price

• Fuel. The cars are petrol and fuel is not included. Return the car with the same level you received. Petrol is non-refundable.
• Mileage. Unlimited on our rentals. See our unlimited mileage guide.
• Late return. An hourly delay fee applies, as set out in your contract.
• Excess. The renter is responsible for damage and theft, subject to the excess limits in the agreement.

Every charge and obligation in our terms is listed on our no hidden fees page.

Renting a Compact for a Month or More

For a month or more, the monthly rental prices in the table above apply, with maintenance, road tax and a replacement car when one is available included. From three months, a lease is lower again: the Nissan Note is €410 a month on a 3 to 6 month lease and €300 on 36 months. A lease is a fixed-term agreement with a basic credit eligibility check. See long-term rental and car leasing.

What You Need to Rent

• A valid driving licence. Drivers must be over 21, or have at least 3 years of driving experience.
• Your passport or ID, which is left as security under our terms.
• Cash or a credit card. Debit cards are not accepted, and you do not need a credit card if you pay in cash. See renting without a credit card.

How Booking and Handover Work

1. Choose your car and dates on the fleet page. The minimum rental is 72 hours.
2. Book at least 24 hours before if you want delivery to your hotel, villa or home, or a handover at the airport.
3. Bring your documents: a valid driving licence, your passport or ID, and cash or a credit card in the renter's name.
4. Meet your agent at the airport arrivals terminal, at your accommodation, or collect from our shop.
5. Sign, pay and leave your passport as security, as set out in our terms.
6. Return the car on time with the same fuel level. Returns are during shop hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm.

What to Check at Handover

• Confirm the fuel level matches your rental agreement.
• Photograph any existing scratches or dents before you leave the pickup area.
• Check that the insurance excess and your documents are as agreed.
• Adjust the seat, mirrors and steering position, and find the indicators and wipers.
• Set your satnav before you move off, not while driving.

Book Your Compact Car

Choose your dates on the fleet page. Not sure which of the four suits you? Tell us who is travelling and how much luggage you have, and we will suggest one. Call or WhatsApp +357 99 655104 (office +357 26 819880), or visit us at Shop 3, Royal Complex, Tombs of the Kings Avenue, Paphos. The shop is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm.