The tranquil and beautiful village of Bellapais stands in the Kyrenia mountain range, some four miles from North Cyprus' coast. With breathtaking views, tiny streets and ancient buildings around every corner, the village has changed little since it was immortalized by Lawrence Durrell in the 1950s. The author's "Bitter Lemons of Cyprus" chronicles his time in Cyprus and his adventures buying a home in Bellapais, close to Bellapais Abbey. Whilst the abbey is certainly a 'must see' for visitors to Bellapais, there is much more here, including ancient crusader paths that criss-cross the mountain - not to mention an excellent selection of restaurants and taverns!
The main feature of Bellapais village is undoubtedly its wonderful abbey, though the small coffee shops and restaurants nearby come a close second! Still in use today for classical music concerts and exhibitions, most life in the village revolves around this famous monument. But once you have spent a couple of hours taking in the fine abbey and the breath-taking views, or followed in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart along one of the many crusader roads, you can rest and soak up the ambience and relaxed atmosphere for which Northern Cyprus is equally famous.