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Overview
Bellapais Abbey (Turkish: Beylerbeyi Manastırı) stands on a limestone ridge above the village of Bellapais (Beylerbeyi), roughly six kilometres south-east of Kyrenia in the northern part of Cyprus. Founded in the early thirteenth century by Augustinian monks, the complex grew substantially under the Lusignan kings, particularly Hugh III and Hugh IV, and became one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the eastern Mediterranean.
The abbey's most celebrated structures are the refectory, with its graceful pointed arches and a carved marble pulpit, and the roofless church of Our Lady of the Mountain. A large carved sarcophagus repurposed as a washing trough, and cloisters partially open to the sky, give the site an evocative, layered quality that rewards unhurried exploration.
The site gained literary fame when British writer Lawrence Durrell lived in the village during the early 1950s and documented his experience in Bitter Lemons of Cyprus (1957). His former house stands in the village below, and a celebrated mulberry tree in the abbey grounds — said to be where he wrote — is a quiet pilgrimage point for readers.
Bellapais sits in the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a political entity recognised only by Turkey. Travelers should be aware of this context before planning their visit, particularly regarding entry stamps and onward travel to the Republic of Cyprus.
Before You Go
Political and Entry Context
Bellapais is located in northern Cyprus, administered by the TRNC. Entry can be made through Ercan Airport (Nicosia/Lefkoşa) or via sea from Turkey, or — for many travelers — through one of the crossing points from the Republic of Cyprus in the south. Rules around crossings, entry stamps, and travel documentation are subject to change. Consult TravelerPulse's Visas section and the relevant immigration authority for your nationality before travel.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip — the abbey has uneven stone surfaces.
- Sun protection in spring and summer; the cloisters offer shade but the surrounding grounds are open.
- Water, especially between June and September when temperatures routinely exceed 30 °C.
- Cash in Turkish Lira for admission and any local purchases; card acceptance varies — verify locally.
Health and Practical Notes
No specific vaccinations are required for Cyprus, but check current guidance from your national health authority. Travel insurance that covers the TRNC specifically is worth confirming with your insurer, as standard policies sometimes exclude territories with contested status.
Getting There
From Kyrenia (Girne)
Bellapais is approximately six kilometres from central Kyrenia and is the most convenient base for a visit. Shared taxis (dolmuş) and private taxis operate from Kyrenia; agree a fare before departure or confirm whether the meter is in use. The uphill road into the village is narrow and becomes steep near the abbey — larger vehicles may face difficulty.
By Rental Car
Rental cars are available in Kyrenia and at Ercan Airport. The drive from Kyrenia takes roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is limited in the village; arriving early on busy days is advisable.
From the South (Republic of Cyprus)
Visitors coming from Nicosia or Larnaca in the south can use authorised crossing points. Journey time from Nicosia south through a crossing to Kyrenia is roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on crossing wait times. Check current crossing hours and permitted crossing points before travel, as these can change.
Things to See & Do
Bellapais Abbey Itself
The main draw is the abbey complex. Allow at least 90 minutes to explore at a comfortable pace. Highlights include:
- The refectory: a largely intact Gothic hall with a carved pulpit and tall windows.
- The cloister garth: a colonnaded courtyard with views toward the sea.
- The church: roofless but structurally eloquent, with surviving decorative stonework.
- The sarcophagus fountain: an ancient marble coffin repurposed as a water basin — a striking example of the island's layered history.
The Village of Bellapais
The village itself is small but pleasant. Stone houses, bougainvillea-draped lanes, and a handful of cafés clustered around the abbey square make for an agreeable wander. The Tree of Idleness café in the square is named after Durrell's description of the old mulberry tree, though visitors should verify the current business operating there locally.
Lawrence Durrell's House
Durrell's former residence is on a lane in the village. It is privately owned and not open to the public, but can be viewed from outside and is marked. Fans of Bitter Lemons will find the walk around the village illuminating in the context of the book.
Photography
The abbey offers exceptional photographic opportunities, particularly in the golden light of late afternoon. The view northward from the cloisters toward the Kyrenia coast is a frequently photographed composition.
Food & Drink
A small number of restaurants and cafés operate in the village square immediately below the abbey entrance. These typically serve Cypriot-Turkish cuisine: mezes, grilled meats, halloumi (hellim in Turkish), and fresh salads. The setting — shaded by old trees with views over the rooftops — is a significant part of the appeal.
For a wider range of restaurants, Kyrenia offers considerably more choice, from seafood along the old harbour to international options. The abbey village is not the place for a long restaurant-hopping evening; it is better suited to a relaxed lunch before or after exploring the site.
Drinking water from taps in Northern Cyprus is generally considered suitable only for brushing teeth; bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.
Practical Information
Admission
The abbey charges an entrance fee; the current amount should be verified on the official TRNC tourism authority website or locally before your visit, as prices are subject to change.
Opening Hours
Opening hours vary by season. The site generally closes for a midday break and opens again in the afternoon, but this is not guaranteed. Verify current hours locally or through the official site before planning your timing.
Emergency Contacts
In Northern Cyprus the general emergency number follows TRNC conventions — verify the current number (commonly 112 for emergencies, but confirm locally before travel).
Accessibility
The abbey has uneven cobblestone and stone-flagged surfaces throughout. There are steps without handrails in several areas. Visitors with mobility difficulties should proceed with caution; the site is not fully accessible in the conventional sense.
Connectivity
Mobile roaming in the TRNC may differ from EU roaming arrangements that apply in the Republic of Cyprus. Check with your mobile provider before travel. Wi-Fi is available in some cafés in the village.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Bellapais Abbey is an active heritage site, not a functioning religious building, so standard religious-site dress codes do not strictly apply. Nevertheless, modest dress is a reasonable courtesy at a place of historical and cultural significance.
The village has a close-knit community. Visitors are welcomed but should be mindful of noise levels, particularly early morning or in residential lanes away from the tourist cluster. Café and restaurant owners in the square are generally accustomed to visitors and are a good source of local orientation.
The political sensitivities of Northern Cyprus are real and present in daily life. Avoid making strong political statements about the division of the island; locals on both sides hold deeply felt and varied views, and unsolicited opinions from visitors are rarely well received.
