Bellapais Abbey

Bellapais is a delightfully old-fashioned village of poor whitewashed cottages that stretch down the slope, terminating at the haunting remains of Bellapais Abbey below. It is one of the island's most famous tourist attractions, courtesy of writer Lawrence Durrell. While residing in Cyprus, British author Lawrence Durrell authored the book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, which immortalized Cypriot village life near the conclusion of the British colonial period.

Although the village is stunning in its own way, the primary attraction is Bellapais Abbey, an old Augustinian monastery with elaborately carved arches and cypress trees encircling its cloister. The refectory roof offers magnificent views of the North Cyprus shoreline. Bellapais is 25 kilometers north of North Nicosia, although there is no direct public transportation from the city to the town. If you don't have your own transportation, take one of the frequent minibusses from North Nicosia to Kyrenia and then a short cab trip to the village.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Nicosia, Cyprus
Phone number: +35 208 150 6088
Official site: http://www.northcyprus.co.uk/bellapais-abbey/