Bellapais Abbey
A 13th-century Gothic abbey high above the sea — one of the finest medieval buildings in the eastern Mediterranean.
The monastery was founded in the late 12th century; the church, cloister and vast refectory were built under the Lusignan kings in the 13th–14th centuries. From the terrace you look down on Kyrenia and the sea.
The lace-like cloister arches with cypresses and orange trees are North Cyprus’s most famous photo. The refectory hosts the Bellapais Music Festival in spring.
The village became famous through Lawrence Durrell, who lived here in the 1950s and wrote “Bitter Lemons”.
Tips
- Come at opening time or an hour before closing.
- Combine with dinner in the village — great views.
- Festival tickets sell out early.
Getting there
About 6 km uphill from Kyrenia, 15 minutes by car or taxi.
Prices, opening hours and entry rules change — check official sources before you travel.
Nearby
Kyrenia and the northBuffavento CastleThe highest and wildest of the three mountain castles — almost 1,000 metres above the sea.
Kyrenia and the northKyrenia Castle and Shipwreck MuseumA Byzantine, Lusignan and Venetian fortress holding one of the oldest merchant ships ever found, from the 4th century BC.
Kyrenia and the northKyrenia Old HarbourA horseshoe harbour below the castle: old carob warehouses, fishing boats, seafood tavernas and the best sunset on the north coast.