Bellapais, unchanged and unhurried since its colonial days, this enchanting village has been immortalised in the book "Bitter Lemons" by Lawrence Durrell. The centre piece of the charming village and its main attraction is Bellapais Abbey. 

The centre piece of the charming village and its main attraction is Bellapais Abbey. Perched precariously on a natural terrace, the abbey stands guard over the whole of the northern coastline, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and indeed most important Gothic buildings in the Near East.

Here, you can while away your days exploring the impressive remains of the abbey, or simply relax with a during under the"Tree of Idleness", an ancient mulberry made famous in Durrell's Bitter Lemons, and let the world pass you by. Above the abbey lies the charming village of Bellapais. Tiny lanes and narrow streets, cris-cross haphazardly away from the main square, and scattered amongst the whitewashed buildings are many excellent and surprisingly inexpensive cafes and bistros.

Bellapais is an ideal haven for those seeking a calm and relaxing opportunity to sample the Cyprus of a bygone era Bellapais Abbey in Kyrenia, North Cyprus which has witnessed singing the old songs for ages now hosts modern and classical concerts these days. 

Numerous concerts have been performed in this 13th Century Lusignan Monastery. Salamis, in Famagusta is another such historic site used for concerts. Both of these places will now host cultural activities and music festivals during spring and summer periods. 

See more Bellapais Photos.