Bellapais Abbey is a scenic spot just outside Kyrenia on a hill. The abbey is a former monastery that overlooks the sea on one side, while the Kyrenia Mountains appear on its back. This intriguing combination makes this place very attractive for wedding ceremonies and people chasing the most Instagrammable photography spots. In this guide, I will give you a brief history of the abbey and some practical tips for visiting. More than a photogenic landmark, Bellapais Abbey is a Gothic structure that reflects centuries of changing rule on the island.
Where Is Bellapais Abbey and How to Get There
There are more ways to reach the Bellapais Abbey. It is located on the hill in the Bellapais village. The village was home to the novelist and poet Lawrence Durrell, who wrote Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, a book depicting life in Cyprus.
Transportation options
- By car – it is about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Kyrenia. The road goes uphill steadily through residential areas and olive-covered hills. There are some parking lots near the abbey, but not right next to it.
- By taxi– it is affordable, especially if you plan to return at sunset and can’t rely on public buses or their schedules.
- By public transport, you can take a locala shuttleminibus called a dolmus. Those buses run from Kyrenia (parking lot near Kyrenia Castle) and Bellapais Village (the bus stop is right next to the parking lot). Then you have to walk a little bit through the village. The suttle bus service starts at 10 AM at Baldöken, the last bus is at 5:00 PM. From Bellapais, the first bus leaves at 10:45 and the last one at 6:15 PM. A one-way ticket costs 30 TL (about 0,70 EUR). Locals mostly use it – I used these services both ways and haven’t seen anyone speaking a foreign language. Even more touristy-looking visitors were probably from Cyprus or Turkey, and at least one person in the group was speaking the local language. Most of the same people were on the bus both ways. I also remember there was a bit of traffic when we were leaving Kyrenia. And the bus was looking very old on the inside (see the pictures below).
- On foot– if you have enough time, an hour or more, and you don’t mind walking up the hill in the sun for some time, then the walk can be rewarding with all the views along the way.
History and Architecture of Bellapais Abbey
Bellapais Abbey dates back to the 13th century, when it was home to local monks who fled from Jerusalem after its fall in 1187. It was built in the Gothic style, but it was originally called the Abbey of St. Mary of the Mountain. A large part of the abbey came to life during the reigns of two kings, King Hugh III and King Hugh IV, when the Gothic style was spreading across the island. Since the 14th century, the place has slowly declined. Genoese raiders stripped the abbey, and later, during the Ottoman and British eras, authorities expelled the monks. For some time, it served as a Greek Orthodox church and later as a military hospital.
Some of its architectural highlights
- church and cloisters
- refectory (originally used by monks for meals and reading, nowadays concerts happen there)
- decorative details
- flag of the occupying country
- occasional exhibition inside some rooms
Exploring Bellapais Abbey: What to Expect
Expect to meet more locals there, especially younger girls and women who will take a lot of selfies and videos. The arches, open courtyard, and roofless halls are great not only for photography and romantic walks, but also for meditation and reflection when it’s not too crowded. You can move around freely; the place isn’t that big. The simplicity of interiors may give some hints at its former spiritual role.
While many online sources may praise the refectory that has a long vaulted hall and tall windows towering on both sides – the coast and the mountains, I preferred to spend the time in the courtyard due to arches, green spaces, and detailed decorative elements. Well, the flag remains a reminder to the visitors of the current political situation. It resembles the vibes of Soviet times, when big statues were erected everywhere, but here is the flag.
Your exploration can be met with
- uneven stone floors and stairways
- wide, open views toward Kyrenia and the sea
- mountains making the place feel more compact
- minimal signage; you are left to explore slowly, not to be guided around too much
- some of its ruins resemble the ruins of the Church of St. George of the Greeks in Famagusta
Bellapais Village and Surroundings
Inside the abbey area, you will find a restaurant, a cafe, and a toilet. But there are also many restaurants around it. Expect higher prices. The village is full of narrow streets and stone houses. As I mentioned at the beginning, the village was home to the British writer and poet Lawrence Durrell. After he mentioned the place in one of his books, the place slowly became known among writers and artists.
In the book, he describes the British community – when he lived there, it was mostly academics and colonial administrators. He described them as living in a blameless monotony. According to people who have longer experience with that Bellapais village at present, the atmosphere is much the same, just the community is more diverse. And tourists sometimes mistake private residences for historical attractions when the doors are left open.
Not only is the place rich in restaurants, but it also has many venues for art events, mostly musical. You can experience the annual classical music festival in the village.
Best Time to Visit Bellapais Abbey
If you prefer a cooler atmosphere, come in spring or early autumn. In autumn, there are fewer people and the place is ideal for evening walks. During the hot summer days, it is better to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Wintertime can give the place more dramatic looks, especially with the mountain backdrop.
Also, if you are a music enthusiast or musician, you may enjoy attending some of the local festivals:
- Bellapais International Music Festival (from mid‑May to June)
- Kyrenia Jazz Festival
- Bellapais Spring Music Series
- Silk Cocoon & Cultural Festival (not music but handicraft exhibitions, folk dance and music performances, poetry readings, and presentations about traditional silk farming and crafts.)
Photography Tips and Best Photo Spots
Stone textures, Gothic arches, and distant sea views create strong contrasts throughout the day.
Best photo spots include
- The cloister courtyard with repeating arches and columns
- The refectory windows
- Upper levels and stairways
- Views toward Kyrenia
Black-and-white photography can better suit the abbey’s stone textures and historic character.
Practical Information for Visitors
The majority of people who visit the place are there without a guide. You can explore the place, including photography, in about one hour or one and a half hours. The abbey is not that big, and there is not much written information that could stop you from enjoying your presence accordingly.
Bellapais Abbey is open daily from around 8 AM until 6 PM. It may be open longer or shorter in summer and winter. The ticket is 50 TL for adults.
Is Bellapais Abbey Worth Visiting?
This place is important if you are trying to learn more about the occupied part of Cyprus and its history. Yes, the views can be great, but visiting smaller places such as villages around the island can have its own charm. Although they may seem insignificant at first glance, some of them contribute to portraying another part of the islands’ historical mosaic. Besides that, it is a quite busy cultural place with many events at the abbey, including the biggest one, Bellapais International Music Festival.
Sources:
liveandinvestoverseas.com/lifestyle/living-bellapais-northern-cyprus/
wikipedia
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