One of the island's most famous tourist attractions - thanks to writer Lawrence Durrell - Bellapais is a wonderfully old-fashioned village of humble whitewashed cottages that sprawl down the hillside ending at the evocative ruins of Bellapais Abbey below.
English author Lawrence Durrell wrote the book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus while living here, immortalising Cypriot village life at the end of the British colonial period.
Although the village is incredibly picturesque itself, the main sight is Bellapais Abbey, an old Augustinian monastery full of intricately carved arches and cypress trees surrounding its cloister. There are panoramic views across North Cyprus' coastline from the refectory roof.
