Bellapais Things To Do

This quaint village in the hillside offers a scenic and captivating base for a holiday in Northern Cyprus, with visitors able to immerse themselves in traditional local charm and enjoy a sleepy pace of life. Time can be spent strolling along the tiny streets, soaking up the town's history and relaxing in a taverna in the village square, as well as following in the footsteps of Lawrence Durrell, who made Bellapais famous thanks to 'Bitter Lemons', the book which chronicled his days here. One of the main attractions in the village is Bellapais Monastery, a beautiful ruined abbey which has dominated Bellapais since the 12th-century, and is known as much for its Gothic grandeur as the stunning views from its walls. Tours are available, and there are regular concerts and recitals held here, with the monastery being the site of the impressive Bellapais Classical Music Festival each May.As well as visiting the abbey, no trip to Bellapais is complete without seeing the legendary 'Tree of Idleness', made famous by Durrell, with its delightful folklore stating that anyone who sits under it will become so relaxed and lethargic that they will be unable to work - a must for any stressed-out visitors to this quiet and sleepy village! The glorious mountain terrain is ideal for discovering on foot, by bike or on horseback, and the lush countryside offers a tranquil base for walks and hikes. Marked paths, once used by crusaders, still meander across the landscape and offer the chance to explore the hills, and experience the natural beauty of the Kyrenia mountain range. There's the chance for bird-watching and nature walks, with paragliding also available for the adventurous.   Head to the coast and relax on one of the local beaches, from the popular Lara Beach, Escape Beach and Acapulco to more remote, wilder stretches such as Alagadi. Northern Cyprus beaches offer a quiet base with wonderful views for relaxed sunbathing, and a chance to soak up the glorious Mediterranean sunshine and enjoy the clear blue seas. Water sports available along the coast include windsurfing, water skiing and parasailing, with tourist facilities such as restaurants and bars located on the more developed areas.    Head to the coast and spend a day at the charming and picturesque harbour town of Kyrenia. There's plenty to see and do, from tours of the famous castle and strolls around the historic museums, to leisurely meals in the lively marina or scenic boat rides up and down the coast.Other attractions include hiking up to St Hilarion Castle, a visit to Famagusta, or a tour of the ancient ruins at Salamis. Visitors can make a trip to the capital, Nicosia, for excellent shopping and dining in the modern centre, or cross the border into Southern Cyprus to experience the lively tourist resorts of Larnaca or Ayia Napa for a change of scene.