Silence
To respect the place of worship and the historical texture, loud conversations and the use of speakers are not recommended.
Planning
Visit Information
All the practical details you need to explore the monastery.
All the practical details you need to explore the monastery.
Bellapais Monastery is located within the borders of Beylerbeyi (Bellapais) Village in the Kyrenia district of Northern Cyprus. Thanks to its position on the mountain slope, it offers panoramic views of both the Kyrenia coastline and the Five Finger Mountains. This location makes the monastery unique in terms of both history and scenery.
| Opening Hours | Summer season: 09:00 – 19:00 - Winter season: 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Last Entry | Summer season: 18:00 - Winter season: 16:00 |
| Full Ticket | 150 TL |
| Student / Child | 50 TL |
Although current entrance fees may vary seasonally, Bellapais Monastery is generally an affordable place to visit.
Reaching Bellapais from Kyrenia city center is very easy.
Transportation Options
Private Vehicle: It can be reached with a short 10–12 minute drive from central Kyrenia. Village signs guide you along the route.
Special packages: Accommodation + transfer
Local experience: Guided village routes
Contact: Partner reservation line
Bellapais is almost an open-air studio for photographers.
Must-Photograph Spots
• The Gothic arches in the courtyard
• The giant Gothic window of the refectory
• The exterior facade of the church
• The Kyrenia view from the courtyard
• The northern terrace of the monastery
• The Five Finger Mountains seen through the arches
At sunset, the golden tones on the stone walls are perfect for professional shoots.
History of the Village
Bellapais Village is a settlement shaped together with the monastery. From the Middle Ages onward, it developed as a small mountain village where monks, craftsmen and local people lived. Today, it is a well-known tourist center with both its historical texture and art galleries.
Streets and Atmosphere
The streets of Bellapais offer visitors a nostalgic Mediterranean experience with:
• Narrow stone roads
• Courtyards decorated with flowers
• Traditional Cypriot houses
• Art workshops
• A quiet and peaceful village atmosphere
Restaurants and Cafes
Bellapais is famous for its restaurants with scenic views. Especially the terraced venues overlooking the monastery offer both local Cypriot cuisine and international flavors.
Highlights include:
• Grilled halloumi
• Cypriot meatballs
• Sheftalia kebab
• Meze varieties served with zivania
Viewpoints
The most beautiful viewpoints in the village are:
• The northern terrace of the monastery
• The viewpoint in the village square
• Restaurant terraces
• Walking paths on the mountain slope
Kyrenia Harbour, the Mediterranean and the Five Finger Mountains come together in the same frame.
Bellapais is famous not only for its architecture but also for the legends that have been told for centuries.
The Legend of the White Nuns
The white garments worn by the Premonstratensian monks who lived in the monastery gradually turned into the legend of the "white nuns" among the local people.
According to the story, silhouettes dressed in white can be seen walking in the monastery courtyard at night. This is one of the best-known legends that strengthens the mystical atmosphere of Bellapais.
The Legend of the Five Finger Mountains
Many legends are told about the shape of the Five Finger Mountains rising opposite the monastery. According to the most famous one, a warrior climbed the mountain to reach the woman he loved, and his finger marks were reflected in the shape of the mountain.
Stories of Love and Curse
Another legend told in Bellapais Village is about the "tree of love" around the monastery.
According to the tale:
• Lovers who make a wish under the tree are reunited
• But the wishes of those who lie do not come true
This story adds a folkloric touch to the romantic atmosphere of the village.
