Northern Cyprus

Carmichael Cottages at Bellapais

Map of Cyprus

 History of Bellapais

Originally known as Episcopia, and possibly the eighth-tenth century home of the Greek bishop of Kyrenia, the Abbey became known in 1205  as St. Mary of the Mountain and was the house of Augustinian white canons of the order of  St. Norbert. Later Episcopia was replaced by "Lapais", from a corruption of which the abbey and village acquired its modern name (meaning beautiful peace) in the sixteenth century, after a period of being known as the "White Abbey". Lawrence Durrell is credited with being the first non Greek Cypriot householder in the village in the years 1953-56 and wrote "Bitter Lemons" but he was closely followed soon after Cyprus's 1960 independence by nearby residences of  the Guthrie and the Burbidge (Carmichael) families. In December 1963 inter-communal violence erupted between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot populations and continued until in July 1974 the Greek military junta backed a coup seeking Enosis or union of Cyprus with Greece. Turkish troops landed on the northern coast to protect Turkish Cypriots and occupied one third of the island establishing the partition that exists today. The Greek Cypriot population of Bellapais were forced to leave their homes in 1976 and were replaced by the displaced Turkish Cypriot villagers of a south Cyprus village called Mari.  In 1983 the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was formed, still recognised only by Turkey. In 1998 South Cyprus began talks on entry to the European Union and on January 16 2002 Reunification talks started in Nicosia.   

Beautiful Bellapais

Looking down from the mountain village of Bellapais to the lovely sandy beaches below, the spectacular beauty of North Cyprus is astounding. From the ancient castles carved out of rock, to the sea life and turtle beaches, Cyprus is a haven for both wildlife and history, as well as being a peaceful island to relax and enjoy. Our Villas are ideal for anyone wishing to experience the diversity of Northern Cyprus.

North Cyprus is ideal for specialist holidays such as walking, painting, photography, scuba diving and bird watching or for those with special interests in wildlife, history or geology.

Getting there and away

There are direct flights from Stanstead, Heathrow, Manchester or from April 1st 2002 from Glasgow  which (currently) touch down in either Istanbul, Anatalya or Dalamein for a 45 minute stop before heading on to Ercan (10 miles from Nicosia) in Northern Cyprus. Please enquire for details of operators and prices.