Moving to Northern Cyprus has become very fashionable among British sun and quality lifestyle seekers, yet long before 'Homes Abroad Expos' were even thought of one very famous British author decided to make Northern Cyprus and the old town of Bellapais his retreat from the cold Northern European climate - Lawrence Durrell.

Moving to Northern Cyprus has become very fashionable among British sun and quality lifestyle seekers, yet long before ‘Homes Abroad Expos’ were even thought of, one very famous British author decided to make Northern Cyprus and the old town of Bellapais his retreat from the cold Northern European climate - Lawrence Durrell.

Lawrence Durrell lived in the beautiful hilltop Cypriot village of Bellapais in the 1950s and his famous book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus has just about become the number one must read for any visitor to Cyprus with a thirst for cultural knowledge.

Bitter Lemons of Cyprus

Durrells’s famous book describes the trials and tribulation of purchasing a home in need of renovation in 1950s Cyprus, the gossip and idle chat of Bellapais village, and the then blissful mix of two communities sharing one land.  Even then though, Durrell sensed that the ease with which the two communities lived together may not last forever.

The Tree of Idleness

Or maybe it should be rephrased The ‘Trees’ of Idleness...Durrell noted that one of the most popular pastimes among the villagers of Bellapais was to spend many hours in idle conversation under the so called Tree of Idleness which dominated the main square of Bellapais Village.

Today not one but two trees state their claim as the ‘Official Tree of Idleness’. The first a mulberry tree overshadowing the coffee shop to the left of the square and Bellapais Abbey, the second a 30 second stroll away, a Japanese pagoda tree creating a welcome shade over the Huzur Agac (Tree of Idleness) Restaurant.

It would be hard to say which tree in particular that Durrell refers to, however we suggest that any visitor to Northern Cyprus should spend a full day at Bellapais enjoying the beautiful Abbey, the magnificent views and above all spending time chatting under the shade of both trees, deciding for themselves which is the true and official ‘Tree of Idleness’!

Getting to Bellapais

If you don’t decide to hire a car when you visit North Cyprus the best and easiest way to get to Bellapais is from the main harbour town of Kyrenia where many of the tour operators offer regular trips to the hillside village.

If you’ve got a car then you’ll find Bellapais village just a few miles north east of Kyrenia, directions are easy to follow and there’s a car park outside the Abbey. If you’re visiting North Cyprus in peak season be aware that being a small village, Bellapais can get a little cramped, and parking may well be a bit tricky.

Living in Bellapais, North Cyprus

A word of warning - if you do decide to visit Northern Cyprus and the beautiful old village of Bellapais you may well not want to leave in a rush. With amazing views of the Mediterranean and the harbour town of Kyrenia, the idyllic lifestyle that is on offer will prove far too tempting for many to resist. If you do decide to spend a lazy afternoon under an appropriate Tree of Idleness you will almost certainly come across the growing British Community who have made their homes in Northern Cyprus - have a chat with them, maybe this is the lifestyle for you.

And maybe if you’re a budding author, North Cyprus will inspire you to become the next Lawrence Durrell…

If you’d like to read Lawrence Durrell’s Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, the book is available from Amazon: -

Bitter Lemons of Cyprus

Lawrence Durrell

This is just one of a three-part series of Lawrence Durrell’s writings. In this volume he explores North Cyprus, evoking the sun-drenched landscapes, dazzling light and vivid blue skies and seas.

Click here to order a copy directly from Amazon!

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