Location

Cyprus, the gateway to the far East, is located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea at app. 60 km from Turkey, 335 km from Egypt and 100 km from Syria. After Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The untouched nature, the clear sea water with the golden beaches together with at least 320 days of sun makes Cyprus a true paradise on earth. 

Connection

Flights leave for Cyprus on a daily basis from all European countries. The Northern Cyprus airport Ercan accommodates over 60 flights a week. However, Cyprus only has a direct flight connection with Turkey. This means that all international flights make a stop at one of the Turkish airports in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana or Antalya. It is expected that direct flights will become available in the near future.

Accessibility

Bellapais is app. 30 minutes drive from the Ercan airport or Geçitkale airport. The connecting roads are good. The first 15 km consists of the flat inland of Northern Cyprus, after which the hills of the app. 1000 m high Girne mountains start. The mountain ridge offers spectacular views of the bay of Kyrenia and of the Mediterranean Sea. The hills and their foothills are richly vegetated with olive- and citrus trees, cypresses, hibiscus, oleander and bougainvillaea.

Bellapais

Bellapais is a quaint village with app. 2,000 inhabitants at app. 5 km from the seaport town of Girne (Kyrenia). Built against the slopes of the Girne mountains, basking in the sun, offering views of the Mediterranean Sea. On a clear day, it is easy to distinguish Turkey's coast from the azure blue sea. In the evenings a pleasant sea breeze refreshes the slopes of the mountains and the terraces in the village square. The village square, by the entrance of the famous Abbey of Bellapais, also known as the Abbey of Peace, is the meeting point for the inhabitants of Bellapais.

The Bellapais Abbey, founded in 1205 as an August Abbey, is an important historic monument that has remained remarkably well preserved. The village has 6 fine restaurants in idyllic spots offering magnificent views over the bay of Girne.

It is no wonder that Bellapais is the most popular area for holiday homes. Many well-off people from Cyprus and Turkey have built holiday homes here. People from England, Ireland, Germany and Belgium have also built holiday homes in this beautiful location (also as an investment).

The seaport town Kyrenia, founded in the year 900, is located at a mere 5 kilometers distance. The numerous restaurants, terraces and shops in this town and around the harbour give it a "Mediterranean" feeling. The friendly, hospitable people of Cyprus ensure a perfect stay in this area.

The "Bellapais" villa project

The project is situated at a stone's throw from the Bellapais Abbey on the slopes of the Girne mountains. The project "Bellapais1" is being built on the outskirts of the village, on one of the most beautifully situated plots of land. The area  has electricity and the contours of the terrace-shaped lots for the villas are already visible. The ancient-old olive trees are being preserved as much as possible as a start for the gardens in between the villas. These trees will provide privacy for each villa will be given by means of plants and trees. Project "Bellapais" comprises 34 villas on app.

* 4 x model Kyrenia 

* 5 x model Bellapais

* 3 x model Mediterranean

* 4 x model Nicosia

* 12 x model Aphrodite

* 6 x model F

* 1 x Restaurant - Bar Resort        

General facilities

* Spacious swimming pool with baby pool.

* Bar / restaurant and pool bar.     

Surface area

The total surface area of Northern Cyprus is 3,354 square kilometres.

Money / Currencies

The official currency is the Turkish Lira. All banks have automatic banking machines and accept banking and credit cards. Most currencies can be exchanged at the various banks. Most of the hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards.

Traffic

Traffic is on left in Cyprus Safety belt is compulsory. Traffic signs are international and in general, the quality of the roads is good.

Rent car / taxi / public transport

Renting a car is possible in all major towns and the rents are very reasonable. Taxi prices are also very low, but it is recommended to agree on prices beforehand. Public transport offers regular services between the towns and villages.

Passport

A valid European passport will suffice.

Telephone

To call a Cyprus number from abroad dial international access number(mostly 00) followed by country number code 90, area code, city code and local number. (+0090392 XXXXXX)

Language

The official language is Turkish. However most Cypriots speak English as their second language.

Cuisine

Apart from the international cuisine served in the larger hotels and restaurants, there are many characteristic small restaurants that offer a choice of local dishes.  Prices are low and the quality is very good. Although most dishes have a Mediterranean and oriental influence, the dishes are not too "rich", but mostly tasty. The starters in particular, called meze are a treat both cold and hot. Salads, various meats and fresh fish,  the lamb dishes such as  shish  kebab and lamb chops are served at many restaurants.

Typical local dishes include "Molohiya", "Ÿalanci Dolma", "Kolokas" and "Bumbar". The famous Halloumi cheese, served grilled or natural, is a true delicacy.

The sun-ripened citrus fruits, nectarines, melons and real Turkish coffee are a perfect ending to a perfect meal.

Religion

Islam is the main religion. Yet there are also a minorty of chiristians.

Vegetation

After the first rainfall in the beginning of Autumn (November) nature starts to awaken in a spectacular show of flowers. Mimosa, Hibiscus, Oleander and a sea of wild flowers grow between the ancient olive trees, pine- and eucalyptus trees. Flowering citrus trees give off their characteristic sweet odor. The vegetation is ideal for the small herds of goats and sheep that can be seen all over the island.

Main Public Utilities

Water: Although tap water is of a portable quality it is not advised to drink it. Use bottled water instead.

Electricity: Voltage 220-240 V/50 Hz frequency. Same as in Europe. Standard British plugs and sockets are used for non-British appliances. These are readily available from local supermarkets

Nature areas

The whole island breathes an atmosphere of peace. Extensive nature areas can be found on the entire island. An important and spectacular nature area extends from  the seaport town of Kyrenia to Karpasia peninsula area. The coastal area with its sloping hills is scattered with wild orchids and lilies. The flowers are in full bloom from February on wards.

Some spots along the coastline are used as breeding grounds by the protected Green Mediterranean Sea turtle(Caretta Caretta). The area is extremely suitable for long walks or bicycle rides.

The slopes of the mountains offer breathtaking panoramic views. And it is not unusual to find general picnic areas on top of the mountains, which are regularly frequented by the locals.

Water and electricity consumption

See main public Utilities.