Home of Lawrence Durrell

Cyprus


A yellow plaque above the door marks the house where British writer Lawrence Durrell lived in the early 1950s, marking Bellapais on the literary map with his descriptions of the village’s idyllic, mixed-community life in his memoir Bitter Lemons of Cyprus.

To reach the house, follow the signs uphill for 200m on the main street, to the right of Huzur Ağaç (Tree of Idleness) Restaurant. The house is now a private residence and is only open to visitors during September.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cyprus attractions

1. Bellapais Abbey

0.14 MILES

The exquisite ruins of this Augustinian monastery are reason enough to drive up the mountain to Bellapais. It was built in the 12th century by monks…

2. Shayna Beach

3 MILES

This sheltered cove is home to a nice, narrow strip of sand, run by the Shayna Beach Club. For an easygoing and family-friendly day at the beach with full…

3. St Andrew's Anglican Church

3.13 MILES

Built in 1913, this unassuming, whitewashed church still holds Sunday services for Kyrenia's small Anglican community of foreign residents.

4. Kyrenia Castle

3.13 MILES

If the grand fortifications of Kyrenia Castle could talk, they could sure tell some tales. The castle was first built by the Byzantines – possibly over…

5. Panagia Absinthiotissa Monastery

3.15 MILES

Located on the flank of the Beşparmak Range, this monastery sits idyllically among juniper trees, taking in the views over the Mesaoria plain.

7. Old Town

3.19 MILES

Wrapping around the Old Harbour, the diminutive Old Town is an atmospheric area for a wander. Its winding alleyways hold a jumble of abandoned stone…

8. Chysopolitissa Church

3.21 MILES

This small roofless ruin is Kyrenia's oldest church, dating back to the 1500s. It's usually kept open so you can check out the two intricately carved wood…

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