A Perfect Walking Sightseeing Tour of Iskele

Iskele—also known as Trikomo—is one of Northern Cyprus’ most charming coastal towns. With its blend of ancient history, colourful local culture, seaside scenery, and welcoming village squares, Iskele is ideal for a relaxed sightseeing tour you can complete entirely on foot.

Whether you're visiting for the day or exploring as a local, this walking tour highlights the best things to see in Iskele, including historic churches, vibrant markets, seaside promenades, and cultural landmarks.

__________________________________________________________________

🚶‍♂️ Iskele Walking Tour Overview

Distance: Approx. 3.5 kmDuration: 2–3 hours at a slow paceDifficulty: EasyBest time to go: Morning or late afternoon

__________________________________________________________________

🗺️ Stop 1: Iskele Village Square – The Heart of the Town

Start your sightseeing tour at the Iskele Village Square, the vibrant centre of daily life. Here you’ll find:

• Cafés serving strong Turkish coffee

• Fresh-baked pastries from local bakeries

• A relaxed social atmosphere perfect for people-watching

The square is also where many local events, festivals, and markets take place, making it an ideal introduction to the spirit of Iskele.

Things to look for

• The large Atatürk statue

• Stone benches and carved fountains

• Local families enjoying the shade of palm trees

__________________________________________________________________

⛪ Stop 2: The Iskele Icon Museum (Panagia Theotokos Church)

Just a short stroll from the square, this 15th-century basilica-style church, now the Icon Museum, is the most important historical landmark in Iskele.

What you’ll see

• Stunning Byzantine icons dating from the 17th–19th centuries

• Fresco fragments preserved from earlier centuries

• Arched stone architecture and a peaceful courtyard

This stop is a must for history lovers and photographers.

__________________________________________________________________

🛍️ Stop 3: Iskele Market Street

Continue walking along the traditional market street, where you can explore:

• Small shops selling local produce, spices, nuts, and olive oil

• Boutiques with handmade jewellery and crafts

• Traditional butchers and fruit stalls

This area captures the authentic flavour of Turkish Cypriot village life. If you enjoy souvenir shopping or tasting local delicacies, take your time here.

__________________________________________________________________

🕌 Stop 4: The Osman Aga Mosque

A short walk brings you to the Osman Aga Mosque, a beautifully restored religious site with:

• Traditional Ottoman design

• Peaceful gardens

• A lovely stone minaret

The mosque adds cultural depth to your tour and offers an insight into local Islamic architectural heritage.

Tip: Be respectful of prayer times when entering.

__________________________________________________________________

🌿 Stop 5: The Ancient Olive Trees of Iskele

Head south from the mosque to discover the village’s famous centuries-old olive trees. Some of these impressive trees are believed to be over 700 years old.

Why visit

• Great photo opportunities

• A reminder of Cyprus’ long olive-growing history

• A quiet, shady spot to rest during your walk

__________________________________________________________________

🏖️ Stop 6: Iskele Seaside Walk & Promenade

Finish your walking tour by heading toward the coast. Iskele’s seaside area is peaceful and perfect for strolling.

Highlights

• Panoramic views of the Mediterranean

• Wooden piers ideal for photography

• Cafés and small restaurants along the shore

If you want to extend your walk, follow the promenade toward Long Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Northern Cyprus.

__________________________________________________________________

🥙 Where to Eat After Your Walk

Iskele offers a variety of places to relax and refuel:

• Local kebab houses for affordable Cypriot meals

• Seafront fish restaurants for fresh grilled catch

• Village cafés serving meze, halloumi, and homemade lemonade

Don’t leave without trying a traditional tahinli çörek (tahini bun).

__________________________________________________________________

🧭 Map Tip for Visitors

Most of these stops are tightly clustered around the village centre. Google Maps walks you through each point easily by typing "Iskele Merkez" as your starting point.

__________________________________________________________________

✔️ Final Thoughts

Iskele is a town where history, culture, and coastal beauty meet. This walking tour allows you to explore its highlights at your own pace—perfect for visitors looking for an authentic, relaxed, and scenic experience.

Whether you’re a tourist, a local resident, or a newcomer researching things to do in Iskele, this self-guided walking route is an excellent way to discover the hidden gems of Northern Cyprus.