Iskele
⛱️İskele, North Cyprus: Beaches, Heritage & Tranquility on the Eastern Coast
Situated along the southeast coast of Northern Cyprus, İskele is emerging as one of the island’s most captivating destinations. With its stretch of golden shoreline, peaceful towns, cultural richness, and growing hospitality infrastructure, İskele offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and heritage. Whether you’re drawn by beaches, historic churches, or the slower pace of coastal life, this town deserves a spot on your Cyprus itinerary.
________________________________________
🏛️History & Background
👥 Names and Population Shifts: Before 1974 the town was known mostly by its Greek-Cypriot name, Trikomo. After the events of 1974, Turkish Cypriots from Larnaca and other places resettled here and the area officially became known as İskele.
📈 Economy & District Status: İskele became its own district in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as of 1 June [year when district numbers changed, see sources]. Inhabitants traditionally work in tourism, farming, fishing, crafts and civil services.
✨ Cultural Continuity & Festivals: The famous İskele Festival, held annually, has roots going back to Larnaca before 1974. It features folk dances, concerts, food, crafts and sports.
________________________________________
👉What to See & Do in İskele
Here are the must-visit spots and experiences in and around İskele.
⛱️Long Beach: This is a long sweep of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, excellent for sunbathing, swimming, walking, beach cafés and water sports.
🎣Boğaz Fishing Village & Harbour: A charming old harbour with fresh seafood restaurants, traditional taverns, and scenic views. A great place to spend sunset or relax after a day at the beach.
🏛️İskele Archaeology Museum: Opened in 2018, displaying artefacts from Neolithic to Roman periods. A modern museum curating over ten thousand years of local history.
⛪ Panayia Theotokos Church / Icon Museum:A 12th century church, later expanded, now a museum with medieval icons, Byzantine and Lusignan-era art. Very picturesque and historically significant.
⛪Ayios Iakovos (St. James) Church/Chapel: Small cruciform church from the 15th century; tranquil, off the beaten path. Good for history buffs and those who enjoy seeing older religious architecture.
🌳 Anavatan Park (Motherland Park): A green space in the town with gardens, walkways, trees, kid-friendly areas and evening gatherings. Good for relaxing, people-watching or an easy wash of local life.
________________________________________
⛱️Beaches & Coastal Attractions
• That Long Stretch – Long Beach: Possibly the most famous, with kilometres of sand, good infrastructure, cafes and resorts.
• Bafra Area: Closer to İskele but being developed; has resort style facilities, more modern beachfronts with private beaches, clubs, etc.
• Haravdi Coast: Council has projects to develop coastline landscapes in Haravdi region to give more public coast zones.
________________________________________
Culture, Food & Local Life
👨🍳 Cuisine: Seafood is a highlight — taverns in Boğaz are known for fresh fish, meze, and local Cypriot-Turkish dishes. Try local cheeses, olive oil, and desserts.
🛍️ Markets & Shopping: Weekly markets supply fresh produce; small local shops selling crafts. Also more modern retail: the Anfora Shopping Centre offers hypermarket, restaurants, cinema etc.
🎊 Festivals & Events: İskele Festival (summer), music & folk dance nights, cultural performances.
________________________________________
ℹ️Practical Information: How to Visit İskele
• Getting There: From Ercan Airport via road, or from Famagusta. Roads are decent; signage is improving. The coastal roads offer scenic drives.
• Accommodation Mix of resorts, hotels especially near beaches (Long Beach, Bafra), guesthouses in town, villas. Choices vary depending on budget and whether you want beachfront or more local.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) or autumn (September) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds. Summer gets hot, and some facilities fill up. Off-peak gives better deals.
• What to Pack / Prep: Sunscreen, swimwear, comfortable shoes, light clothing; modest dress if visiting churches; cash for smaller shops/restaurants; check local event schedules.
• Local Etiquette: Respect religious sites and local customs; if visiting during festivals, arrive early. Be prepared for slower pace; many locals enjoy lingering in evenings over tea or coffee.
________________________________________
📝Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
• Day Trips: From İskele you can easily visit the Karpaz Peninsula (including Apostolos Andreas Monastery), Golden Beach, and other natural sites.
• Try Local Morning: Start the day with breakfast in town, walk in Anavatan Park, visit the Icon Museum early, then move to the beach mid-day. Evenings are great in Boğaz or along the waterfront.
• Avoid Peak Overcrowding: Summer weekends and public holidays can be busy, especially beach-resort zones. Planning your stay mid-week helps.
• Language & Currency: Turkish is the main language; many people in tourist zones speak some English. The currency in Northern Cyprus is Turkish Lira (TRY). Exchange or ATMs available in İskele and Famagusta.
________________________________________
✨Why İskele Should Be in Your Travel Plans
• It offers balance: beautiful beaches and resorts, but also history, calm coastal villages and cultural depth.
• It’s less crowded than major tourist hubs, so more relaxing and authentic.
• Growing amenities without losing local character: seafood villages, fresh markets, museums.
• Great accessibility to both natural (beaches, coastline) and historical/cultural attractions (churches, relics).
________________________________________
🌸Final Thoughts
İskele (Trikomo) is one of Northern Cyprus’s rising stars: a place where sun-washed coastlines meet centuries of history, local life meets recent development, and relaxation meets culture. Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, an exploration of Cypriot heritage, or simply want somewhere peaceful yet substantial, İskele will surprise and delight.