Iskele

If you take the road north out of Famagusta you eventually end up in the holiday resort Iskele, also known by the Greek name Trikomo. On the map the town is marked with the name Yeni Iskele, “New Iskele” in Turkish, as a reminder of the relocation of residents from the Turkish Cypriot district Iskele in the city of Larnaca on the island’s south coast. The Turkish Cypriots who lived there were forced to flee their homes in 1974, to later settle in Trikomo, which they then renamed.

In the centre of the village one can visit the 16th century church of St. James, and Iskele’s Icon Museum (Panagia Theotokos Church). Iskele also has an international folk dance festival which is organised every year that attracts many visitors. But what Iskele is most popular for is its long golden beaches. Long Beach is undoubtedly one of the most frequently visited beaches in Cyprus. It stretches kilometre after kilometre along the coast, with soft sand, sun loungers and beach bars. It also has a palm-lined promenade and play areas for children.

Iskele is a small place that is growing steadily with many new condo projects popping up along the coast. From Iskele you are close to the national park area Karpaz located on the island’s easternmost tip, here you can see wild donkeys and turtles that lay eggs. On the way to Karpaz you will pass the tranquil fishing village of Bogaz which is nice to stop by, as well as the coastal strip in Bafra where you can check-in at any of the five-star luxury hotels located there. On the whole there are many small villages, each unique in its own way, to visit in this part of Cyprus.

From the holiday resort Iskele you are also close to the north coast, which is reached by crossing the mountain range Beşparmak. Up here you can stop to discover the ruins of Kantara Castle while mesmerised by the stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Iskele is located about 45 minutes drive from Ercan Airport.

See and do:
Long Beach
Karpaz
View from the Beşparmak mountain
Kantara castle

Food and drinks:
Osman Ağa Kültür Evi
Kemal in Yeri