● NORTHERN CYPRUS · DISTRICTS INFO
İskele (Trikomo) District
Your Gateway to Untouched Cyprus

Discover a place where golden beaches meet timeless traditions. Iskele is the entrance to the wild and beautiful Karpaz Peninsula – perfect for slow travel, authentic culture, and unforgettable coastal escapes.
Explore İskele
History, nature, culture and local life
🏛️ Historical Background
Step back in time and explore a land shaped by empires
🏺 Ancient Heritage
Near İskele lie the ruins of Salamis, a thriving ancient city founded around the 11th century BC.
Once a major trade center during Greek, Roman, and Byzantine times.
⚔️ Medieval Eras
Ruled by the Lusignans (1192–1489) and Venetians (1489–1571), the region was part of strategic island trade.
🕌 Ottoman Rule (1571–1878)
The Ottomans brought Turkish settlers, transforming the cultural and religious landscape.
Farming villages flourished under Islamic traditions.
🇬🇧 British Period (1878–1960)
Roads, schools, and services improved under British colonial rule.
Greek and Turkish Cypriots lived side by side in villages like Trikomo (modern-day İskele).
🔁 Post-1974 Transformation
After Cyprus was divided in 1974, Turkish Cypriots from Larnaca resettled here.
Trikomo became “İskele,” symbolizing a new beginning.
🌿 Nature, Sea & Land
Breathe deep, roam free — the coast is calling
📍 Eastern Coastal Setting
Stretching along the coast into the pristine Karpaz Peninsula.
A peaceful escape framed by sea and sky.
🏞️ Rolling Landscapes
Olive groves, fertile farmlands, and gently rising hills.
Perfect for scenic drives and countryside walks.
🐢 Protected Turtle Beaches
Golden Beach and other nesting zones preserve rare wildlife.
Quiet, unspoiled shores ideal for nature lovers.
🏰 Main Sights & Attractions
From ancient ruins to hilltop castles – Iskele has it all
🖼️ Icon Museum (İskele Town)
Housed in a medieval church with beautiful religious art.
⛪ Panagia Theotokos Church
A preserved 12th-century Orthodox site.
🧙 St. Barnabas Monastery
Museum and church honoring Cyprus’ patron saint.
🏯 Kantara Castle
Panoramic fortress with sweeping mountain views.
🎭 Cultural Highlights
Feel the rhythm of Cyprus through its living traditions
🎉 Iskele International Festival
A summer celebration of music, folk dance, food, and crafts.
🎼 Village Events
Local music nights, storytelling, and tavern evenings in seaside towns.
💃 Folk Dances & Instruments
Experience traditional Cypriot dancing and the sound of the saz in rural celebrations.
🧵 Crafts & Local Products
Take a piece of Cyprus home
🧵 Lefkara Lace & Embroidery
Delicate textiles handmade by local women.
🍯 Honey, Olive Oil & Herbs
Produced from surrounding villages – ideal for gifts or tasting.
🏺 Handmade Pottery & Woodworks
Small artisans still use ancient techniques.
🏨 Tourism & Travel
Where comfort meets coastal calm
🏖️ Accommodation
Eco-lodges, beach resorts, family-run hotels near Long Beach, Bafra, and Boğaz.
🛍️ Shops & Cafés
Coastal promenades feature local taverns, markets, and boutique stores.
🚐 Transport
Main roads connect to Famagusta, Karpaz, and Nicosia. Car rentals and local minibuses available.
🧘 Vibe
Slow travel, beach sunsets, local food – perfect for relaxed, meaningful holidays.
CONTACTS & PUBLIC SERVICES
Public Offices in İskele
Local administration, essential departments and contact details
Iskele Nüfus Dairesi
(Civil Registry)
housed together with the Iskele District Office!
Iskele Motorlu Araçlar Dairesi
(Vehicle Registration Dept.)
housed together with the Iskele Tax Office!