
🌊 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.
🏛️ 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.