Cyprus New Iskele

Cyprus New Iskele is a paradise full of historical and natural beauties. One of the most remarkable touristic areas of Cyprus, this place fascinates its visitors with its historical ruins, impressive landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The rich history of Yeni Iskele is full of traces from the past and offers the opportunity to explore the beauties of nature as well as the historical sites in the region. In this article, you can prepare for an unforgettable holiday experience by finding information about the places you should see, accommodation options and must-try flavors in Yeni İskele.

New Iskele's Rich History

As one of the five districts of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, New İskele has witnessed many important changes throughout its history. İskele, which was affiliated to Famagusta district until 1998, gained district status with the law enacted in 2000. With an area of 774 square kilometers, İskele is one of the most remarkable touristic regions of Cyprus, located at the intersection of Famagusta-Karpaz and Ercan-Karpaz highways, on a coastline that offers a unique harmony of sea and nature. This strategic location has made it one of the favorite destinations of tourism.

İskele, which was known as Trikomo before the 1974 Peace Operation, was renamed Yeni İskele with the Larnaca Turks who settled on the island after this operation. This deep-rooted history of the region, especially the Mesarya Plain and Karpaz It has been enriched in terms of history and culture due to its location at the intersection of the Peninsula.

One of the symbols of New Iskele Karpaz donkeys also highlights the natural richness of the region. Known for its pristine beaches such as Bafra and Altinkumsal, this region is an escape for those seeking peace and quiet. At the same time, there are 43 villages among the settlements of İskele, with a population of 20,245. People earn their living from tourism, agriculture, fishing and handicrafts.

Places to Visit in Yeni Iskele

Yeni İskele offers an exploration area full of historical and natural beauties. It offers its visitors a vacation full of alternatives from historical ruins to fascinating landscapes, from unique cultural experiences to natural beauties. This region is full of unmissable places for both history buffs and nature lovers. Prepare to lose yourself in this unique atmosphere and discover the riches the region has to offer.

Kantara Castle

Kantara Castle is a surveillance castle built on 700 meters high rocky cliffs, overlooking the surrounding plains. Built in the 10th century for surveillance purposes, this historical structure has a strategic importance. Most of the ruins seen today belong to the sections built by King James. Used actively until 1525, the castle was abandoned in time.

Kantara Castle attracts visitors with its impressive view and historical texture. Those who climb to the top of the castle will have the opportunity to observe the natural beauties of Cyprus in a panoramic way. This place where history and nature meet is an ideal destination for both exploration enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts.

Iskele Icon Museum

The Iskele Icon Museum is an important center that reveals the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus. This museum exhibits precious examples of Orthodox church art and provides important information about the religious and historical past of the island. Located in an old church, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to discover the artistic richness and historical depth of Northern Cyprus.

The icons in the museum are some of the finest examples of religious art. Each one is carefully crafted to capture the attention of visitors, reflecting important moments in Christian art and the religious history of Cyprus. The icons are of great value both for their visual beauty and their historical significance. In addition to these works, visitors can learn about the development of the religious art of Cyprus through the other religious art objects in the museum.

The Iskele Icon Museum is notable not only for its works of art, but also for its rich historical background. The museum is the perfect stop to understand the multicultural nature of Cyprus and how religious beliefs were shaped. If you want to explore the cultural heritage of Cyprus, the Iskele Icon Museum is a must-visit.

Ayios Yakavos Chapel Church (St. James Church)

St. James Church, one of the buildings that best reflects the historical texture of Iskele, impresses with its fascinating Byzantine architecture. This church, which has hosted various religious rituals for centuries, offers visitors a deep insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of Cyprus.
With a peaceful and mystical atmosphere, the interior of St. James Church is ideal for those who wish to meditate and have a spiritual experience. Visitors can contemplate in the silence of the church and enjoy the historical atmosphere. The church's courtyard and surroundings fully reflect the aesthetic beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the building.

Fatherland Park

Motherland Park, which stands out among the natural beauties of Northern Cyprus, offers its visitors a peaceful experience in touch with nature. This unique park is a paradise for nature lovers by hosting endemic plant species and various wildlife of Cyprus. With its lush green trees, colorful flowers and relaxing shady areas, Motherland Park offers the perfect setting for nature walks and picnics.
While taking a walk in the calm and beauty of nature, you can explore the diverse flora the park has to offer and spend pleasant moments with your loved ones in a peaceful picnic area. In addition, the natural atmosphere of the park offers great views for photography enthusiasts. If you want to enrich your Cyprus vacation and meet with nature, the Motherland Park is one of the must-visit places. This park is a unique escape for those who want to relax and enjoy nature.

Golden Beach

Golden Beach is a beach famous for its fine golden sands and calmness with its kilometers of coastline. Considered to be one of the most popular beaches in the Mediterranean, this unique beach stands out not only for its natural beauty but also for being the spawning ground of Caretta Caretta turtles. This region, where these special turtles are under protection, offers an important ecosystem for both visitors and nature lovers. Altın Kumsal is an ideal destination for those who want to relax and enjoy the sea with its peaceful atmosphere and magnificent view. While enjoying the beach, visitors will also feel the peace of being in touch with nature.

Accommodation Options

Iskele is a region that offers a rich variety of accommodation and there are options for every budget. The luxury hotels along the coast offer guests a comfortable vacation where they can enjoy the sea and nature. For those who want to make a more modest choice, cozy hotels and hostels in the region offer a nice alternative.

For those who prefer ecotourism, especially the villages of Dipkarpaz and Buyukkonuk offer unique experiences. You can stay in restored stone houses and discover the natural and cultural heritage of the region. In these villages, you can experience a vacation in touch with nature and explore the surrounding hiking routes and historical texture.

For those who want to be more alone with nature, bungalow houses along the coast are very popular. Thanks to the mild climate of İskele, which averages 20 degrees throughout the year, you can also find the opportunity to enjoy nature by camping in the campsites along the coast.

Flavors You Must Try

İskele attracts attention with its rich culinary culture as well as its natural beauties. Enjoying fresh fish as the sun sets over the sea is one of the most special experiences this region has to offer. You can taste fresh seafood daily at the small restaurants on the beaches of the Bosphorus and Kumyalı, and indulge your taste buds with the appetizers served by the fishermen of the region. In addition to seafood such as fresh fish, squid and octopus, olive oil appetizers, yogurt dips and salads enriched with spices turn your dinners into a feast.

The flavor stops of the region are not limited to seafood. It is also a great idea to try local delicacies such as sucuk, köfter and paluze made from grapes produced especially in Mehmetçik Village. These traditional flavors create the perfect opportunity for those who want to taste the cultural heritage of Cyprus. Sucuk leaves an unforgettable taste on the palate with its intense aroma and consistency, while köfter and paluze allow you to feel the richness of the local culture in every bite.