İskele, historically Trikomo, is a fast-growing resort area on the east coast of North Cyprus. It is best known for Long Beach, a long stretch of open sandy coast running north from the Boğaz fishing harbour, lined with beach resorts. It is an easy base for the east coast, within reach of Famagusta, Salamis and the Karpaz Peninsula.
İskele, known historically as Trikomo, is one of the fastest-growing parts of North Cyprus and the main beach-resort area on the east coast. For most visitors the draw is Long Beach, a broad run of golden sand stretching north along the coast, backed by a growing line of hotels and apartment resorts. Around it, the wider İskele area keeps a calmer, more local character than the busier western towns.
The coast is the main event. Long Beach is largely open and public, with sun and space to spread out even in season, and beach clubs and resort access points dotted along it. At the southern end sits Boğaz, a small fishing harbour known for its cluster of seafood restaurants and its little stretches of beach either side of town. Inland, İskele town itself has a market, parks and the Icon Museum, housed in a historic church.
İskele suits beach-focused holidays and makes a practical base for the eastern side of the island. Famagusta and the ruins of Salamis are a short drive south, and the wild Karpaz Peninsula lies to the north, so a hire car opens up a lot of the east coast from here.
İskele is centred on its coast, but there is more than sand. Long Beach is the headline, a long open stretch of sand with resort and beach-club access points along its length. At its southern end, the Boğaz fishing harbour is a pleasant spot for a seafood lunch and a wander among the boats. In İskele town, the Icon Museum, set in a historic church, is worth an hour, and the market and parks give a feel for local life. The area also works as a launch point for day trips to Famagusta, Salamis and Karpaz. The listings below cover what the area offers.
More ideas: Things to Do in Iskele: Explore This Coastal Town
İskele has become one of the main accommodation hubs in North Cyprus, weighted towards modern beach resorts and apartment complexes along and behind Long Beach, several with pools, spas and casinos. There are also smaller hotels and guesthouses around Boğaz and İskele town. Staying near Long Beach puts the sand on your doorstep, while Boğaz suits those after a quieter harbour setting. Prices run from budget to premium and peak in high summer.
Planning where to stay: Hotels in Iskele, North Cyprus: Accommodation Guide
Dining in İskele centres on seafood, with Boğaz harbour long known for its fish restaurants serving fresh catch and meze. Along the resort strip you will find hotel dining and casual beachfront cafés, while İskele town has local eateries and a weekly market. Expect everything from a simple café breakfast to a full fish-and-meze spread across the price bands below.
More on eating out: Dining by the Shore: Best Restaurants at Iskele Long Beach
The coast here is İskele's main draw. Long Beach runs for a long stretch north from Boğaz, mostly open and free to access, with soft sand and a paved promenade in front of the resort strip and quieter, wilder sections further along. Boğaz has smaller beaches either side of its harbour, and Bafra's resort beaches lie further along the same coast to the north. A hire car makes moving between them easy.
More on the coast: Boutique Hotels Near Iskele Long Beach: Coastal Comforts
Most visitors arrive at Ercan Airport, roughly 45 minutes from İskele by road, or come on from Famagusta, about 20 minutes to the south. A hire car is the most practical way to make the most of the area, since the beaches, Boğaz and the wider east coast are spread out. Taxis are available, and once you are based on the resort strip the beach and promenade are walkable. Some visitors also arrive via the south of the island and drive across.
Getting around: Getting Around North Cyprus by Bus: Your Public Transport Guide
Late spring and early autumn, roughly May to June and September to October, are ideal, with warm seas and fewer crowds than peak summer. High summer is hot and the busiest and priciest time, though it suits a straightforward beach holiday, and the sea stays warm into autumn. Winters are mild and very quiet, with many resort facilities scaled back, better for a calm stay than a beach one.
Timing your trip: Weather in Iskele, North Cyprus: A Climate Guide
Last updated: 31 August 2026
Yes, especially for a beach holiday. İskele has Long Beach, one of the longest open sandy stretches in North Cyprus, plus the Boğaz fishing harbour and easy access to Famagusta, Salamis and Karpaz.
İskele is the Turkish name for the town and area, Trikomo is its older name, and Long Beach is the main beach and resort strip within the İskele area.
Long Beach is largely open and public, with free access points along its length, though some sections in front of resorts offer paid sunbeds and beach-club facilities.
A few days suits a beach-focused stay. Add more if you want to use it as a base for day trips to Famagusta, Salamis and the Karpaz Peninsula.
Visit the Boğaz fishing harbour for seafood, see the Icon Museum in İskele town, browse the local market, and take day trips to Famagusta, Salamis and Karpaz.