Iskele: a modern leisure, investment and living center in Northern Cyprus

Iskele, still a small town on the eastern coast of Northern Cyprus, has become a real gem of the region. Its development as a tourist and investment center continues due to the unique combination of natural beauty, rich history and modern residential complexes. This region is ideal for recreation, investment and a comfortable life.

The geographical location of Iskele: the gate of eastern Cyprus

Iskele is conveniently located at the intersection of tourist routes and near the key cities of Northern Cyprus. The historic Famagusta is 20 kilometers away, and the trip to the capital Nicosia will take about an hour. Ercan International Airport can be reached in about 50 minutes, and Larnaca International Airport can be reached in 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

The coast of Iskele is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, which is known for its crystal clear water and soft waves. The landscape of the region combines picturesque beaches, green hills and salt lakes. Due to the Mediterranean climate, the sun shines here more than 320 days a year, and the mild winter allows you to enjoy nature all year round.

Iskele beaches: the diversity and beauty of the Mediterranean Sea

Due to its location, Iskele is also famous for its beaches, and this is one of the main reasons why thousands of tourists choose this region every year. Long Beach, perhaps the most famous Iskele beach, stretches for more than 5 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea. This stretch of coast attracts with its soft sands, clear water and excellent infrastructure. For the convenience of vacationers, there are sun loungers, umbrellas, showers and playgrounds. The beach is ideal for family holidays, water sports and relaxing walks along the sea.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Long Beach offers a wide range of entertainment options. Here you can rent windsurfing or kayaking equipment, go for a boat trip or dive into the underwater world while diving. In the evening, the beach comes alive with local cafes and restaurants that offer local and international cuisine.

However, Long Beach is just one of the gems of the Iskele coast. For those who are looking for a more secluded place, the beaches of Boaz are suitable.  These small but incredibly picturesque beaches offer tranquility and proximity to nature. Locals often have picnics here, enjoying the silence and the sea view. Boaz is also known for its traditional fish restaurants, where you can taste fresh seafood freshly caught from the sea.

Another incredibly popular place in Iskel for a beach holiday is Pera Beach Club, located in the Etuken area in Iskel (Northern Cyprus), part of the prestigious Grand Sapphire Resort. This is a luxurious place by the sea with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and a lively atmosphere. The club offers a stylish and relaxing stay with modern amenities, including sun loungers by the pool and on the soft golden sand.

A special feature of Pera Beach Club is a rich entertainment program. Live performances by professional dancers, violinists and vocalists are regularly held, creating a bright but sophisticated atmosphere. The club also serves dishes with an emphasis on Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, including fresh seafood and aged meat of high quality, which makes this place a real gastronomic pleasure.

In addition, Pera Beach Club is a popular venue for private events such as weddings and sunset parties, providing its guests with a stylish and versatile space for relaxation and celebrations

Another hidden corner of Iskele is Karpaz beach. This stretch of coast, located in a national park, is characterized by pristine nature and a secluded atmosphere. There is no usual tourist infrastructure here, but this makes Karpaz especially attractive for those who want to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty. But Karpaz is worth a separate mention, so let’s return to it in another article 🙂

The unique nature of Iskele: more than just beaches

Iskele’s nature is striking in its diversity. In addition to beaches, the region is known for its national parks, nature reserves and picturesque landscapes. 

The salt lake near Iskele is another natural gem of the region. Thousands of pink flamingos fly here in the winter months, which makes the lake a popular place for bird watching. This corner is especially interesting for photographers and those who want to enjoy rare species of birds in their natural habitat.

In addition, there are olive groves and citrus plantations in the vicinity of Iskele, which give the region an additional charm. In spring, the scent of blooming orange trees fills the air, creating a unique atmosphere. Locals often organize guided tours of the plantations, where you can learn more about citrus cultivation and even take part in the harvest.

Special attention should be paid to marine life. The waters off the coast of Iskele are rich in marine life, including sea turtles, which lay eggs on some parts of the beaches. During the breeding season, tourists can observe this unique process without disturbing the animals. Local environmental organizations are actively involved in the protection of these species, conducting educational programs for guests of the region.

Thus, the nature of Iskele is not only beaches, but also unique ecosystems that make this region an ideal place to relax, explore and simply enjoy the beauty of the surrounding world.

The historical heritage of Iskele from ancient civilizations to the present

In general, the history of Iskele goes back to ancient times. The ruins of the ancient city of Salamis, located just a few kilometers from the city, are a vivid testimony to the former greatness of the region. Salamis was founded in the XI century BC and served as one of the largest trading centers in the Mediterranean. Today, an amphitheater, gymnasium, baths and basilicas have been preserved here, which attract tourists and archaeologists.

The Monastery of St. Barnabas is another important attraction. It was founded in the IV century and served as the religious center of the region. Today, the monastery has been turned into a museum where you can see unique icons, archaeological finds and other exhibits.

Modern life and everyday life in Iskel. What is this modern city of Northern Cyprus like?

Iskele is not only a tourist center, but also a comfortable place for permanent residence. The city is actively developing, offering its residents everything they need for modern life. There are supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants and boutiques. Schools are available for families with children, including international ones, where education is conducted in English.

Medical services in Iskel are also at a high level. A new modern medical clinic has recently opened in the city, providing a wide range of services. If necessary, residents can contact major medical centers in Famagusta and Nicosia.

The nearest international English school to Iskela, NEAR EAST, is located in Yeniboazici, just 10 minutes away by car. The school’s program includes pre-school education (the age of admission to the program is 2 years). All detailed information can be found at this link

Real estate in Iskel: prospects for investors

The Iskele real estate market is actively developing due to the growing popularity of the region among tourists and foreign investors. Modern residential complexes offer high-quality housing with developed infrastructure.

Caesar Resort (Afik Group)

Caesar Resort complex offers stylish apartments, swimming pools, gyms and restaurants. It is located near Long Beach, which makes it an excellent choice for recreation and investment.

In addition to this project, there are several other interesting complexes such as: 

 Caesar Blue (this project has its own mini-water park, which gives the project a unique advantage over competitors)

– Caesar Palm Jumeirah (the main feature of the project is that it has a huge palm-shaped pool, not to mention a rich internal infrastructure)

Advantages:

Advantages:

– installments up to 84 months 

– special offer for investors: guaranteed rent of 8%, 6% cash back and a gift in the form of fully equipped apartments ready for rent.

– an experienced management company (has been renting apartments on the coast of Iskele for more than 13 years)

Grand Sapphire Resort & Casino (Northernland)

This project combines luxury residential apartments, a hotel and a casino and much more, in general, the infrastructure is so diverse that it makes no sense to go outside the complex. It is ideal for those who are looking for comfortable housing with the possibility of obtaining rental income. And also, this project has the largest swimming pool not only in Northern Cyprus, but on the entire island as a whole!

Advantages:

– the only project with a casino, a hotel and its own sandy beach and its own beach club

– 300 meters from the sea

– special offer for investors: 10% discount and a furniture package as a gift!

Aventus Residence (Panah Construction)

This is a unique project in the Iskele region, just 750 meters from the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. The maximum balance of privacy without loss of comfort and status of life, with all necessary infrastructure. It is located in the project. 

Seven apartment buildings with 132 apartments of various layouts (studios, apartments with one, two and three bedrooms, lofts-penthouses)

12 townhouses

Advantages:

– Located between 2 casinos in Iskele

– Low-rise buildings

– Large-scale infrastructure (SPA, gym, restaurant, minimarket on site, as well as a heated swimming pool)

Hotels in Iskele.

Iskele, located on the east coast of Northern Cyprus, is famous not only for its picturesque beaches and rich cultural heritage, but also for luxury hotels with casinos such as The Arkın Iskele and Merit Cyprus Gardens Resort & Casino.

The Arkın Iskele: a combination of luxury and entertainment

The Arkın Iskele is a modern hotel offering its guests first—class facilities for recreation and entertainment. Located just 10 minutes from the center of Famagusta and 25 minutes from Ercan Airport, the hotel provides convenient access to the main attractions of the region.

Accommodation and amenities:

• The hotel offers a variety of rooms equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, TVs and mini bars.

 • * Guests can enjoy dishes of various cuisines in the hotel’s restaurants, as well as relax in the bars and lounge areas.

 • A fitness center, a spa, a sauna and a hammam are available for outdoor enthusiasts.

Casino:

The Arkın Iskele Casino offers more than 200 modern slot machines, including EGT, Clover Link, Novomatic and Mega Jack with jackpots.For board game lovers, private tables with professional dealers are available, providing an unforgettable gaming experience.

Merit Cyprus Gardens Resort & Casino: relaxing by the sea

The Arkın Iskele is a modern hotel offering its guests first—class facilities for recreation and entertainment. Located just 10 minutes from the center of Famagusta and 25 minutes from Ercan Airport, the hotel provides convenient access to the main attractions of the region.

Accommodation and amenities:

• The hotel offers a variety of rooms equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, TVs and mini bars.

 • * Guests can enjoy dishes of various cuisines in the hotel’s restaurants, as well as relax in the bars and lounge areas.

 • A fitness center, a spa, a sauna and a hammam are available for outdoor enthusiasts.

Casino:

The Arkın Iskele Casino offers more than 200 modern slot machines, including EGT, Clover Link, Novomatic and Mega Jack with jackpots.For board game lovers, private tables with professional dealers are available, providing an unforgettable gaming experience.

Merit Cyprus Gardens Resort & Casino: relaxing by the sea

Merit Cyprus Gardens Resort & Casino is the perfect place for those who are looking for a combination of comfort, nature and entertainment. Located on a vast territory with a botanical garden, the hotel offers unique conditions for relaxation.
Both hotels provide unique opportunities for recreation and entertainment in Iskel, making guests’ stay unforgettable.

Iskele Gastronomy: a taste of the Mediterranean

The local cuisine is a reflection of the rich culture of the region. Iskele taverns offer dishes such as meze, crispy halloumi, kebabs and fresh seafood. In the Mackenzi Bay restaurant you can enjoy dishes of octopus or squid in foil, very tasty, we recommend it to everyone, and in Pera Mackenzi you can already find dishes for every taste, with its international cuisine, and in summer you can have a great time listening to music with a cocktail at the beach bar. According to the cost of the Pera Mackenzi beach club, you will need to pay 1000 liras per person per season (free in November and October) and 250-300 liras for a sunbed. If we talk about food, then lunch is from 700 to 1000 liras per person (depending on the selected products). And of course we cannot fail to mention the restaurants Ezic and Köfez. 

Also, do not forget that Iskele is a dynamically developing city, and new establishments are opening here, such as Lush on the first coastline with its own beach, pool and bar, where beach parties take place in the summer. 

Coffee shops, Cortado Espresso bar and Roots Cafe & Lounge, and many others are open for coffee lovers. 

In general, Iskele offers tourists a variety of leisure opportunities. In addition to beaches, excursions to historical sites, walks in national parks and active recreation such as diving, windsurfing and kayaking are available here.

Prospects of the region: Iskele as a center of growth and development

Iskele confidently occupies the place of one of the most promising regions of Northern Cyprus. Every year this city attracts more and more tourists, investors and those who are looking for a quiet life by the sea. Due to its strategic location, natural resources and infrastructure development, Iskele is becoming a point of attraction for various categories of people.

The development of the region is closely linked to the increase in the number of tourists. Every year thousands of guests come to Iskele to enjoy its beaches, nature and culture. The development of tourism infrastructure, such as the construction of new hotels, such as the Grand Sapphire Resort, and residential complexes with high-end services, creates additional jobs and contributes to the growth of the local economy. Tourism is becoming the main source of income for the region, attracting both individual travelers and organized groups.

Iskele’s investment potential continues to grow due to affordable real estate prices. The region is becoming attractive not only for tourists, but also for investors who see Iskel as an opportunity to generate stable income. Low taxes on ownership and the growing demand for rent make Iskele an ideal place for long-term investments. Residential complexes such as Caesar Resort and Elysium and others are becoming the flagships of this development, offering high-quality housing that meets modern standards.

In parallel with the growth of tourism and real estate, Iskele is becoming a center for family holidays and permanent residence. International schools and high-level medical centers make this region attractive for foreign families who are looking for a comfortable place to live. Many families move here because of the high-quality educational system and favorable conditions for raising children. 

The safety and calm atmosphere of the city also play an important role in choosing Iskele for permanent residence.

Environmental initiatives in the region contribute to the preservation of its natural wealth. The Karpaz National Park, known for its unique flora and fauna, remains an important part of the Iskele ecosystem. Local authorities are actively investing in nature conservation programs, which makes the region even more attractive to those who value ecology and sustainable development.

The city is also actively developing its transport infrastructure. Regular bus routes connect Iskele with other major cities such as Famagusta and Nicosia. The proximity to Ercan International Airport simplifies travel for both tourists and residents of the city. In addition, projects to improve the road network and build new transport hubs will help accelerate the economic development of the region.

Special attention is paid to digitalization. Iskele implements modern technologies to simplify the lives of its residents and make the city more attractive to modern professionals. High-speed Internet and digital services are becoming the standard in residential complexes, which attracts remote workers and IT specialists.

An important aspect of the region’s development is its cultural wealth. Regular festivals, fairs and cultural events make Iskele a center of attraction for those interested in art and traditions. Supporting local crafts and arts helps to preserve the cultural heritage of the region, while attracting tourists and creating new opportunities for local residents.

In the future, Iskele will become not only a center of tourism and investment, but also an exemplary city for living. Plans to create “smart” residential areas, improve environmental standards and develop public spaces indicate a desire to make this region comfortable and innovative. Iskele is already showing an example of how nature, culture and modern technology can coexist in harmony.

The pace of development that Iskele has taken, within 10-15 years, will make it, perhaps, the most modern city not just in Northern Cyprus, but on the island as a whole!

Conclusion

Iskele is a city where natural beauty, rich history and modern amenities combine. Whether it’s a walk along Long Beach, an excursion to Salamis or dinner at a restaurant overlooking the sea, Iskele offers an unforgettable experience and comfort for life.