Mersin

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Mersin Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 - 2 Days

Best Time: June to Oct Read More

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"Pearl of the Mediterranean"

Mersin Tourism

Located 380 kms from Antara, Mersin is a port city on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey. The largest seaport in Turkey, Mersin is a significant economic city of the region; and is rightly regarded as the ïPearl of the MediterraneanÍ. With the most extended seashore in the entirety of the Mediterranean region, Mersin has been beaming with skyscrapers, hotels, opera houses and other urban amenities in the past decade.

Mersin is a gateway to Tarsus, a Christian pilgrimage site named St Paul's well, making it a hit among lovers of history and mythology. One can also find the ruins of CleopatraÍs Gate, an ancient Roman defensive wall near St. Paul's Well. The Mersin Museum showcases artefacts and sculptures from nearby burials and excavations around the city. Moreover, many beachfront promenades have been established in the city center, studded with little shops and cafes.

One of the most remarkable facts about Mersin is that the entire city has installed solar panels, and one can see them on every rooftop. There are various ancient mosques with intrinsic Islamic architecture dotted throughout. The Antic Road in Mersin was built ages ago in the Roman period, and taking a stroll is recommended. Once a fishermenÍs village, Mersin has now grown into a full-blown tourist spot, with exciting beach fronts and shopping complexes, and is ideal for a laid-back vacation.

Things to do in Mersin

1. Maiden's Castle

Maiden's Castle
Maiden's Castle, also known as Kizkalesi, is situated amidst an island off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is accessible via a causeway. It is known for its impressive stone walls, towers, and (Read More)moat. Explore its interior and ramparts, and enjoy the views from its balconies and towers.

2. Mersin Marina

Mersin Marina
Mersin Marina is a modern yacht harbor lined with a shopping center, cafes, and restaurants. It offers gorgeous views of the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, where you can enjoy a surreal s (Read More)unset! This well-maintained ground with modern facilities is also great for water-based activities such as sailing, fishing, and swimming.

3. Forum Mall Mersin

Forum Mall Mersin
Forum Mall Mersin is one of the largest shopping complexes making it a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure. With a modern and spacious design, the entertainment cente (Read More)r has multiple movie screens and a gaming arena with many games and activities for children and adults.

4. Mamure Castle

Mamure Castle
Mamure Castle is a historic marvel built in the 10th century and considered one of Turkey's best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture. Explore its various rooms, towers, walls, small m (Read More)osque, bathhouse, and inner courtyard, learning more about its history and importance as a defensive fortress. The castle offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

5. Alahan Monastery

Alahan Monastery
Alahan Monastery is an early Christian church and a historical and cultural monument. It is one of the most important architectural structures of the Byzantine era, with unique frescoes and mosaic wor (Read More)k. It provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. It's also known as a place of pilgrimage for Christians.

6. Tarsus Waterfall

Tarsus Waterfall
Located on the Berdan River, Tarsus Waterfall is connected by a stream, creating a scenic and peaceful spot to relax, swim, and click photographs amidst the beautiful backdrop. The waterfall is surrou (Read More)nded by natural vegetation and is superb for picnicking, hiking, and nature walks.

7. Taskuyu Cave

Taskuyu Cave
Taskuyu Cave is a unique geological formation famous for its thermal waters that are considered therapeutic and beneficial for various health conditions. It is one of the largest thermal caves in the (Read More)world, featuring impressive rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Explore, dip in the warm waters, and enjoy surreal views of the surrounding area. The cave also has a unique microclimate, making it interesting for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

8. Adamkayalar

Adamkayalar
Adamkayalar translated Men of Rock is characterized by large rock columns and natural pillars. The site is well-known for its geological and natural beauty. You can see figures of none niches carved o (Read More)nto the rocks, from which 11 appear male, 4 female, 2 children, and 1 ibex. There are also carvings of the roman eagle, Aquila, on the pediment.

9. Gulek Castle

Gulek Castle
Known for its historical significance, the Gulek Castle features a large outer wall, several towers, and a small inner courtyard with impressive stonework. It is situated 1600 meters above ground leve (Read More)l. Highlights include its cylindrical towers, the underground cisterns, and the remains of a church.

10. Mersin Museum of Archaeology

Mersin Museum of Archaeology
The Mersin Museum of Archaeology showcases the history and culture of the region. It features a collection of archaeological artifacts and exhibits, including ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, cerami (Read More)cs, coins, sculptures, and more. Highlights of the museum include a collection of ancient mosaics.

11. Ataturk House Museum

Ataturk House Museum
Atat�_rk Street, one of Mersin's most important intersections, is where you'll find the Atat�_rk House Museum. It's a two-story structure amidst the 1200-meter garden. The ceilings are examples of mag (Read More)nificent architecture and luxury design. On the ground level, there is a display of pictures of Atat�_rk's travels to Mersin. Items from ethnographic museums in towns including Ankara, Konya, Sivas, and Tokat, as well as those that Atat�_rk personally used, can be spotted in the seven rooms on the upper level of the structure.

12. Mersin Naval Museum

Mersin Naval Museum
The Mersin Naval Museum is dedicated to the Turkish Navy and the country's history. It features a collection of ancient artifacts and exhibits like weapons, navigation instruments, uniforms, medals, a (Read More)nd photographs. Home to a unique collection, including the oldest anchor in the world, and a 17th-century Ottoman warship, the museum is a cultural pride!

Must Know Before You Travel to Mersin

  • To visit Tarsus, ride air-con trains that run every hour between the two cities. The journey time depends on the number of stops for each train and can last anywhere from 45 to 80 minutes. A monthly pass will cost 110TL, whereas a round trip can be acquired for 9 TL and 5.50 TL for a one way journey.
  • When travelling to kara, Eskisehir, or Istanbul must change their trains at Yenice, east of Mersin.
  • The nation's operator, TCDD, is in charge of all trains. The city's port and the railroad station, 1 Mersin Gar, are both located on Istiklal Cd.

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Mersin Photos

Mersin
Old Town Tarsus
Maiden's Castle
Panorami view of Mersin Marina

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