Province · Mediterrâneo Oriental

Adana

Adana is the major city of the Çukurova plain, with the Roman bridge Taşköprü over the Seyhan River, the Sabancı mosque and the kebab that bears the city's name.

In the photo: Taşköprü and Seyhan River, Adana

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Adana

Adana is one of Turkey’s largest cities and the centre of Çukurova, a fertile plain of cotton, oranges and wheat between the Taurus mountains and the Mediterranean, the ancient Cilicia. The Seyhan River runs through the city, and it is along it that the traveller spends most of the time.

The Taşköprü, a stone bridge from the Roman period renovated over the centuries, links the two banks of the Seyhan and is used only by pedestrians. Beside it stands the Sabancı Merkez Camii, one of the country’s largest mosques, with six minarets. In the old centre are the Ulu Camii and the clock tower, the Büyük Saat.

Outside the capital are Yılan Kalesi, the Snake Castle, on a rock near Ceyhan; the ruins of Anazarbo (Anavarza), with a triumphal arch and aqueducts; and the Varda viaduct, a stone railway bridge from the early 20th century in the Karaisalı mountains. On the coast, Yumurtalık and Karataş have beaches popular with locals.

The city’s greatest renown is its cuisine: the Adana kebap, a wide skewer of spicy minced meat grilled over charcoal, is served with onion, parsley and thin bread. To accompany it, şalgam, a fermented juice of turnip and purple carrot. In April, when the orange trees bloom, Adana usually holds the Orange Blossom Festival.

When to go

March to May and October to November usually have the most pleasant days. Summer, from June to September, is very hot and humid on the plain. Winter is generally mild and rainy, with no snow in the city.

Getting there

Çukurova International Airport (COV), between Adana and Mersin, handles the region’s flights, with domestic connections and some international services. Regional trains link Adana to Tarsus and Mersin, and there are buses to Cappadocia, Antalya, Gaziantep and Antakya.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Adana

What is Adana kebap?

It is a wide skewer of minced lamb, with fat and pepper, grilled over charcoal. It comes with lavaş, onion with sumac, parsley and roasted tomato. Those who prefer it without spice order the Urfa kebap, a milder version.

How many days to stay in Adana?

One day is enough for the bridge, the Sabancı mosque and the centre, with time to eat well. With two or three days, you can include Yılan Kalesi, Anazarbo or a trip to Tarsus and Mersin.

Is Adana a good base for the Mersin coast?

It is an option, since Tarsus and Mersin are nearby and have regional trains. For Kızkalesi and Silifke, however, staying on the coast avoids long journeys.

Can you cross the Taşköprü on foot?

Yes. The bridge is reserved for pedestrians and is illuminated at night. The walk along the Seyhan bank links the bridge to the Sabancı mosque.