Province · Mediterrâneo Oriental

Hatay

Hatay has its capital in Antakya, the ancient Antioch, a city of many religions and a cuisine recognized by UNESCO, between the Amanos mountains and the Mediterranean.

In the photo: Tunnel of Titus and Vespasian (Titus Tüneli), Samandağ

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 Hatay

Hatay occupies the far south of Turkey, between the Mediterranean and the Amanos mountains. The capital, Antakya, is the ancient Antioch, founded by Seleucus, one of Alexander’s generals, and one of the major cities of the Roman Empire. According to the Acts of the Apostles, it was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called Christians.

Earthquakes hit Antakya and other cities in the province hard, and many historic buildings were destroyed or damaged. Before going, confirm what is open to visitors.

Cuisine is Hatay’s best-known feature; the province is part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for gastronomy. Künefe, a hot dessert of thin pastry with cheese and syrup, is the most famous; tables also feature hummus, muhammara (a pepper-and-walnut paste), and sürk cheese seasoned with spices.

On the coast, Samandağ has a long beach, and at Çevlik is the Tunnel of Titus and Vespasian, a Roman channel cut into the rock in the 1st century to divert waters that threatened the port of Seleucia Pieria. In Harbiye, the ancient Daphne, there are waterfalls and woods. To the north, İskenderun, the ancient Alexandretta, is a port city on the gulf.

When to go

April to June and September to November usually have the most pleasant weather. July and August are hot and humid on the coast and in Antakya. Winter tends to be mild, with rain, and snow only in the mountains.

Getting there

Hatay Airport (HTY), north of Antakya, receives domestic flights, mainly from Istanbul and Ankara. There are buses to Adana, Gaziantep, Mersin and other cities. Within the province, minibuses connect Antakya with Samandağ, Harbiye and İskenderun.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Hatay

What is open to visit in Antakya?

The city receives visitors, but part of the historic center was destroyed by the earthquakes and many sites are not open. Confirm before you go what is operating and, if possible, hire a local guide.

What is künefe?

It is a dessert made of fine shredded pastry (kadayıf) with unsalted cheese in the middle, baked in a small pan and soaked with syrup. It is served hot, sometimes topped with pistachio. Hatay is the city most associated with it in Turkey.

Does Hatay pair well with Gaziantep and Adana on the same trip?

Yes. The three cities form a southern Turkey food itinerary, connected by road. One week allows you to see all three without rushing.

What is the Tunnel of Titus?

It is a Roman channel cut into the rock at Çevlik, near Samandağ, in the 1st century to divert a stream and protect the port of Seleucia Pieria. The route is walked on foot, with sections of uneven stone; wear sturdy footwear.