Province · Mediterrâneo Oriental

Mersin

Mersin has the Kızkalesi castle on a small islet in the sea, the Cennet and Cehennem fissures, Tarsus, the birthplace of Saint Paul, and a long Mediterranean coastline.

In the photo: Kızkalesi Castle, Erdemli

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 Mersin

The province of Mersin covers the coast of ancient Cilicia, between Antalya and Adana, with the Taurus Mountains descending to the sea. The capital, Mersin, is a port city with a long seaside promenade, and from it the coastal road heads west.

Tarsus, east of the capital, is the birthplace of Saint Paul. Visitors see the Well of Saint Paul, the church of Saint Paul, the Cleopatra Gate—linked to the queen’s arrival to meet Mark Antony—and a section of Roman street. The Tarsus waterfall lies within the urban area.

To the west, at Kızkalesi, a medieval castle occupies a small islet a few hundred meters from the beach, opposite the Corycus castle on land. Nearby, in Narlıkuyu, are Cennet and Cehennem (Heaven and Hell), two large fissures opened in the limestone; in the Heaven fissure a staircase descends to a Byzantine chapel. Silifke has a fortress, the Göksu river delta with waterfowl, and Uzuncaburç, the ancient Olba, in the mountains. Farther away, Anamur preserves the sea‑side Mamure Castle and the ruins of Anemurium.

In the interior, near Mut, the 5th‑century Alahan monastery stands on a slope above the Göksu valley. The province’s cuisine features tantuni—finely chopped meat sautéed and served in thin bread—and cezerye, a carrot sweet with walnuts and coconut.

When to go

April to June and September to October are usually the best months for the ruins and for the beach. July and August are hot and humid, with warm sea and crowded beaches. Winter is generally mild, with rain.

Getting there

Çukurova International Airport (COV) lies between Mersin and Adana and handles domestic and some international flights. Regional trains link Mersin with Tarsus and Adana. For Kızkalesi and Silifke, the coastal road has frequent buses; the far west, as far as Anamur, is closer to Gazipaşa airport near Alanya.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Mersin

Can you get to Kızkalesi castle?

The castle sits on an islet near the beach, and in the summer season there are boats that make the crossing. Outside that season, the view of the beach and of Corycus castle on land is still worth the trip. Check at the beach whether visits are open.

How long does a visit to Cennet and Cehennem take?

About two hours. The descent into Heaven is via a long staircase, and the return climb requires stamina. Hell is viewed from a lookout, without descending.

Where to stay to explore the Mersin coast?

Kızkalesi has a beach and accommodations and is close to Cennet and Cehennem and to Silifke. The capital, Mersin, is more convenient for those who want to combine Tarsus and Adana.

Does Tarsus have much to see?

The visit is short: the Well of Saint Paul, the church, the Cleopatra Gate, the Roman street and the waterfall can be seen in half a day. It is a common stop between Mersin and Adana.