Mersin - Discovering Turkey

Travelling to Mersin

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Mersin, a pretty good destination in Turkey (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Mersin and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Mersin, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Turkey, here's everything to know about Mersin for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Mersin

Mersin is a city located in southern Turkey, on the Mediterranean coast. It has a population of approximately 1 million people. Mersin is known for its beautiful beaches, historical ruins, and traditional Turkish cuisine. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to a number of museums and art galleries. Popular attractions in Mersin include the Castle of Korykos, Cleopatra's Gate, and the Mersin Grand Mosque. The Mersin International Music Festival, held annually in September, is one of the city's most popular events.

What to visit in Mersin

Sure, here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Mersin, Turkey: 1. Ancient City of Soli Pompeipolis: This ancient city dates back to Hellenistic times and is home to a variety of well-preserved ruins, including ancient theaters, temples, and other structures. The site is also known for its beautiful sea views and is a popular spot for photography.
2. Mersin Marina: Mersin Marina is a vibrant area of the city that boasts a number of restaurants, bars, and shops. Visitors can take a stroll along the marina promenade, enjoy a meal with a view of the sea, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere.
3. Mersin Museum: This museum offers a fascinating look into the history of Mersin and its surrounding areas. The exhibits include a variety of artifacts and displays that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage.
4. Cleopatra's Gate: This ancient gate is believed to have been built during the Roman era and features intricate carvings and designs. It is one of the most well-preserved archeological sites in the city and is a must-see for history buffs.
5. Tarsus Waterfall: Located just outside the city, Tarsus waterfall is a stunning natural attraction that is popular with locals and tourists alike. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and is a great spot for nature lovers and hikers.
6. Mersin Zoo: The city's zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, and more. It is a fun and educational attraction that is great for families with children.
7. Ataturk Museum: This museum celebrates the life and legacy of Turkey's first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The exhibits include a variety of personal belongings, photographs, and documents related to Ataturk's life and career.
8. Mersin Grand Mosque: This impressive mosque is one of the largest in the city and features stunning architecture and intricate designs. Visitors can take a guided tour or simply admire the beauty of the structure from the outside.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Turkey, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Mersin.

When to go on holiday to Mersin

The best time to visit Mersin (Turkey) is from April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The summer months of July and August can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, making it uncomfortable for some travelers. Additionally, during the winter months of December to February, Mersin can experience heavy rainfall, so it may not be the best time to plan a trip. Overall, the best time to visit Mersin is during the spring and autumn seasons.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Mersin

Mersin is a city in the southern part of Turkey and it can be reached by various means of transportation: 1. By Air: Mersin has its own airport, Adana Şakirpaşa Airport, located approximately 75 km from the city. You can check for flights to this airport from major cities in Turkey and some major international cities.
2. By Bus: Mersin is well-connected to other cities in Turkey through a network of highways and bus services. You can easily find a bus from Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Adana, and other major cities.
3. By Train: Mersin has two train stations, Mersin Central Station and Yenice Train Station. There are regular trains from Istanbul, Ankara, and Adana.
4. By Car: If you prefer a road trip, you can drive to Mersin from other cities in Turkey. The E90 highway connects Mersin to major cities in the country.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Mersin.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Mersin, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Mersin

Sure, here are some typical foods of Mersin, Turkey with a short description for each of them: 1. Tantuni: A popular street food dish made of diced beef or lamb cooked with onions, tomatoes, parsley and a blend of spices served in a wrap.
2. İçli Köfte: A type of meatball made from a bulgur and ground meat mixture filled with onions, pine nuts and spices and fried.
3. Ciğer: A grill of lamb or chicken liver served with onions and parsley, and often eaten with bread.
4. Kumru: A sandwich made with a sesame bread, traditionally filled with sausage, cheese, tomato and pickles.
5. Oruk: A type of boiled dumpling made from a mixture of chickpea flour and spices filled with ground meat and served with garlic yogurt or tomato sauce.
6. Şalgam Suyu: A fermented drink made from turnips and seasoned with spices such as sumac and ginger.
7. Midye Dolma: Stuffed mussels typically filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, garlic and onions.
8. Piyaz: A salad made from white beans, onion, parsley, and sumac, sometimes served alongside kebab.
9. İskender Kebab: A Turkish classic dish consisting of thinly cut grilled meat, typically lamb or beef, served on cubed bread and topped with tomato sauce and melted butter.
10. Künefe: A sweet and cheesy dessert made from shredded phyllo dough, melted cheese and sweet syrup.
You can find general info about typical foods in Turkey here.

Is Mersin an expensive destination for tourists?

Mersin is generally considered an affordable destination for tourists compared to other cities in Turkey. Accommodation, food, and transportation costs are reasonable, and there are many free or low-cost activities to enjoy such as exploring ancient ruins, visiting historical sites, and relaxing on the beach. However, prices may vary depending on the season and your personal preferences. It's always a good idea to research and compare prices beforehand to plan your trip within your budget.

Where to find accomodation in Mersin

The best areas to find accommodation in Mersin are the city center, Mezitli, Yenişehir, and Akdeniz districts. These areas have plenty of hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments to choose from, and they are convenient for accessing many of the city's top attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. If you are looking for a beachfront stay, then the Yenişehir district has a great selection of hotels near the Mediterranean Sea.
You can check hotel prices at Mersin here:
Booking.com

Is Mersin a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Mersin is generally a safe place for tourists. However, as with any city, it's always important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to follow: 1. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your intuition.
2. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, jewelry, or other valuables.
3. Keep your passport, ID, and other important documents in a safe place.
4. Use licensed taxis or public transportation rather than unmarked taxis or hitchhiking.
5. Be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas, such as transport hubs and markets.
6. Respect local customs and dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites. By following these tips and exercising common sense, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip to Mersin, Turkey.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Turkey here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Mersin.

What type of travelers will enjoy Mersin the most?

Mersin, Turkey offers something for everyone, so it really depends on your interests. Couples looking for a romantic getaway, families seeking a relaxing vacation, and young people looking for some adventure and fun will all find something to enjoy in Mersin.
For couples, Mersin offers beautiful beaches, delicious local cuisine, historical sites, and stunning natural beauty. You can take a romantic stroll along the palm-lined promenade, explore the ancient city of Soli-Pompeipolis, or enjoy a sunset on the beach.
Families can also have a great time in Mersin. The city offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions for all ages. You can visit the Mersin Zoo and Botanical Garden, take a boat tour, or explore the Tarsus Waterfall. Mersin also has plenty of family-friendly restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Young people can enjoy a variety of activities in Mersin, ranging from water sports to nightlife. You can try windsurfing, kiteboarding, or parasailing on the beaches, or explore the bustling city center with its bars, nightclubs, and cafes. Mersin also hosts a variety of music festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
Overall, Mersin is a great destination for anyone looking for a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, and offers something for everyone!

How to get around Mersin

In Mersin, you can move around using various modes of transportation. These include buses, dolmuses (shared taxis), minibusses, taxis, and the metro system that runs through the city. Additionally, there are car rental and bike rental options available for tourists who want to explore the city on their own.

What to see around Mersin

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Mersin, Turkey: 1. Kizkalesi: A quaint seaside town with a castle in the sea and a beautiful beach.
2. Silifke: A historic town with a castle, ancient ruins, and natural beauty.
3. Adamkayalar: A group of rock formations with carvings from the Hittite period, located in the scenic Taurus Mountains.
4. Anemurium: An ancient Roman city with well-preserved mosaics and ruins, located near the town of Anamur.
5. Kanlidivane: An ancient Hellenistic city, located near the town of Erdemli, with ruins and a few well-preserved historic buildings.
6. Cennet-Cehennem (Heaven and Hell): A natural wonder with two valleys, one lush and green (Heaven) and the other dry and rocky (Hell), located near the town of Narlikuyu.
7. Akyarlar Beach: A beautiful, secluded beach located near Cape Akyarlar.
These are just some suggestions, but there are many other interesting places to explore in the region depending on your interests and preferences.
For every travel information about Turkey you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.