Mersin, Turkey - Travel

When you scan the horizon and take in the landscape of Mersin and its neighbouring city of Tarsus, imagining Mark Antony, a Roman general, waiting for Cleopatra, the Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt in 41 BC, and seeing her fleet  from the exact place you are standing at feels like a dream. Especially so when you realise how big of a mark these leaders and their union left on this province forever. Follow the footsteps of these mythical characters and discover Mersin’s famous landmarks, culture, gastronomy and gorgeous coastline that’s going to make you yearn to come back in the future.

Mersin is a city in southwestern Turkey (Türkiye) with approximately 1 million residents. The population of the metropolitan area is estimated to be almost 2 million, with an area of around 15,853 km2. The city has a blend of Mediterranean influences and Turkish traditions that creates interesting experiences for its visitors.

The annual Mersin International Music Festival is held here and attracts musicians from Spain, Italy, USA, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and other countries.

Mersin Tours

The resort is located between Antalya and Adana and is the 9th biggest province in the country. If you’re wondering about things to do in Mersin, here are some reasons why many people are still attracted to this place: ecotourism, water sports, locally held conventions, and archaeological findings. Moreover, religious people often visit the region, as Saint Paul, the Christian apostle, who spread the teachings of Jesus Christ, was born only 25 kilometres from here, in Tarsus.

Mersin tours fascinate visitors for their harmonious blend of Mediterranean seashore views and rich historical architecture. It is one of the key port cities of the region. Moreover, because of the year-long mild weather, there’s always something to do in Mersin.

The city’s landmarks, museums, food, and shopping opportunities create a unique experience for visitors. The mix of different influences makes the city a desirable travel destination for a growing number of people. The warmth of the climate and the harshness of the ruins make a wonderful experience for those who’re interested in coming here.

Best Time to Visit Mersin

With a location in the southern part of Turkey, the city is right on the Mediterranean coast of the country. Thus, weather in Mersin is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. It isn’t very different from the regional climate.

The characteristic climate and warm weather in Mersin influence tourist activities. Summers are optimal for visiting due to their predictable sunny sky. Winters are rainy, so much so that it causes major floods all over the province.

Still, the best time to visit is from June to October. When most of the tourists tend to flock to nearby resorts like Antalya, Mersin is comparatively less crowded. Moreover, it is cheaper than Istanbul in all regards and has the benefit of having the same climate as Antalya.

History of Mersin

Before learning about things to do in Mersin, Turkey, it is important to learn about the local history. This city is a part of the Çukurova region that consists of Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye, and Hatay. The name is derived from a plant, Myrsine, that grows in the area. An Ottoman traveller, Evliya Çelebi, also mentioned in his notes that the Mersinoğullari clan lived in the area.

We can date back the history of Mersin thousands of years. The city stands on an ancient settlement. It is thought to have been inhabited for at least 10 millennium BC. Archaeological samples even show evidence of the Neolithic (New Stone Age) period.

After many ancient civilisations, including Assyrians, Urartians, and Persians, who left their mark on this province, Mersin became a trade and culture centre of the region during the Hellenistic and Roman Eras. Since the division from the Roman Empire, the territory was controlled by the Byzantine Empire until the Arabs conquered it in the 7th century AD. From that point onwards, Mersin was ruled by Tulunids, Byzantines again, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, and other rulers. This region was conquered and dominated by several empires until the 16th century, when the territory was annexed by the Ottomans, making it a part of the imperial land.

Because of the rich history of Mersin, it has a characteristic blend of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish elements. One perfect example is the local cemetery, where people of all religions found their final resting place.

Once a small fishermen’s village, Mersin turned into a beautiful city due to the export of cotton during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Mersin Port is as important for its export capabilities as it was during the Industrial Revolution. The only difference is the variety of goods handled by the port.

What to Do in Mersin?

Landmarks and Attractions in Mersin

Many things to do in Mersin Province are away from the city centre. However, a big part of the history and culture is represented in the heart of Mersin. Visitors can visit two of the province’s most significant mosques - Mersin Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) and Muğdat Mosque (Muğdat Camii)—in close vicinity of each other. Those who have more time can also visit a handful of other mosques that are within walking distance.

Those who are interested in Christian architecture and wonder about what to do in Mersin will find St. Anthony Latin Catholic Church (Sent Antuan Latin Katolik Kilisesi or Aziz Antuan Katedrali) an interesting sight. A small portion of the local community still practices Christianity, so one can tour a few other significant churches in the vicinity—some of them are orthodox.

Mersin is abundant with ancient ruins and archaeological findings. Here, visitors can see the Yumuktepe Mound (Yümüktepe Höyüğü), the oldest known neolithic site of the region, and Soli Pompeiopolis (Soli Pompeiopolis Antik Kenti). The latter used to be a significant Roman port city with a theatre, bath, and necropolis.

Another Mersin sight worth visiting is the Castle of Gozne (Gözne Kalesi), a small structure with a view over the city’s uniform buildings with red roofs. Hiking and picnic lovers will particularly adore this place for the recreational infrastructure nearby. Additionally, Mersin Marina and Kushimoto Street (Kushimoto Sokağı) are also must-see tourist attractions.

A few noteworthy places to visit in the outskirts of the city include Gözlükule, a tumulus near Tarsus city, the Cleopatra’s Gate (Kleopatra Kapısı), St. Paul’s Church (Aziz Paul Kilisesi), St. Paul's Museum (Aziz Paul Anıt Müzesi), St. Paul’s Well (Tarsus St. Paul Kuyusu), Seven Sleeper’s Cave (Eshab-ı Kehf Mağarası), and Gülek Castle (Gülek Kalesi). These landmarks have historical and religious value and can be covered in under a day, as they’re all concentrated in one area.

Mersin Museums

Mersin museums all have their own je ne sais quoi, though there are not many of them in the city. The main museum here is the Mersin Archaeological Museum (Mersin Arkeoloji Müzesi). It was officially opened in 2017 and unites items and replicas found on local historical sites. Its predecessor was the Mersin Museum, which was established in 1978. Next to it is the Mersin Naval Museum (Mersin Deniz Müzesi) - the 4th maritime museum in the whole country. 3 halls, indoor and outdoor exhibitions depict the history and development of the Turkish Navy.

Atatürk has a huge significance in the country as its founding father. Unsurprisingly, you can view one of the 40 museums in Turkey dedicated to him in this city, adding to the things to do in Mersin. The Atatürk House Museum (Mersin Atatürk Evi Müzesi) has 22 personal belongings of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, specially brought here from Ankara. The house is situated on one of the busiest streets of Mersin and is accessible through public transport. Moreover, there is a parking space nearby that is more than enough to accommodate the museum’s guests.

For tourists who want a digital experience filled with colour, Loco Rooms is a perfect place to visit. This facility is known as a local Selfie Museum (alternatively, Instagram Museum). It is an art gallery-style museum with 33 installations that visitors may photograph. Whether you keep the photos private or share them, it is a fun place to take memorable photos.

Mersin Theatres

A highlight of the city’s cultural expression and one of the things to do in Mersin is viewing the Mersin State Opera and Ballet that is in the Mersin Culture Centre (Mersin Kültür Merkezi). Here you can see local and touring artists perform world-renowned pieces by Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Verdi, Mozart, and so many others. It is near the Mustafa Kemal Atatürk House Museum, which is hard to miss.

Another place for performing arts lovers is the Mezitli Municipal Amphitheatre (Mezitli Belediyesi Amfi Tiyatro). Cultural events, presentations, as well as local and regional festivals are often held here because of the location.

Other smaller venues, and these Mersin theatres, contribute significantly to the vibrant arts scene in the city.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Mersin

Entertainment here is diverse, with various Mersin public beaches and natural reserves, as well as antique and speciality shops, malls, and football stadiums.

Entertainment

Mersin has an abundance of water sources, so travellers should expect a plethora of waterfalls, ponds, and beaches. Tarsus Waterfall (Tarsus Şelalesi) and Santa Iras Waterfall (Sunturas (Çağlarca) Şelalesi) will take anyone’s breath away with their beautiful lagoons and greenery surrounding the areas. These natural attractions are perfect for recreation in Mersin, offering opportunities for picnicking, photography, and relaxation. Travellers can reach them in less than an hour by car, but public buses also operate in these directions.

Along the seashore, tourists can find a lot of Mersin public beaches, where they can take a break between tours and spend some time sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast. Some noteworthy beaches include Mersin Coast (Mersin Sahili), Soli Coast (Soli Sahili), Kizkalesi Public Beach (Kızkalesi Halk Plajı), Sultankoy Public Beach (Sultanköy Halk Plajı), Çeşmeli Coast (Çeşmeli sahil), and Mezitli Coast (Mezitli Sahili). The latter even has an Aquapark nearby.

Mersin Congress & Exhibition Center (Mersin Kongre Ve Sergi Sarayı) and Mersin Stadium (Mersin Stadyumu) are also interesting special places tourists can visit, adding to the variety of options for recreation in Mersin.

Parks of Mersin

Mediterranean Sea and Taurus Mountains create a gorgeous sight for Mersin’s visitors. Nature lovers will particularly appreciate some of the local parks of Mersin, like Atatürk Park (Atatürk Parkı), Mehmetçik Park (Mehmetçik Parkı), Mersin Nature Park (Mersin Tabiat Parkı), as well as Kuyuluk Nature Park (Kuyuluk Tabiat Parkı).

Nature Reserves usually require an entrance fee; however, it’s usually affordable, and they have the advantage of better infrastructure (bathrooms, benches, stoves, etc.) compared to freely accessible recreational zones. Those who like more rural areas and fishing will surely enjoy Cemilli Dam (Cemilli Barajı), where visitors can catch some fish and prepare them in a picnic-style setup.

Of the many things to do in Mersin, Macera Park & Paintball (Mersin Macera Vadisi ve Paintball parkı) offers a variety of fun activities to its visitors. Here you can try riding a zip-line, playing paintball, wall climbing, horseback riding, and other interactive games and pastimes.

It is worth noting that numerous campsites are strategically located at the seashore, close to the main highway, so that people can park their cars and set up tents there.

Shopping in Mersin

Mersin has a large selection of local shops that sell everything from clothing to mirrors and glass. A good starting point is the Mersin Forum AVM. Like other shopping malls, it has a wide assortment of shops, cafes, and convenience stores. Moreover, Forum is in the heart of the city, so visitors can access it via public transport. If that isn’t enough, Soli Center AVM is another mall visitors can add to the list of things to do in Mersin.

The stars of the shopping experience in Mersin are the little local shops around the city, making shopping in Mersin a truly unforgettable experience. You can find unique items at the antique shop behind the Mersin Hotel. Merchants in the vicinity of the Mersin Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) sell clothing, electronics, books, handbags, and many other items. It is worth noting that bargaining is essential in these shops if you want to get a good deal.

Food in Mersin

Turkish Cuisine

Mersin is filled with restaurants and cafes that offer Turkish cuisine as well as local delicacies like Mersin Tantuni (minced meat wrapped in lavash bread), Batırık Çorbası (cold soup), Sıkma (lavash bread filled with potato and cheese), Ciğer kebabı (liver kebab), Kısır (local salad), among others.

Traditional Turkish food is everywhere you go, but small local food stalls and restaurants sell the most authentic food. Additionally, because of the city’s location, seafood is cooked everywhere you go.

The top places that serve the best Turkish food in the city are Mersin Hatay, Roof 14 By Divan, and Borsa Tantuni. The visitors unanimously agree that dishes, prices, and service are the best here. The menus of these restaurants are available online, and these restaurants are accessible with a wheelchair.

Vegetarian Restaurants

Mersin has a few options for those who are looking for vegan and vegetarian restaurants in town. A lot of places are accommodating to their clients’ dietary restrictions. Most cafes and restaurants offer soups, fresh salads, and side dishes that are ideal for consumption for visitors who eat a mostly plant-based diet. Some dishes on the menu can even be modified to make them vegetarian-friendly.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

Coffee has always been a part of the Turkish culture. Therefore, you can get quality coffee in a lot of establishments in the city centre as part of things to do in Mersin. Many places have takeaway and drive-through options, which makes things easier if you have limited time. 

Aside from Western pastries and desserts, guests can indulge in Turkish desserts. Must-try sweets include Cezerye (a kind of Turkish Delight made of sweet carrots), Karsambaç or Kar Helvası (grated ice with honey or syrup poured over it), and Kerebiç (a meatball-shaped cookie filled with walnuts or pistachios and served on a foam).

City Transport in Mersin

Local road infrastructure is quite developed, with one of the country’s main state roads (D400) running through it, making the city transport in Mersin efficient and accessible.

Public Transport

Getting around with buses is very convenient in Mersin. They operate in the whole city and even take you to some of the tourist hot spots. The fare is affordable anyway, but public buses are free on national holidays. You can view routes, timetables, and other information on moovitapp.com and tr.easyway.info.

The city metro line construction, set to end in 2028, will allow Mersin locals and visitors to get around much quickly.

Taxis

Tourists who prefer a private experience have the option of ordering taxis. However, mobile applications make the experience much easier because they are available in several languages. Moreover, taxis are generally accessible around the clock.

Car Rental

Mersin has several car rental companies located in the city centre. Some are even open 24/7 and offer their clients services in different languages.

Demir Kesen Oto kiralama has the condition of the driver being above 25 years of age with at least 3 years of driving experience. On the other hand, AVS Filo requires drivers to be at least 21 years old with the driving licence being issued 2 years prior to renting the car. Travellers will usually be asked for a passport/ID and driving licence. Pickup locations are usually at the companies’ offices; however, some companies offer pickup at the nearest airport (Çukurova International Airport).

Other Modes of Transport

Those who are interested in a more eco-conscious and affordable means of transportation can rent a bicycle. Additionally, many tourist attractions are in close vicinity of the city centre and can easily be accessed on foot.

How to Get to Mersin?

There are a few methods travellers can use to get to Mersin. Among those, taking a flight is the most convenient and speedy option. Çukurova International Airport (COV) is only 70 kilometres from the city centre. Airlines operating in this airport include Turkish airline companies like SunEpxress, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, AJet, and others. This airport provides direct domestic flights, and flights to Cyprus and Germany.

Mersin railway station is a part of the regional line that connects neighbouring cities to each other. A nearby city, Adana, has one of the country’s main train lines. From there, travellers can take the Adana-Mersin train by buying tickets right at the station.

Ferries run by Akgünler Denizcilik shipping company depart from the Mersin Port several times a week in the direction of Cyprus.

Also, travelling by bus, taxi, and car are more expensive and longer options.

Languages Spoken in Mersin

Apart from Turkish, some of Mersin’s residents speak Kurdish and Arabic because of a large local diaspora. Additionally, other languages spoken in Mersin include English, as the younger generation tends to speak a little bit of it. Learning a few Turkish words will come in handy, anyway. A simple hello, goodbye, thank you, etc., will help visitors a lot. Private tour guides can speak English well, and they even have proficiency in other foreign languages.

Currency in Mersin

Mersin, just like other cities in Turkey, uses Turkish lira (TRY) as its main currency. It is highly recommended to exchange the money to avoid any unwanted delays and mishaps during your stay. Rural areas are less equipped with modern technology, and it’s harder to find ATMs the further you are from the heart of the city. Shopping centres are up to date with technological advancements, but it would still be a good idea to keep some cash on you.

Security in Mersin

People in Mersin are friendly and hospitable. Even if you don’t speak the same language, they will help with what they can. Visitors express how safe and protected they felt during their time in the city. To be on the safe side, it is advised not to leave personal belongings and documentation unattended in public places. Sticking to generally recommended precautions will ensure extra safety and security in Mersin. If you lose any important items, contact the police so that they can help you in a timely manner.