Mediterranean Region and Nearby Places to Visit

The Mediterranean Region, located in the south of Turkey, is one of the most beautiful touristic regions with its rich history, unique cuisine and natural beauties. The Mediterranean region welcomes millions of local and foreign tourists every year and there are many important places to see. Among these places are ancient cities, natural beauties, historical buildings and flavor stops.  

Antalya

Located in southern Turkey, on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is a city that attracts attention with its natural beauties, historical richness and vibrant city life. Antalya, known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”, is a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists.

Ancient Cities

Perge

• One of the important cities of the Roman Empire, famous for its Roman ruins. It is a place that impresses its visitors with its ruins such as the ancient theater, stadium and agora.
   
• The world famous Aspendos Ancient Theater is one of the best preserved ancient theaters. The ancient city of Aspendos and its aqueducts are also worth seeing. In this theater, which attracts attention with its excellent acoustics and well-preserved structure, you can also participate in events organized during the summer months.KaleiçiKaleiçi is famous for its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses and ancient buildings. While walking in Kaleici, you can get in touch with history, explore the ancient city walls, stay in boutique hotels and spend time in local cafes.

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Duden Waterfall

Düden Waterfall, one of the natural beauties of Antalya, is located close to the city center. It is almost a dazzling natural wonder. From the parking area at the top of the waterfall, you can watch the waterfall fall and explore the cave under the water.

Termessos Ancient City

Located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, the ancient city of Termessos is a fascinating historical site with its natural beauties and well-preserved structures. Termessos is one of the important cities of the Pisidian region. It draws attention with its Hellenistic and Roman ruins. One of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.

Olympos and Yanartas

Olympos and Yanartaş are perfect for those who want to explore the natural and historical richness of Antalya. These two places full of legends offer visitors both adventure and peaceful moments. Olympos is known for its ancient ruins, beaches and unique atmosphere. Yanartas (Chimaera) is famous for its natural fires.

Where and What to Eat in Antalya?

1- Antalya-style piyaz differs from other piyaz with its tahini sauce. This flavor prepared with boiled beans, onions, tomatoes and boiled eggs is especially served with meatballs. You should definitely try the piyaz with tahini at Piyazcı Sami.
2-Special to Antalya, pumpkin dessert is served with walnuts and tahini. Pumpkin dessert, which is a light and delicious dessert, is especially preferred after dinner. One of the best places where pumpkin dessert is made is the famous Antalya Pumpkin Dessert Shop...

3-Yörük Kebab, which is a part of Yoruk culture, is made by marinating meat with various spices and skewering it. This kebab, cooked in the embers, almost cracks the palate with its flavor. 7 Mehmet, one of the most famous restaurants in Antalya, also makes Yörük Kebab perfectly.
4- Antalya cuisine also bears traces of Cretan cuisine. Cretan appetizers, seafood and olive oil dishes are especially famous. You should definitely visit Giritli Meyhanesi, a tavern where you can find the best examples of Cretan cuisine.
Where to stay in Antalya: https://www.kucukoteller.com.tr/antalya-otelleri

Mersin

Mersin shines as a city that promises both peace and excitement to its visitors with its coastline that meets the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean, streets that smell of history and unique flavors.

Silifke and Caves of Heaven and Hell

The Caves of Heaven and Hell, located in the Narlıkuyu town of Silifke, are famous for their natural beauty and mythological stories. These caves are natural structures formed in the form of deep cenotes. Cennet Cave is about 135 meters deep and is a large sinkhole. There is a 450-step staircase leading down to the cave and an underground river flows at the base of the cave. There is also a small church inside the cave. This church was built in the 5th century, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Cave of Hell is steeper and narrower than the Cave of Heaven. Therefore, it is not possible to go down into it.

Anamurium Ancient City

Anamurium Ancient City, one of Mersin's historical and cultural treasures, is located in Anamur district and offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors with its rich history. This ancient city, which attracts attention with its ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods, is located on the magnificent coast of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by natural beauties. Here you can see structures such as the ancient theater, baths and monumental gate.

Kizkalesi

Located in Erdemli district of Mersin, Kızkalesi is a historical castle built in the middle of the sea. Kızkalesi, a fairytale-like castle, welcomes its visitors with a unique view in the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This castle, which has been the subject of many legends and stories throughout history, also offers a mystical atmosphere to its visitors.

Tarsus

Tarsus is the birthplace of St. Paulus, known for his legendary personality. The house in the city where St. Paulus is believed to have been born is an important point for city tourism. This ancient city, which meets the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, bears the traces of many civilizations and hosts important historical monuments. Tarsus, mentioned in the Bible and the subject of legends, promises its visitors an unforgettable historical and cultural journey.

Where and What to Eat in Mersin?

1- Tantuni, one of the most famous flavors of Mersin, is made by blending finely chopped meat with spices and wrapping it in lavash. Depending on preference, it is wrapped in bread or lavash known as open bread. You can ask in advance whether open bread or lavash is used. You can have a delicious tantuni at Tantuni House.

2- Kerebic is one of the local desserts of Mersin and is frequently consumed especially during Ramadan. It is a dessert prepared by placing walnut, hazelnut or apricot paste between thin dough and usually served with sherbet. Kerebic has an important place among Mersin's street delicacies and you can find it in various patisseries and dessert shops. You can try the famous kerebic dessert at Şakir Usta Tatlıları or Haydar Usta.

3- Stuffed mussels, one of Mersin's seafood, are stuffed with rice and spices and make a delicious snack. Midyeci Ahmet Usta is a popular place to eat stuffed mussels in Mersin.
4- Topalak is one of the original flavors of Mersin and is usually preferred for breakfast. This flavor is similar to a kind of meatball prepared by kneading fine bulgur, then shaped by adding spices and served fried. It is usually served with local cheeses or salad.  Cezerye, one of the local desserts of Mersin, is prepared with a special mixture of walnuts and carrots. It can also be consumed as a candy. The first place that comes to mind when it comes to cezerye in Mersin is Büyükkaraman Cezerye.

5-Batırık is one of the local delicacies of Mersin and is especially preferred for breakfast. This flavor is a kind of meatball prepared by kneading fine bulgur, shaped by adding spices and then cooked and served. It is usually served with local cheese or olive oil. You can eat batırık at Kebapçı İbrahim Usta, one of Mersin's famous kebab shops.

6-Blue Crab is one of the leading seafood restaurants in Mersin. Blue crab is served in very few places. Mersin, Dalyan is one of them. It is served with a sauce consisting of chili pepper and lemon juice.

Where to stay in Mersin: https://www.kucukoteller.com.tr/mersin-otelleri

Alanya

With its turquoise beaches, castle walls carrying the breeze of history and caves reflecting the magic of nature, Alanya is a holiday paradise that makes you feel the warm embrace of the Mediterranean...

Alanya Castle

Alanya Castle, this impressive castle rising above the sea, is one of the symbols of Alanya. Bearing the traces of civilizations, this castle once had a bird's eye view of Alanya, which once had a strategic importance behind its walls. Now, while taking its visitors on a journey into the depths of history, it continues to fascinate with its unique Mediterranean view. The castle belongs to the Seljuk period and contains towers, cisterns and historical buildings. It is possible to see the city from a bird's eye view from the castle walls.

Dim Cave

Dim Cave, located in the east of Alanya, stands out with its natural beauties. The ponds and stalactite drops inside the cave are worth seeing. The coolness of the water inside the cave and the impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations of the cave fascinate visitors. Dim Cave is also surrounded by picnic areas, so visitors can spend a pleasant time here in touch with nature. For those seeking the mystery and coolness of nature, Dim Cave is a natural treasure waiting to be discovered.

Alanya Archaeology Museum

Red Tower

One of the symbols of Alanya is the Red Tower. The Red Tower, which stands out with its magnificent red bricks, was built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century to protect against attacks from the sea. The tower fascinates its visitors with its breathtaking sea view as well as the historical artifacts inside. For those who want to explore Alanya's historical and cultural heritage, the Red Tower offers the opportunity to travel back in time like a time machine. This tower, built to protect the city, is now used as a museum.

Where and What to Eat in Alanya?

1- If you want to enjoy seafood in Alanya, Keyf-i Meyhane is a good option. Fresh and delicious seafood is served in this place with a beautiful view by the sea.

2- Saray Lokantası, located at the foot of Alanya Castle, is at the forefront with delicious dishes of traditional Turkish cuisine. It is especially famous for its kebabs and appetizers.

3-Cikcik Restaurant in Alanya city center serves delicious dishes combining Turkish and international cuisine. It is an ideal option for both breakfast and dinner.

4-If you want to taste the famous kebabs of Alanya, you can stop by Sevki Baba Restaurant. Here you can find delicious kebabs and other Turkish dishes.

5- As the name suggests, Alanya Fish Restaurant is very good at seafood. It is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood and is the perfect place for those who want to eat fish in Alanya.

Where to stay in Alanya: https://www.kucukoteller.com.tr/alanya-otelleri
 

Finike

Finike is a corner of paradise on the shores of the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea, exhibiting the fascinating dance of history and nature.  It is known for its natural beauties, historical ruins and turquoise sea.

Arykanda Ancient City

Arykanda Ancient City is a fascinating place where you can breathe the mystical atmosphere of Lycia, where history and nature embrace. Located close to Finike, Arykanda is an ancient city belonging to the Lycian period. It is worth seeing with its acropolis, theater and temples.

Limyra Ancient City

Limyra Ancient City is one of the ancient riches of Lycia and fascinates history lovers with its deep-rooted history and magnificent ruins. Limyra, located east of Finike, has ruins from the Hellenistic period. Famous for its ancient theater and monumental tombs.

Finike Museum

Finike Museum is an important point of visit that shines like a jewel in the historical lands of Antalya and hosts a rich cultural heritage. It exhibits artifacts from archaeological excavations in the region. Lycian ruins, mosaics and sculptures can be seen in the museum.

Suluada

Suluada is a mysterious pearl of the Mediterranean, surrounded by azure waters, natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. On the island you can take nature walks, explore historical ruins and relax on clean beaches.

Gelidonya Lighthouse

Gelidonya Lighthouse, located west of Finike, is located on the Lycian Way. Gelidonya Lighthouse is a lighthouse that rises on the rocks that smell of history, embraces the waves of the Aegean and offers magnificent views. From here you can take nature walks and visit historical ruins accompanied by a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Where and What to Eat in Finike?

1- Şişci Salih, located in Finike district center, is one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the region. In the restaurant where dishes of Turkish cuisine are served, there are meat varieties cooked in barbecue. Among the prominent flavors are meatballs on skewers and piyaz with tahini.

2- Leblon Restaurant Cafe & Bistro, which serves right next to the harbor in the district center of Finike, is a place where you can choose for lunch and dinner. In the alcoholic restaurant, you can taste the wines produced in the region. The place offers a wide range of menu options with flavors from Turkish cuisine, especially Mediterranean.

3- Neşeli Balık Restaurant, serving in Finike district center, is among the businesses that offer the freshest seafood in the region. Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine prevails in the business, which has a wide range of seafood diversity. There are also vegetarian and vegan options. Among the prominent flavors are skewered fish with bacon. The place, where you can also choose options such as fish soup and steamed sea bass, serves alcohol-free.

Where to stay in Finike: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/Hotels-in-Finike