About Mersin
Mersin, a vibrant Mediterranean province in southern Turkey, offers a captivating blend of ancient history, sun-drenched beaches, and modern urban energy. The provincial capital, also called Mersin, boasts Turkey's second-largest port and a lively waterfront promenade perfect for evening strolls. History enthusiasts will be enthralled by nearby treasures like the ancient city of Soli-Pompeiopolis with its colonnaded street, the stunning Roman mosaics at the Mersin Museum, and the fairy-tale castle of Kızkalesi (Maiden's Castle) sitting picturesquely on a small island just offshore. Venture inland to discover the breathtaking canyons and waterfalls of the Taurus Mountains, including the majestic Cennet ve Cehennem (Heaven and Hell) sinkholes. The region is also Turkey's citrus capital, with fragrant orange and lemon groves defining the landscape. Mersin's cuisine shines with specialties like tantuni (spicy meat wrap) and cezerye (carrot dessert), best enjoyed in the bustling bazaars. From relaxing on pristine beaches at Kızkalesi or Susanoğlu to exploring the archaeological wonder of Tarsus—the birthplace of Saint Paul—Mersin provides a less crowded but equally rewarding alternative to Turkey's more famous Mediterranean resorts.
Things to do in Mersin
Savoca Taormina Castelmola tour
From €175
5.0 (89)
Private Pasta Experience in Messina with a Local by Cesarine
From €145
5.0 (54)
Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour from Messina Port
From €159
5.0 (31)
Cook and Taste with a Local in Messina by Cesarine
From €75
5.0 (29)
Private Godfather and Taormina Tour with Luxury Van
From €179
5.0 (23)
Etna and Wine an experience between nature and aromas with taste.
From €159
5.0 (23)
Tour from Messina, Taormina and savoca taste cannoli and granita
From €149
5.0 (22)
Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina
From €190
5.0 (20)
Savoca Taormina: private cruise tours from Messina
From €160
5.0 (20)
Special Tour: Etna, Savoca and Taormina With Luxury Van
From €199
5.0 (19)
Taormina Isola bella : private cruise tours from Messina
From €145
5.0 (18)
Research Your Ancestors in Sicily from Cruise Terminal of Messina
From €1,000
5.0 (14)
Taormina Boat Tour : from Messina private cruise tours
From €185
5.0 (12)
Taormina Castelmola private tour
From €420
5.0 (11)
From Messina Savoca and Taormina tour
From €139
5.0 (9)Places to visit in Mersin
Nacar Evi
Nacar Evi, Atatürk Caddesi, 33010 Mersin, Turkey
Atlıhan Oteli
Atlıhan Oteli, İstiklal Caddesi 138, 33000 Mersin, Turkey
Karacaoğlan Heykeli
Karacaoğlan Heykeli, Kültür Parkı, 33170 Yenişehir, Turkey
Metros Hotel
Metros Hotel, Akdeniz Caddesi, 33020 Mersin, Turkey
Gondol Oteli
Gondol Oteli, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvarı, 33060 Mersin, Turkey
Mersin HiltonSA
Mersin HiltonSA, 1225 Sokak 1, 33110 Yenişehir, Turkey
Navona Oteli
Navona Hotel, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvarı, 33155 Yenişehir, Turkey
Park Yalçın Otel
Park Yalçın Otel, 5422. Sokak, 33060 Mersin, Turkey
Soli-Pompeiopolis Antik Kenti
Soli-Pompeiopolis Antik Kenti, Musa Efendi Sk., 33200 Mezitli, Turkey
Divan Otel
Divan Otel, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvarı 612, 33160 Yenişehir, Turkey
Park Dedeman Mersin Marina
Park Dedeman Mersin Marina, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvarı, 33155 Yenişehir, Turkey
Yoğurtçu Kadın
Yoğurtçu Kadın, Kuvayi Milliye Caddesi, 33070 Mersin, Turkey
Divan Otel
Divan Otel, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvarı, 33155 Yenişehir, Turkey
Uparthome
Uparthome, İstemihan Talay Caddesi, 33170 Yenişehir, Turkey
Noax Hotel
Noax Hotel, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvarı, 33050 Mersin, Turkey
Travel Tips for Mersin
Getting Around
Mersin has an extensive municipal bus system (MESKİ) and dolmuş (shared minibuses) following set routes. Taxis are plentiful and metered; ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi are available. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the province's scattered attractions like Tarsus, Kızkalesi, and the Taurus Mountains. The city center is walkable, and a bicycle-sharing system (Mersin Bisim) operates in central areas. For longer distances, intercity buses connect to other Turkish provinces.
Best Time To Visit
April to June and September to October are ideal, with pleasant temperatures (20-30°C), fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for exploring ancient sites and enjoying the coast. July and August are very hot (often above 35°C) but great for beach holidays, albeit crowded. The Mersin International Music Festival in October and various citrus harvest festivals in winter offer cultural highlights.
Local Customs
Dress modestly when visiting mosques or rural areas (cover shoulders and knees). Casual wear is acceptable in coastal resorts. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up taxi fares, leave 5-10% in restaurants if service charge isn't included. Hospitality is important; accept offers of tea (çay) as a sign of goodwill. Remove shoes when entering a Turkish home. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Bargaining is expected in bazaars.
Safety Information
Mersin is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions: be aware of pickpockets in crowded markets like the Mersin Bazaar and on public transport. Avoid poorly lit areas at night. Scams are rare but be cautious with unofficial taxi drivers—use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Political demonstrations should be avoided. Coastal areas and main tourist sites are safe. Road safety requires caution due to sometimes aggressive local driving styles.
Health Information
Mersin has modern public and private hospitals, including Mersin City Hospital and private facilities like Memorial and Medline. For minor issues, pharmacies (eczane) are widely available. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; opt for bottled water. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid). Summer brings intense heat and sun—stay hydrated and use high-SPF sunscreen. Medical tourism is growing, with many facilities offering services in English. Travel health insurance is strongly advised.
Languages Spoken
TurkishKurdishArabic
Quick Facts
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
₺
₺
Timezone
Europe/Istanbul +03:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+90
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
1.9 million
Area
15853 km²
Government
Provincial government under a governor (vali), with districts (ilçe) each having a district governor (kaymakam)
ISO Code
TR-32