The road from Mersin to Silifke closely follows the coast, passing pine forests and orange groves. On one side lie the ruins of cities, basilicas and tombs, on the other a series of small secluded coves with sandy beaches. Eleven km west of Mersin is a row of Corinthian columns that once lined the main street of Viranşehir (ancient Pompeiopolis and Soloi), founded in 700 BC by Rhodians. At Kanlidivane are the ruins of ancient Kanytelis, with tombs resembling small temples, churches and sarcophagi dating from Roman and Byzantine times. The city itself and the ruins are all on the sides of a deep chasm.

Kızkalesi, 50 km southwest of Mersin, is a lovely holiday resort and the ancient site of Korykos with fine sandy beaches, motels and camp sites. The 12th century Castle of Korykos on shore faces another fort, Kızkalesi (Maiden's Castle), that stands on a tiny island 200 meters offshore. Formerly a sea wall joined the two fortresses.

Just beyond Kizkalesi, on a bay lined with fish restaurants at the little fishing village of Narlikuyu, is a Roman mosaic called the Three Beauties. Farther on is a naturally formed cave known as Cennet (Heaven) 275 meters by 125 meters at the bottom of a valley, and a deep chasm called Cehennem (Hell). In the Vale of Heaven are the ruins of a temple converted into a Christian chapel in the fifth century. The ehasm called Hell is 50-75 m wide and 80-120 m deep. Nearby is the deep Narlikuyu Cave, full of stalagmites and stalactites and calcium carbonate. The humid air in the cave reportedly helps those who suffer from respiratory diseases.

Vale of Heaven

The Romans carved stairs going down into the cave.

The Mausoleum of the Fearless King (Mezgit Kalesi) is 12 km north of Susanoğlu Beach and 2.5 km east of Paslı Village. The mausoleum facade is 8 meters high, with Corinthian columns and a 1-meter-high relief of Priapos on the base. It is the largest mausoleum and dates from Roman times.

Slightly inland is Silifke (90 km from Mersin) spreading out at the foot of a hill. This piece of high ground crowned with a citadel was formerly the acropolis of ancient Cilician Seleucia.

View on Maiden Castle

In the town a Roman bridge dating to 77 or 78 AD crosses the ancient Calycadnos River. Today known as the Göksu. Ruins of a Roman temple and a 200 AD theater can also be seen. Atatürk once stayed in a local turn-of-the-century house that has now been converted into the Ethnography Museum. The Silifke Archaeology Museum, on the road to Taşucu, is filled with relics from all over the area. Also located in Silifke are the Aladdin Mosque and the Tevekkül Sultan Shrine. In the Göksu Delta, over 300 species of birds are protected.

In Demircili (the ancient Imbriogon), north of Silifke on the way to Uzuncaburg, there are well-preserved memorial tombs of the early Roman period.

The drive up the mountain road to the magnificent ancient site of Diocaesarea (Uzuncaburç) at 1200 meters is lined with ]arge tombs. The remains of the impressive Temple of Zeus Olbius from the Hellenistic period, the Temple of Tyche, the god of luck, a monumental arch, a theater built between 161-180 AD, a Byzantine church, and a tower are outstanding. Four kilometers to the east are the ruins of Olba (Ura) where the Roman aqueducts, theater, and fountain make a quick tour well worthwhile.

Continuing along the coastal road south from Silifke you come to 5th century Meryemlik (Ayatekla), a Roman necropolis with the tomb and church of St. Thecla, the first female martyr/saint.

Taşucu, with good accommodation for tourists, is a resort town with sandy beaches and a harbour. A regular sea bus and ferry boat service connects the town with Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Ovaclk, 44 km west of Taşucu, is a quiet spot well-known for its fisherman's whart and beach.

The Peninsula (ancient Cavaliere) of Ovacık is one of the natural highlights of Turkey, an ideal area for diving. If this sport interests you, visit Kösrelik Bay (Afrodisias) and Kösrelik Island.

Eighteen km southeast of Ovacık off the coast of Kösrelik Bay, you will find Roman ruins and beautiful mosaics. Off Aydıncık, to the west of Ovacik, the surrounding sailing waters are clearly marked, ensuring yacht safety along this breathtaking stretch of coast. The shore road that clings to the pine-clad mountain slopes, which plunge steeply down to the sea, offers spectacular views of cliffs, coves and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

Another 36 km to the west of Aydıncık, Bozyazi is a holiday center with clean and roomy camping sites along its wide beaches.

The fine, well-preserved Anamur Castle, set between two curving sandy beaches, commands a splendid view of the coastline. Originally built by the Crusaders in the Middle Age, it later served as an Ottoman stronghold. Sea, it is pertect for a climb to the top which overlooks one of the cleanest and most pristine seasides in Turkey.

Thirteen km from Bozyazi and a few km inland, the town of Anamur, is nestled in the mountains with banana plantations surrounding it. Just west of town on a beautiful beach are the ruins of ancient Anamorium with double ramparts, theater, odeon, bath and necropolis. Situated on terraces above the sea, it is perfect for a climb to the top wich overlooks on of the cleanest and most pristine seasides in Turkey.

back to table of content