Mersin
A great Mediterranean port with Tarsus next door: St Paul, tantuni and a seafront promenade.
About Mersin
Mersin is the great port of the Turkish Mediterranean: a modern city with an endless seafront promenade, a fish market and tantuni street food. Half an hour away lies Tarsus, the birthplace of St Paul, with his well, Cleopatra's Gate and Roman streets below today's street level.
As a stop on a food route, Mersin brings the sea to the table: the catch of the day, citrus fruit and cezerye, the carrot sweet that ends up in every suitcase.
What to See in Mersin
Tarsus
The birthplace of St Paul: his well, Cleopatra's Gate and an excavated stretch of Roman road, 30 minutes from Mersin.
Read more about TarsusFish market
The city fish market where you choose your fish and eat it right there, fried or grilled, with salad and bread.
Soli Pompeiopolis
A Roman colonnade by the sea, restored after centuries of earthquakes: a reminder of the city's past as a port.
Must-See Places
Food in Mersin
Tantuni (finely chopped beef in flatbread, cooked on a steel griddle), fish from the market and cezerye made with carrot and walnuts. Mersin eats fast, full of flavour and by the sea.
Practical Tips
- Classic tantuni is eaten standing up, with ayran: ordering it 'dürüm' (as a wrap) is the most practical.
- Tarsus is best visited first thing in the morning, before the heat.
- The seafront promenade is perfect for a walk after dinner.
Getting There
Mersin is 1 hour from Adana by motorway, with Tarsus halfway between the two. The most convenient airport is the one serving Adana.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mersin
How many days do I need to visit Mersin?
I recommend spending at least 1 day in Mersin so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Mersin?
The best time to visit Mersin is March to June, September to November. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Mersin with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Mersin. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Mersin from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Mersin in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Mersin combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Mersin with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
Read More about Mersin
Guides, tips and stories to help you plan your visit.
Tarsus: St Paul's City, Cleopatra's Gate and What to See
The city where St Paul was born, and where Cleopatra sailed in to meet Mark Antony, can be seen in half a day: a well, a
Mersin: The Castle in the Sea, Tarsus and St Paul's Cilicia
Mersin is the great port of the eastern Mediterranean, with a castle on an island, Tarsus, where St Paul was born, and a
Other Destinations in Türkiye
Discover more fascinating places to visit in Türkiye with an English-speaking guide.