Mersin

Mersin is a sprawling modern city built half a century ago. The city has a population of about 950,000 and is the capital of the province of İçel. Like so many other cities in Turkey, it has changed its official name, which is now also İçel, but apparently everybody is sticking with the old name Mersin.  The port of Mersin is Anatolia's main port and gateway to the Mediterranean, it is of particular importance to nearby Adana and its rich agricultural hinterland of the Çukurova.

Sights & Photos of Mersin

Mersin has a charming city centre along the pedestrianized Atatürk Caddesi, a broad boulevard along the waterfront and a large marina.

Travel Information & Travel Tips

Mersin is a pleasant stopping point along the Mediterranean coast close to Adana, Tarsus, and  Kızkalesi. We came to Mersin in 2004 and stayed two nights at the Hotel Gökhan at Soğuksu (Cold Water) Caddesi 20 (Tel. +90-(0)324/231 6256). We paid about 17 € for a large, actually huge, single with air-con and TV. Close to the hotel are some fish restaurants of which the Balıkçı Yaşar Fish Restaurant serves tasteful portions of small fish. The çiğ köfte sold by an elder man in the adjacent street proved to be not only safe but moreover extremely delicious. Also recommended is the Taşhan Antik Gallerya between Uray Caddesi and Ismet Inönü Caddesi, which is a popular collection of bars and cafes where you can sit outside.