Cilicia Travel Guide

This comprehensive travel guide for Cilicia, Turkey covers everything you need to know about the region, from top attractions to safety and health.


Introduction to Cilicia

Cilicia is a coastal region located in Mediterranean Turkey, in the Middle East, in Asia. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delightful cuisine. Cilicia was once an ancient kingdom and has a fascinating history spanning thousands of years. Today, it is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Cilicia

Here is a list of must-visit places in Cilicia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Mamure Castle
  2. Anavarza Ancient City
  3. Adana Archaeology Museum
  4. Cukurova Art Center
  5. Kozan Castle Museum

Natural Attractions of Cilicia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Akyatan Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary
  2. Cilicia Mountains
  3. Fugla Beach and Cove
  4. Tarsus Waterfall
  5. Mersin Marina

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cilicia

Cilicia offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including several hiking and biking routes. Some popular routes include:

  1. Cilicia Mountains Trekking Route
  2. Adana Cilicia Plains and Saimbeyli Forest Trekking Route
  3. Cukurova Trail Route
  4. Ankaya Plateau Biking Route

Best Things to Do in Cilicia: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking for activities to do or tours to take while in Cilicia, consider these options:

  1. Visit the ancient city of Anavarza
  2. Take a boat trip to Fugla Beach and Cove
  3. Attend a cultural event at Cukurova Art Center
  4. Take a birdwatching trip to Akyatan Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary
  5. Try traditional Turkish dishes at local restaurants

Week-Long Itinerary for Cilicia

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Cilicia:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Adana Archaeology Museum and Cilicia Art Center
Day 2 Take a boat trip to Fugla Beach and Cove
Day 3 Visit Anavarza Ancient City and Mamure Castle
Day 4 Go birdwatching at Akyatan Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 5 Hike the Cilicia Mountains Trekking Route
Day 6 Visit Tarsus Waterfall and Kozan Castle Museum
Day 7 Relax at Mersin Marina and try local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Cilicia

Cilicia has a unique and delicious cuisine that has been influenced by various cultures throughout history. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Adana Kebab
  2. Lahmacun
  3. Menemen
  4. Iskender Kebab
  5. Sarma

Local Beverages

  1. Turkish Tea
  2. Ayran
  3. Şalgam Suyu
  4. Boza
  5. Turkish Coffee

Where to Stay in Cilicia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cilicia offers various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Hilton Garden Inn Adana
  2. Mersin HiltonSA
  3. Cukurova Park Hotel
  4. Adana City Hotel
  5. Tas Konak

What to Buy in Cilicia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home from Cilicia, consider these options:

  1. Turkish Delight
  2. Baklava
  3. Handmade Carpets
  4. Olive Oil Soap
  5. Pomegranate Molasses

Local Culture and Customs of Cilicia

Cilicia has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations throughout history. The locals are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Some customs to be aware of include:

  • Taking off shoes before entering homes or mosques
  • Avoiding public displays of affection
  • Dressing modestly when visiting religious sites

Best Time to Visit Cilicia

The best time to visit Cilicia is between April and October when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. However, if you want to experience local festivals and cultural events, plan your visit around May or June.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cilicia

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Cilicia:

Do:

  • Try traditional Turkish dishes
  • Learn a few basic Turkish phrases
  • Be respectful of local customs and etiquette

Don’t:

  • Display public affection
  • Wear revealing clothing in religious sites
  • Litter or damage historical sites

Safety and Health

Safety in Cilicia

Cilicia is a safe region to visit, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions while traveling. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep your valuables and passport in a safe place.

Health in Cilicia

Make sure you have up-to-date vaccines before traveling to Cilicia. Hydration is crucial, so drink plenty of water and avoid tap water. It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent while hiking or visiting natural areas.

Getting to Cilicia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Cilicia is easily accessible by both air and land transportation.

Airports Near Cilicia

The nearest airports to Cilicia are Adana Şakirpaşa Airport and Hatay Airport.

Bus Stations Near Cilicia

Adana Bus Station and Mersin Bus Station provide frequent bus services to and from Cilicia.

Other Options

You can also reach Cilicia by train or car.

How to Get Around in Cilicia

Cilicia’s public transportation options include minibusses, buses, and taxis. Renting a car is also an option for exploring the region at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Cilicia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time, consider visiting these nearby destinations from Cilicia:

  • Gaziantep
  • Antakya
  • Göreme Cappadocia
  • Konya

Conclusion

Cilicia is a gem of a destination in Turkey, with a blend of natural beauty and rich culture. This comprehensive travel guide will enable you to explore and make the most of your visit to this wonderful region.