Cilician Mountains Travel Guide
Discover the beauty and adventure in Cilician Mountains. Know the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, and more in this comprehensive travel guide.
- Cilician Mountains Travel Guide
- Introduction to Cilician Mountains
- List of Places to Visit in Cilician Mountains
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Cilician Mountains
- Best Things to Do in Cilician Mountains: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Cilician Mountains
- Food and Drink Scene of Cilician Mountains
- Where to Stay in Cilician Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Cilician Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Cilician Mountains
- Best Time to Visit Cilician Mountains
- Do’s and Don’ts of Cilician Mountains
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Cilician Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Cilician Mountains
- Where to Go Next from Cilician Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Cilician Mountains Travel Guide
Located in Mediterranean Turkey, the Cilician Mountains offer a perfect destination for adrenaline-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to experience the rich culture of Turkey. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the Cilician Mountains to help you plan your trip and make the most of it.
Introduction to Cilician Mountains
The Cilician Mountains is a beautiful mountain range located in the southern coast of Turkey. It is situated in the provinces of Mersin, Adana, and Osmaniye and covers an area of over 12,000 square kilometers. The range stretches from the Mediterranean coast to the northern Taurus Mountains, providing a breathtaking view of nature.
List of Places to Visit in Cilician Mountains
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
The Cilician Mountains are steeped in history and culture, and as such, there are several museums and historical sites worth exploring. Some of the must-visit attractions include:
- Mersin Museum
- Adana Archeology Museum
- Stone Bridge
- Mamure Castle
- Anavarza Ancient City
- Corycus Castle
Natural Attractions of Cilician Mountains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
The Cilician Mountains is a paradise for nature lovers, with plenty of options for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the natural attractions include:
- Goksu River
- Kizkalesi and its beach
- Sırçalı Kanyonu
- Astım Mağarası (Asthma Cave)
- Dumlu Dağı Milli Parkı (National Park)
Hiking/Biking Routes of Cilician Mountains
The Cilician Mountains provide plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking, with its vast range of forests, hills, and mountains. Some of the most popular trails are:
- Gelincik Tepesi (Mount Gelincik)
- Servi Yolu (Cypress Road)
- Belen Gorge Trail
- Sarp Suyu Vadisi (Sarp Water Valley)
- Gulek Bogazi (Gulek Throat) Route
Best Things to Do in Cilician Mountains: Activities and Tours
The Cilician Mountains have something for everyone. Whether you are a culture buff or an adrenaline junkie, you will find activities to suit your interests. Some of the best things to do in Cilician Mountains include:
- Visit historic sites and museums
- Go hiking or biking
- Go rafting on Goksu River
- Enjoy the beach at Kız Kalesi
- Explore the Astım Cave
Week-Long Itinerary for Cilician Mountains
Day 1: Explore the Adana Archeology Museum and historic Stone Bridge.
Day 2: Hike or bike along the Gelincik Tepesi Trail and enjoy the stunning views.
Day 3: Visit Mamure Castle and spend the day at Kizkalesi beach.
Day 4: Raft along the Goksu River and explore the Sırçalı Kanyonu.
Day 5: Visit Anavarza Ancient City and hike in the Belen Gorge Trail.
Day 6: Tour Corycus Castle and explore the Astım Cave.
Day 7: Relax and enjoy the scenic views of Dumlu Dağı Milli Parkı.
Food and Drink Scene of Cilician Mountains
Must-Try Dishes
Turkish cuisine is well-known around the world, and the Cilician Mountains offer a unique taste of Turkey. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Iskender Kebab
- Adana Kebab
- Çiğ köfte
- Şalgam Suyu
- Kanafeh
Local Beverages
When in Cilician Mountains, be sure to try out the local drinks, which include:
- Turkish Tea
- Turkish Coffee
- Ayran
- Şalgam Suyu
Where to Stay in Cilician Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of options for accommodation in the Cilician Mountains, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some of the best options include:
- Portakal Butik Otel (Portakal Boutique Hotel)
- Hotel Misty
- Zeynep Golden Hotel
- Copper Canyon Otel (Copper Canyon Hotel)
- Adana HiltonSA
What to Buy in Cilician Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
The Cilician Mountains offer plenty of options for souvenirs and local products. Some of the most popular items include:
- Turkish rugs and carpets
- Olive oil soap
- Turkish Delight
- Copperware
- Spices and herbs
Local Culture and Customs of Cilician Mountains
The people of the Cilician Mountains are warm and welcoming, with a rich culture and history. Some of the customs and traditions unique to the region include:
- Celebrating weddings with traditional dances and feasting
- Greetings with a kiss on either cheek
- Traditional clothing and embroidery
- Tea culture
Best Time to Visit Cilician Mountains
The best time to visit the Cilician Mountains is between April and October, as the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. However, if you are interested in skiing, the best time to visit is between January and March.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cilician Mountains
Do:
- Respect local customs and culture
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Try the local cuisine and drinks
- Carry cash as some places may not accept credit cards
Don’t:
- Drink tap water
- Wear shoes indoors
- Ignore the dress code in religious sites
- Take pictures of people without their permission
Safety and Health
Safety in Cilician Mountains
The Cilician Mountains are generally safe for tourists, but it is always recommended to take necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. Some safety tips include:
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Keep your valuables safe
- Be cautious when swimming in the sea or rivers
Health in Cilician Mountains
It is always recommended to seek medical advice before visiting the Cilician Mountains. Some health tips include:
- Drink bottled water
- Carry insect repellent and sunscreen
- Seek medical attention if you feel unwell
Getting to Cilician Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Cilician Mountains
The nearest major airport to the Cilician Mountains is Adana Şakirpaşa Airport, which is located in Adana City. From here, you can take a bus or taxi to your destination.
Bus Stations Near Cilician Mountains
There are several bus stations near the Cilician Mountains, including:
- Adana Bus Station
- Mersin Bus Station
- Osmaniye Bus Station
Other Options
You can also reach the Cilician Mountains by train or car, depending on your location.
How to Get Around in Cilician Mountains
The easiest way to get around in the Cilician Mountains is by car or taxi. However, if you do not have access to a car, you can also take a bus or hire a driver for the day.
Where to Go Next from Cilician Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
There are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions that you can visit after exploring the Cilician Mountains, including:
- Antalya
- Cappadocia
- Gaziantep
- Hatay
Conclusion
The Cilician Mountains offer a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination in Turkey. With this comprehensive guide, you are now well-equipped to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this stunning region of Turkey.
