Mersin, Turkey

Mersin is a large modern city and a busy port on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey and is the capital of the Mersin Province. It spreads out along the coast, with Turkey's second tallest skyscraper, huge hotels, an opera house, expensive real estate near the sea or up in the hills, and many other modern urban amenities.

The city centre is a maze of narrow streets and arcades of little shops and cafes, with young people buzzing around on scooters. Fish is abundant as well as most delicious in this region and in the Mersin fish market you will find inexpensive fish restaurants which are really enjoyable for those who love fish and "Raki" or wine. The old quarter near the fish market is where you will find the stalls selling tantuni and grilled liver sandwiches.

Although Mersin dates only from the 19th century, it occupies an extremely ancient site. At Mount Yumuktepe the excavations proved that there had been twelve successive settlements beginning from the Neolithic Period.

Things to See & Do

* Cleopatra Gate
* Eshab-ı Kehf Cavern
* Ulu Mosque and Makam-ı Şerif Mosque
* Old Mosque
* Tarsus Museum

General Information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - New Turkish Lira (YTL)
Language - Turkish
Population - 1,056,400 approx
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus two hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 90

Port Location - The port of Mersin is located in Mersin harbor in the bay of Mersin. There are rail links from the port.

Travel Links - Air transportation is available via Sakirpasa International Air Port of the City of Adana 66 km. from Mersin. The length of journey by coach is around 1 hr. and by car 45 min. on average.