Mersin Tarsus Hotels

Located in Mersin province, Tarsus is a paradise waiting to be discovered for both history and nature lovers. With its deep-rooted history dating back thousands of years, Tarsus bears the traces of many civilizations. This city, the birthplace of Roman Emperor Augustus, impresses its visitors with its ancient ruins, mystical atmosphere and natural beauties. Historic Tarsus houses, old stone bridges, ancient temples and holy places are like an open-air museum. It also offers a peaceful route for nature lovers with its waterfalls, caves and lush green valleys. Tarsus is also an ideal destination for exploring the cuisine of the region and tasting local delicacies. Offering both history and nature tourism together, Tarsus harbors a different story in every corner and invites you to follow the traces of the past.

When and Why Should You Visit Tarsus?

The best times to visit Tarsus for a holiday are the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months. During these periods, the weather is mild, providing the ideal conditions for exploring the city’s historical and natural attractions. Spring offers the charm of nature awakening, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Autumn, with cooler temperatures, ensures a more peaceful holiday experience. Summer (June-August) can be challenging due to high temperatures and increased humidity, especially for those planning to spend long periods outdoors. However, activities like waterfall visits and nature walks are still possible. In winter (December-February), Tarsus enjoys mild weather, making it an attractive option for those wishing to escape harsh winter conditions.

Tarsus Weather by Season

Summer (June-August): Temperatures range from 30-35°C with high humidity, which can make the weather feel oppressive. While Tarsus lacks direct access to the sea, the focus is more on historical and cultural tours rather than beach activities. Outdoor activities like nature walks are still enjoyable.

Spring (March-May): Temperatures typically range between 15-25°C, making it one of the best times to explore the city. The revitalization of nature adds to the pleasure of discovering Tarsus’s historic sites, caves, and natural beauty like waterfalls.

Autumn (September-November): With temperatures ranging between 20-30°C, autumn offers mild weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for a quiet, leisurely holiday. The sea is still warm enough for swimming.

Winter (December-February): Winter temperatures range from 10-15°C, with little to no snowfall. This makes Tarsus an excellent winter getaway for those who want to explore historical sites without the winter chill of other regions.

Tarsus Seasonal Tourism Volume

Summer (June-August): Tarsus experiences high demand for accommodations, particularly in the surrounding areas. While beach tourism is not as prevalent due to the lack of direct access to the sea, cultural and historical tours become more popular.

Spring and Autumn (March-November): These are the least crowded yet most ideal times to visit. The climate is perfect for both nature and cultural tours, and there are fewer crowds, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a peaceful experience.

Winter (December-February): Tourism volumes are very low during winter. This is a great time for visitors who prefer a quieter experience, focusing on cultural and historical exploration, though some outdoor activities might be limited.

Things to Do in Tarsus

Visit Historical Sites: Tarsus is rich in historical landmarks, including:

St. Paul Church: One of Tarsus’s most significant religious sites, with great importance in Christianity.

Eshab-ı Kehf Cave: A site of great importance in religious tourism, believed to be where the Seven Sleepers of the Bible rested.

Tarsus Waterfall: A natural wonder offering a stunning visual experience, perfect for nature lovers.

Tarsus Roman Road: An ancient stone road, ideal for history enthusiasts to explore.

Outdoor Activities: There are many opportunities for nature lovers to engage in activities like hiking, camping, and walking through the beautiful landscape surrounding Tarsus, such as:

Cennet and Cehennem Sinkholes: Unique natural formations where visitors can enjoy hiking and nearby camping opportunities.

Tarsus Natural Park: A great spot for hiking amidst rich plant life.

Ayaş Beach: Ideal for swimming and relaxation with its clean waters and calm atmosphere.

Cycling Tours: Tarsus offers flat roads perfect for cycling, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery while on bike tours.

Local Market Shopping: Tarsus’s local markets are ideal for purchasing regional products, souvenirs, and handmade goods. The Tarsus Bazaar and the area around Tarsus Ulu Mosque are particularly great for shopping.

What are the Places to Visit and See in Tarsus?

St. Paul Church: This church, which is of great importance for the Christian world, is the place where St. Paul is believed to have been born. It is an important point of visit with its architectural structure and historical atmosphere.

Eshab-ı Kehf Cave: Known as the place where the seven sleepers slept in the Bible, the cave has both religious and historical meaning.

Tarsus Waterfall: This natural beauty, which is very close to the city center, is an ideal promenade for nature lovers. You can relax in the parks and cafes around it.

Cennet and Cehennem Obrukukları: A natural wonder, these sinkholes offer tremendous views. They offer visitors both a visual and adventurous experience.

Mamure Castle: Located in Anamur district, this castle is an impressive structure bearing traces of the Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk periods. It is worth visiting with its view and historical buildings.

Tarsus Roman Road and Ancient Cities: For those who want to see the traces of Tarsus from the Roman period, the Roman Road and the ancient ruins around it offer a great opportunity for discovery.

Ancient City of Soloi Pompeiopolis: Located near Tarsus, this ancient city draws attention with its ruins dating back to the 7th century BC. Here you can visit the ancient Roman theater and other buildings.

Tarsus Bazaar and Great Mosque: This bazaar, where you can buy local handmade products and local flavors, is an important point reflecting the historical atmosphere of Tarsus.

Ayas Beach: This beach near Tarsus attracts vacationers with its calmness and cleanliness.

Tarsus Shopping Tips, where to buy what?

Tarsus Bazaar: Located in the city center, this bazaar is a place where you can find many shops and stalls that both meet the daily needs of locals and attract tourists. Here you can buy local souvenirs, jewelry, handmade items, clothes and traditional products.
Cezerye One of the famous flavors of Tarsus. You can find fresh cezerye in many shops in the city.
Local Woven Products: Local carpets, rugs and hand-woven products are also very popular souvenirs in Tarsus.
Spices: The market of Tarsus is especially famous for its local spices and olive oils. You can buy spices such as olive oil, thyme and mint.
Around the Great Mosque of Tarsus: There are also small shops and stalls around the Great Mosque. Here you can find local handmade items, traditional textiles and souvenirs. There are also places where you can buy traditional flavors such as tantuni and hummus.
Ayas Bazaar If you want to get away from Tarsus, there are also markets and shops in the town of Ayas. Here you can buy organic products, fresh fruits and vegetables, local handmade olives and olive oils.

Walnut and Pistachio Desserts: Desserts with walnuts and pistachios, one of the local desserts of Tarsus, are among the delicacies that can be bought as a gift, especially before the journey. Flavors such as walnut baklava and candies are must-try products for visitors to the city.

Tarsus Entertainment Venue, Cafe and Bar Recommendations

Çınaraltı Cafe: Close to the city center, this place where you can have a pleasant coffee in the shade of historical plane trees offers a relaxing atmosphere. There are both local flavors and modern drinks here.

Görükle Park Cafe: An ideal place for those who want to spend time in touch with nature. You can take a walk in the green areas and enjoy the tea, coffee and desserts offered by the café.

Tarsus Restaurant recommendations, what to eat in which restaurant?

Famous Tarsus Tantuni: Tantuni is one of the most well-known and popular street food in Tarsus. Tantuni is made by slicing the meat thinly and cooking it in a pan and flavored with various spices. You should definitely taste this flavor at the local tantunici restaurants in Tarsus.

Tarsus Künefecisi: Dessert shops in the city offer traditional künefe and baklava. Walnut and pistachio desserts are among the unique tastes of the city.

Güllaç and Cezerye: You can try Güllaç, which is especially popular during Ramadan, and Cezerye, a dessert unique to Tarsus.

Ayaş Fish Restaurant: Located in Ayaş region, this fish restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood. Here you should taste fish varieties, appetizers and delicious dishes made with seafood.

Coastal Fish Restaurant: Located by the seaside, this place is a restaurant where you can eat fresh fish with a sea view.

Kazanci Kebab: Famous for its meat dishes and kebab varieties unique to Tarsus. You should definitely try the kebabs made with high quality meat and traditional cooking methods.

Ciğerci İsmail: One of the most famous liver places in Tarsus, known for its liver skewers and kebabs. The appetizers are also quite delicious.

History of Tarsus

Tarsus stands out as a city with a deep-rooted history that has hosted many civilizations throughout history. The first traces of settlement date back to the Neolithic Age. Since the 1st millennium BC, Tarsus has been under the rule of many great civilizations such as the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Tarsus is known as an important trade center and the capital of the Cilicia region during the Roman Empire. During this period, the city prospered and great structures were built. The city is also known as the birthplace of Saint Paul in particular. Saint Paul, one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity, is one of the symbols of Tarsus. During the Ottoman Empire, Tarsus was an important port and trade center. The city grew and prospered with the developing trade in the 19th century. The artifacts from this period are important parts of the historical texture of Tarsus. Today, Tarsus attracts attention with its historical ruins and cultural heritage. Ancient buildings, mosques, churches and madrasahs in the city bear the traces of this rich past.

What is Tarsus Famous for?

Tarsus Tantuni Tantuni, the most famous dish of Tarsus, is a street food made of finely chopped meat cooked with spices and wrapped in lavash. It is one of the must-taste flavors for those who visit the city.

Cezerye Cezerye, made from fresh carrots grown in the city, is one of the most famous desserts of Tarsus. Cezerye is flavored with walnuts and is a traditional dessert unique to the city.

Tarsus Waterfall Famous for its natural beauty, Tarsus Waterfall is a popular place to visit for nature lovers. You can have a picnic here and spend time in touch with nature.

Kızkalesi: Close to Tarsus, Kızkalesi is famous for its historical ruins and clear sea. It attracts attention both in terms of history and nature.

History of Tarsus: The buildings from the ancient Roman and Byzantine periods are indicative of the historical richness of Tarsus. Important buildings such as the Roman road, the ancient theater and the birth house of Saint Paul represent the historical heritage of the city.

Where to swim in Tarsus, beach recommendations

Soloi Pompeiopolis Beach: This beach, which is very close to Mersin, stands out with its calm atmosphere and wide sandy beach. The presence of ancient ruins around it makes it both a historical sightseeing point and a relaxation area.

Limonlu Beach: Located just outside Tarsus, this beach attracts attention with its natural beauty. With its clean sea and natural atmosphere, it is a perfect spot for those who want to swim and spend time in touch with nature.

Çamlıbel Beach: Frequently preferred by locals, this beach offers a calmer and more peaceful atmosphere. You can sunbathe on the beach and swim comfortably.

Walnut and Pistachio Desserts: Walnut and pistachio desserts, one of the local desserts of Tarsus, are one of the delicacies that can be bought as a gift especially before the journey. Flavors such as walnut baklava and candies are must-try products for visitors to the city.

Tarsus Entertainment Venue, Cafe and Bar Recommendations

Çınaraltı Cafe: Close to the city center, this place where you can have a pleasant coffee in the shade of historical plane trees offers a relaxing atmosphere. There are both local flavors and modern drinks here.

Görükle Park Cafe: An ideal place for those who want to spend time in touch with nature. You can take a walk in the green areas and enjoy the tea, coffee and desserts offered by the cafe.