Turkey Travel: Mersin - Pearl of the Mediterranean

Turkey is a popular destination for a traveler who loves to be in nature and experiencing city life at the same time. Normally when you search for places to visit in Turkey, the first thing that will come out from Google is either Istanbul or Cappadocia or Antalya. 

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Mersin not on top of the list and it is not a popular place to visit but this place has a lot of things to offer and it will be worth your time spending a few days in this beautiful place. 

There is no direct flight from Istanbul to Mersin but the closest airport is Adana going to Mersin. 

How to get to Adana from Istanbul

• By Flight

You have an option to book a flight with Turkish Airline or Pegasus Airline depending on the timetable that you prefer either from Ataturk Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The flight may take 1 hour and 30 minutes.  

• By Bus

If you have enough time to travel then this is a good option. This is also the cheapest way to get to Adana. Just make sure you are okay to be seated for more than 14 hours. 

• By Bus and Train

This option may take about 13hours. It's an hour shorter than taking a bus alone however, If you want to start your adventure by experiencing their local transport then this is the best option. 

How to get from Adana to Mersin 

• By Bus

Outside the airport, you can take the Havas bus which will normally take 2 hours. There is no need to book your seat in advance. 

• By Taxi 

This is a good option to get to Mersin however it is quite expensive but should you have the budget then you can get a taxi outside the airport. It may be difficult to get one if your flight will arrive at night.

• By Car

This is the most expensive option but the fastest way to get to Mersin. There is a lot of company that offers a different type of car depending on your needs. 

Whatever option you will choose, make sure that your phone is fully charged so you can listen to your favorite playlist or have a video call with one of your loved ones or simply enjoy the view and take a lot of photos since the ride will take roughly 2 hours.

So where is Mersin situated and why should I visit here? 

Mersin is a port city in Southern Turkey. It is an important hub of Turkey's economy, and Turkey's largest seaport is located in the city. Mersin's nickname within Turkey is 

"Pearl of the Mediterranean" (Turkish: Akdeniz'in İncisi) and the city hosted the 2013 Mediterranean Games. 

Mersin is the provincial capital of the eponymous Mersin Province of Turkey. 

It is near to Tarsus which is known as a Christian pilgrimage destination because this is the birthplace of Apostle Paul. 

St. Paul

It is also nearby Cleopatra's gate, one of the remaining ruins of the old Roman defensive walls.

Cleopatra's gate - Tarsus

One of the most popular places to visit in Mersin is known as Kizkalesi (Maiden's Castle). Kızkalesi is a Mediterranean coastal town. It is named after the ancient castle built on a small island just facing the town.

Kizkalesi - Mersin, Turkey

I am surprised as well that you can see an orange tree anywhere. Their oranges are sweet and if you like eating these fruit then you will never run out of it in Mersin. 

Here's the 5 Reasons why you should visit Turkey

If you love lemon then you will also love their dishes. It is quite cheap as well to buy this in the market and you will see them everywhere. 

Mersin will always have a special place in my heart. The people that I have met, the food that I have tasted and the lessons that I have learned throughout the trip is something that I will be grateful for.  

Here's the 5 Reasons why you should visit Turkey...