Mersin is the second-best city in Turkey for student life, after Izmir. According to one theory, the city got its name from the myrtle trees that grow in the region. Mersin is a comfortable place to visit any time of year—the temperature rarely drops below 10°C. Boulevards lined with palm trees stretch along the entire coastline. In terms of atmosphere and landscape, the city resembles a Turkish Los Angeles.
Mersin, Turkey — A Coastal Student Hub with LA Vibes, Citrus Festivals & Ancient Ruins
In November, the Citrus Festival takes place here. Along the central promenade, the most whimsical figures are created from oranges, lemons, and pomelos: lighthouses, steam locomotives, animals, musical instruments, and more. The festival is opened by the “Parade of Cultures,” which features folk groups from over 20 countries. A caravan of citrus animal figures always leads the procession.
To the west along the coast, you can see the ruins of ancient Pompeiopolis (1st century BC). The old ruins are integrated into the city landscape not so much as a historical monument, but as an abandoned long-term construction site where local youth usually spend their time.
What to See?
Kızkalesi Castle — a defensive fortress with Byzantine roots. In the 12th century, it became part of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, whose representatives rebuilt the castle and erected a church in the inner courtyard.
In the western part of Mersin are the ruins of a Hittite fortress, which served as a border point in the 13th–12th centuries BC. Nearby is the single-minaret Eski Mosque (Cami Şerif Mahallesi, Sk. No:2) with a gable wooden roof, built in 1870.
Near Mersin is Tarsus — a city known as the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. There you can see an ancient well, the Ulu Mosque (Camii Nur District), built on the foundation of an Orthodox church, and the Makam-i Sharif mosque-mausoleum (Makam Meydani), where, according to legend, the prophet Daniel is buried. Cleopatra’s Gate is also located here — the place where, according to legend, Cleopatra and Mark Antony met.
How to Get There?
Mersin does not have its own airport, so the most convenient way is to fly to Adana (flights from Istanbul or Antalya), and from there a bus will take you to Mersin in about 40 minutes. We recommend checking ticket prices for transport before traveling, as they change frequently.
