Top Tourist Places to Visit in Hatay, Turkey, Europe

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Hatay, Turkey, Europe

Hatay is one of the provinces of Turkey situated in the southern part of the country, spanning over an area of 5,403 sq. km. Lying on the Mediterranean coast, Hatay shares its borders with Adana and Osmaniye provinces towards the north and the country of Syria towards the south and east. Antakya is the capital, while İskenderun is the largest city of Hatay.

Mustafa Kemal University is the important educational centre of Hatay. Hatay is geographically positioned between 36°25′49″ N latitude and 36°10′27″ E longitude and features a Mediterranean climate with cool and rainy winters and hot and dry summers.

History of Hatay:

The archeological evidences found in Hatay claim that Bronze Age was first settled in the early Bronze Age. Empire’s rule began in the area with the Akkadian Empire, followed by the Amorite Kingdom, Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire. It was once a disputed region between Syria and Turkey.

Connectivity to Hatay:

There is a domestic airport, named Hatay Airport, situated about 25 km away from the state capital, Antakya and the airport receives flights from Ankara, Ercan, Jeddah, Riyadh, Nicosia, Izmir and Istanbul.

Adana Şakirpaşa Airport is the closest international airport to Hatay, situated around 190 km away from Antakya.

The railway connection of Hatay is limited, only connected from Iskenderun to Adana and Mersin.

Buses are widely used for local travel in the cities of Hatay.

Culture and Food in Hatay:

Along with the national language Turkish, natives of Hatay also speak Arabic with the influence of bordering countries. Mustafa Kemal University is the main cultural and learning centre of Hatay.

The cities of Antakya and Iskenderun in Hatay are famous for shopping, entertainment and to have a variety of traditional and international delicacies.

Things to do in Hatay:

City tours
Watching movies
Shopping

Tourist Attractions in Hatay:

Mosaic Museum:

The Antakya Archeological Museum or Mosaic Museum is one of the identities of Hatay, housing the 2^nd largest collection of Roman mosaics in the globe. It also houses a nice coin and artifact collection from the Iron and Bronze times. The museum is located in the Antakya city in Hatay.

Büyük Antakya Park:

Situated in the city of Antakya in the vicinity of Mosaic Museum, the Büyük Antakya Park is a famous open air tea house with different tastes of traditional teas. There is also an opportunity for sport activities for all age people.

Church of St. Peter:

The Church of St. Peter is considered as one of the oldest churches of Christianity in the world, located in Antakya in Hatay. It can be reached by walk from the Mosaic Museum which takes around 30 minutes. Entrance fee is 8 lira.

Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Complex:

Located in the city of Iskenderun in Hatay, the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Complex is a complex with different Ottoman era’s historical sites like Dervish lodge, a mosque, madrasa, and caravanserai.

Cathedral of the Annunciation:

The Cathedral of the Annunciation is a famous religious site located in the city of Iskenderun in Hatay, known for its splendid construction, eye-catching architecture and holiness. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia.

Other attractive places in an around Hatay include:

Harbiye Selalesi
Vakifli Village
Old City of Antakya
Habibi Neccar Mosque
Paul Orthodox Church
Titus- Vespasianus Tunnel
Hidirbey Musa Agaci
Prestige Cinema
Hain der Daphne
Bakras Castle
Sokullulu Kervansarayi
Antakya Konak Sinemalari
St Simeon Monastery
Iskenderun Site Cinema
Hidir Turbesi

Ideal time to visit Hatay:

The best time to visit Hatay is during the months between May and September while the weather remains pleasant and supportive for outdoor activities.

Where to stay in Hatay?

The hospitality industry of Hatay is concentrated in the cities of Antakya and Iskenderun with all sorts of hotels ranging from budget to star rated hotels. The famous tourist favor hotels in Antakya in Hatay are as follows: