Silifke Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Silifke, located in the mesmerizing Mersin region of Turkey, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. Nestled between the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Taurus Mountains, this picturesque town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality.

For nature enthusiasts, Silifke is a paradise. The town is blessed with pristine beaches, lapped by turquoise waters, where visitors can soak up the sun, swim, or simply relax with a book. The nearby Kızkalesi Beach, with its famous Maiden's Castle, is a must-visit spot that combines history with stunning coastal vistas. Additionally, Silifke is a gateway to the renowned Cennet and Cehennem (Heaven and Hell) Gorges, where visitors can embark on exhilarating hikes amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Silifke's history dates back thousands of years, and the town is dotted with significant archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into its glorious past. The ancient city of Olba is a fascinating archaeological site, featuring well-preserved ruins such as the Temple of Zeus Olbios. The nearby Kanlıdivane, an ancient Roman quarry, is another intriguing site, its colossal stone blocks serving as a testament to the skills of the ancient craftsmen.

Culture enthusiasts will find Silifke to be a treasure trove of architectural wonders. The iconic Silifke Castle, standing proudly atop a hill, is a magnificent fortress that has witnessed countless historical events. Its panoramic views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea are simply awe-inspiring. The Grand Mosque, with its intricate Ottoman architecture, and the historic Silifke Houses, adorned with traditional wooden balconies, add to the town's charm.

Food lovers will be delighted by Silifke's culinary offerings. The town is renowned for its delectable seafood, with numerous seaside restaurants serving the freshest catches of the day. Don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional dishes such as mücver (zucchini pancakes) and tantuni (thinly sliced beef wrapped in lavash bread) at local eateries, where the flavors of Silifke truly come alive.

Alternative names: Population: 119.3 thous.Elevation: 69 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°22'47"N, 33°55'60"E

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MersinTurkey

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Silifke Top Attractions

Silifke Attractions - What to See and Explore

Silifke offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Silifke Museum, Silifke Castle, Narlıkuyu, Aya Tekla Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum • Archaeological museum
Silifke Museum
Nestled in the picturesque city of Silifke, Turkey, the Silifke Museum stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region. This museum, though not as towering as some of its global counterparts, offers a deep dive into the ancient past of...
Forts and castles
Silifke Castle
Silifke Castle is a medieval castle in Turkey.
Museum • Neighbourhood
Narlıkuyu
Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum is a small museum in Narlıkuyu, Turkey that encompasses a Roman bath with a mosaic tile floor. The mosaic depicts the Three Graces.

Historical place • Church
Aya Tekla Church
Aya Tekla Church, also known as Aya Thecla or Aya Thekla, is a ruined historic church of the Byzantine period. It was a popular pilgrimage site, and still attracts visitors today.
Museum • History museum
Silifke Atatürk Museum
Silifke Atatürk Museum is a two-storey house in Silifke which hosted the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and his wife in 1925.
Temple
Temple of Jupiter
The Temple of Jupiter is a ruined Roman temple in Silifke, Turkey. It was built in the 2nd century, and presently one column still stands. Silifke is an ilçe in Mersin Province.
Archaeological site
Tekfur ambarı
Tekfur ambarı is a large cistern in Silifke ilçe district center of Mersin Province, Turkey. A part of the city of Silifke, it is situated to the west of city center and to the east of Silifke castle at 36°23′N 33°55′E. It was built during the early years of Byzantine Empire. The building material is face stone.
Bridge
Taşköprü
Silifke Bridge is a historical bridge in Mersin Province, Turkey.
36°27'18"N • 34°7'48"E
Sinan'S Beach
Island • Beach

Day trips

Silifke – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Silifke, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Corycus (Kızkalesi), Kızkalesi (Kızkalesi), Olba Ancient City.

13 milesNE
Archaeological site, Ancient Greek architecture
Corycus, Kızkalesi
Corycus was an ancient city in Cilicia Trachaea, Anatolia, located at the mouth of the valley called Şeytan deresi; the site is now occupied by the town of Kızkalesi, Mersin Province, Turkey.
13 milesNE
Forts and castles
Kızkalesi, Kızkalesi
Kızkalesi is an island castle situated on a small island in Mersin Province of Turkey.
14 milesN
Archaeological site, Historical place, Ruins
Olba Ancient City
Nestled in the serene landscape of southern Turkey, the Olba Ancient City is a historical gem that tells the tale of ancient civilizations. This archaeological site, located near the modern-day village of Uzuncaburç in Mersin Province, offers a unique glimpse into the...
11 milesNE
Archaeological site
Cennet and Cehennem
Cennet and Cehennem, often translated as "Heaven and Hell," are two large sinkholes located in the Mersin province of southern Turkey, which together form a remarkable and mysterious archaeological site. These natural wonders have been a source of fascination since...
5.3 miSW
Museum, Archaeological museum
Arslan Eyce Private Amphora Museum, Tasucu
Arslan Eyce Private Amphora Museum, also known as Taşucu Amphora Museum, is a maritime archaeology museum dedicated to amphora in Taşucu, southern Turkey. Taşucu, known as Holmi in the antiquity, at 36°19′03″N 33°52′40″E is a seaside town in Silifke İlçe of Mersin Province. Formerly, it was an important port.