Things to Do in Mersin: Day Trips from Ulu Resort

Where the Taurus Mountains meet the sea, the Mersin coast brings together thousands of years of history and unique natural wonders. Ulu Resort Hotel's location on Yanışlı Bay makes it easy to explore many of these on day trips. Here are the places we recommend seeing during your holiday.

Gilindire (Aynalıgöl) Cave

Gilindire Cave, near Aydıncık, is just a 5-minute drive from our hotel. Discovered by chance by a shepherd in 1999, the cave is one of Turkey's most impressive, with its stalactites and stalagmites. The crystal-clear underground lake at its deepest point is called Aynalıgöl ("mirror lake") because it reflects the formations on the ceiling like a mirror.

Cennet and Cehennem Sinkholes

Cennet and Cehennem (Heaven and Hell), in Narlıkuyu near Silifke, are two giant sinkholes formed by groundwater dissolving the limestone. Steps lead down into the Cennet Sinkhole, at the bottom of which stands the 5th-century Church of the Virgin Mary. The Cehennem Sinkhole, which cannot be entered, is known in legend as the place where Zeus imprisoned the giant Typhon. The nearby Astım (Wishing) Cave can be visited on the same trip.

Kızkalesi

Kızkalesi in the Erdemli district is one of Mersin's symbols, with its castle built on a small islet in the middle of the sea. Opposite it, on the shore, stands Korykos Castle. With its sandy beach and shallow, clear sea, it is one of the region's best-loved beaches.

Uzuncaburç and Silifke Castle

The ancient city of Uzuncaburç (Diokaisareia), north of Silifke, is impressive for the surviving columns of the Temple of Zeus Olbios. Silifke Castle, on the hill overlooking Silifke, offers sweeping views over the town and the Göksu valley. Aya Tekla, near Silifke, was one of the important pilgrimage centres of the early Christian period.

Göksu Delta

Stretching between Silifke and Taşucu, the Göksu Delta is one of Turkey's important birdwatching areas. It is ideal for a peaceful nature walk and photography.

Anamur: Anemurium and Mamure Castle

To the west, in Anamur, about 1 hour from our hotel, the ruins of the seaside ancient city of Anemurium and Mamure Castle, one of the best-preserved castles on the Mediterranean, are well worth a visit. Our hotel's Anemuryum meeting room also takes its name from this ancient city.

Let us plan your trips together

For your day trips, our reception team will be happy to help with route and tour suggestions. We recommend checking the current opening hours of museums and archaeological sites before you go.