HATAY

The city centre is 25 kilometres away from the airport, and can be reached easily by taxi or shuttle. There is a city bus system that will take you from one part of the city to another. Renting a car in Hatay is a good option for getting around.

Some of the hotels in Antakya are: Savon Hotel, Ottoman Palace, Narin Hotel, The Liwan Hotel, Anemon Antakya Hotel, Büyük Antakya Hotel, Orontes Hotel. You can stay Büyük Özcihan Otel in Harbiye; Ontur Hotel or Hataylı Hotel in Iskenderun; Club Casmin Hotel and Issos Hotel in Arsuz; Almina Hotel in Samandag.

Hatay Archaelogical Museum, The Church of Saint Peter, Old city of Antakya, Habib-i Neccar Mosque, Ulu Camii (the Grand Mosque), Payas Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Kulliyesi, St. Paul Orthodox Church, Old market district (Uzun Carsi), Harbiye (Daphne), Ruins of Isos (Epiphania), The Walls of Antakya, St. Simeon’s Monastery, Titus-Vespasianus Tunnel and the Necropolis, The Ruins of Seleucia Pieria (Çevlik), Vakifli Village, The Quarters of Bayazid Bastami are all must-sees.

Handcrafted artwork reflects the rich culture of Hatay, unique pieces can be found in coppersmith workshops. Daphne soap, genuine silk, pepper paste, and pomegranate syrup are some of the traditional products of this region. The beauty and quality of silk craft is also worth mentioning.

Harbiye is the most frequented picnic and entertainment area by the public, especially during spring and summer months. This area is also famous with its restaurants with capacities of 300 to 500 people. Museums and historical and religious relics are the center of the city’s culture. Also, the Mayıs Erzin Kültür ve Turizm Festivali (May 22-29), İskenderin Uluslararası Turizm ve Kültür Festivali (July 1-5), and Antakya Kültür-Turizm ve Sanat Festivali (July 19-23) are cultural events that are organized in the region.