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About Hatay
Hatay stretches from the rugged Amanos Mountains in the north to the Syrian border in the south, with a Mediterranean coastline that includes Arsuz, Samandağ, and Çevlik. Antakya (ancient Antioch) sits on the Asi River (Orontes), surrounded by citrus groves. İskenderun, the province's largest city and main commercial port, lies to the north and was less affected by the 2023 earthquake. Visitors come for the Antakya Mosaic Museum (the world's largest collection of Roman mosaics), St. Pierre Church (one of the earliest Christian places of worship), Harbiye's ancient laurel groves and waterfalls, the long bazaar street of Uzun Çarşı, and Hatay cuisine—hummus, künefe, katmer, and muhammara—recognised by UNESCO as part of Turkey's intangible cultural heritage.
- Capital
- Antakya
- Largest city
- İskenderun
- Population
- 1,609,856
- Languages
- Turkish (official), Arabic (widely spoken)
- Currency
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (Turkey Time, no DST)
Explore Hatay by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Hatay
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
St. Pierre Church (Sen Piyer Kilisesi)
Titus and Vespasianus Tunnel (Seleucia Pieria)
Harbiye Waterfalls (Daphne)
Uzun Çarşı (Long Bazaar)
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Hatay Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Hatay, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Hatay
- Days 1-2Hatay city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Hatay
- Days 1-3Hatay comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Hatay, departure
Where to stay in Hatay
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ₺860–1,750/day (~$25–51)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ₺2,050–4,700/day (~$60–138)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ₺5,500–12,500/day (~$162–368)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Savon Hotel Antakya
Check rates on Booking.comRamada by Wyndham Hatay
Check rates on Booking.comArsuz Beach Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comLiwan Hotel Antakya
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Hatay
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası
Sultan Sofrası
Ahtapot Restaurant
Körfez Restaurant İskenderun
Dürümcü Emmi
Kasr-ı Nehroz
Getting around Hatay
Hatay is served by Hatay Airport (HTY) near Antakya, with domestic flights to Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir operated by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. Long-distance buses connect Antakya to major Turkish cities (Varan, Ulusoy, Metro). Within the province, dolmuş (shared minibuses) are the main local transport. İskenderun has ferry connections. Car rental is available at the airport.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY (Turkish Lira), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₺600–1,200/night (~$17–35) | ₺1,500–3,500/night (~$44–103) | ₺4,000–9,000/night (~$118–265) |
| Food (per day) | ₺150–300/day (~$4.40–8.80) | ₺300–600/day (~$8.80–17.65) | ₺700–1,500/day (~$20.60–44.10) |
| Transportation | ₺50–100/day (~$1.50–2.95) | ₺100–250/day (~$2.95–7.35) | ₺400–1,000/day (~$11.75–29.40) |
| Activities | ₺60–150/day (~$1.75–4.40) | ₺150–350/day (~$4.40–10.30) | ₺400–1,000/day (~$11.75–29.40) |
| Daily total | ₺860–1,750/day (~$25–51) | ₺2,050–4,700/day (~$60–138) | ₺5,500–12,500/day (~$162–368) |
Best time to visit Hatay
Spring (March–May) is ideal: mild temperatures 18–25°C (64–77°F), wildflowers in the Amanos Mountains, and quieter sites. Autumn (Sept–Nov) offers warm sea temperatures and the olive and pomegranate harvest season.
Essential travel tips
- The mosaic museum is the single must-see; book early as capacity is limited post-earthquake
- Hatay cuisine is distinct from mainstream Turkish food—try hummus (not the Greek variety), künefe, and katmer
- Arabic is widely spoken alongside Turkish in markets and older neighbourhoods
- The February 2023 earthquake affected many sites; verify current opening hours before visiting
- Hatay Airport (HTY) has car rental desks—renting a car is the best way to reach Harbiye, Samandağ, and Çevlik
Safety information
Avoid travel within 10 km of the Syrian border without official guidance
Central Antakya has earthquake-damaged buildings; do not enter visibly unsafe structures
Keep photocopies of passport; police checkpoints exist on some roads
Tap water in Antakya requires filtering; drink bottled water
Emergency number in Turkey: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Hatay?
The best time to visit Hatay is March–May and September–November.
What currency is used in Hatay?
The currency in Hatay is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Hatay?
The main language(s) spoken in Hatay: Turkish (official), Arabic (widely spoken). In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Hatay?
The top attractions in Hatay include Antakya Mosaic Museum, St. Pierre Church (Sen Piyer Kilisesi), Titus and Vespasianus Tunnel (Seleucia Pieria), Harbiye Waterfalls (Daphne), and Uzun Çarşı (Long Bazaar). Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.