Mersin is a major Mediterranean port city and provincial capital on Turkey's southern coast, where ancient ruins, dramatic limestone gorges, sea castles and long sandy beaches stretch along the Cilician shore. The province spans from the industrial port to clifftop monasteries, Hellenistic temple cities and the birthplace of the Apostle Paul, making it one of the most historically layered destinations in Turkey.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Kızkalesi Beach & Boat to the Island Castle
Families can swim on the sandy beach and then take a 5-minute boat ride (₺30-40 return, ~$0.65-0.87) to explore Kızkalesi island castle — children aged 6+ find the towers and ramparts exciting
Cennet Gorge (Heaven Sinkhole)
The deep limestone gorge with its Byzantine chapel at the bottom is an adventurous walk for school-age children; the staircase descent is manageable but steep — hold younger children's hands
Tarsus Waterfall (Tarsus Şelalesi) Park
A landscaped park around the Tarsus waterfall with picnic areas, walking paths and a play area; the waterfall is most impressive in spring when snowmelt fills the river
Gilindire Cave Boat Tour
A 45-minute guided boat ride through a limestone cave with an underground lake — the illuminated stalactites and mirror-calm water enchant children; the constant 14°C brings welcome relief in summer
Mersin Aquapark (Lunapark Mersin)
Seasonal water park in Mezitli district with slides, wave pool and children's shallow pool; open June-September
Mersin Seafront Promenade Bike Ride
The 4 km flat seafront promenade is perfect for family cycling; bicycle hire is available from some waterfront shops (₺100-150/hour, ~$2.17-3.25 per bike)
Gözne Plateau Picnic
A 30 km mountain drive brings families to the cool walnut-shaded plateau at 1,100 m; village restaurants serve lamb dishes while children play in the orchards
Mersin Museum Interactive Exhibits
The Mersin city museum has child-friendly archaeological displays covering 8,000 years of Cilician history; free for under-18s
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Club Hotel Barbarossa Kızkalesi
Family resort with private beach, pool and children's playground directly at Kızkalesi
Mersin HiltonSA
5-star hotel with family rooms, pool and kids' menu at the city seafront
Anamur Ocean Resort
Beach resort with children's pool and long sandy beach ideal for families
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Turkish restaurants are very child-friendly; most offer grilled chicken (şiş tavuk) and köfte (meatballs) that children enjoy
Pide (Turkish flatbread pizza) is universally liked by children; a kaşarlı pide (cheese pide) costs ₺80-120 (~$1.73-2.60)
Ayran (cold yogurt drink) is a healthy alternative to cola for children; widely available and cheap (₺15-30, ~$0.33-0.65)
For babies and toddlers, supermarkets (Migros, BİM) stock Turkish-brand baby food, nappies and formula; pharmacies carry European brands at higher prices
Many Kızkalesi restaurants have outdoor seating with sea views where children can move around freely
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Carry a sun hat, rashguard and high-SPF sunscreen for children — UV is extreme June-August on the Cilician coast
Children under 18 enter virtually all museums and archaeological sites free with ID or EU/international child passport
Kızkalesi's beach is shallow and sandy near the shore — suitable for young children; deeper areas marked by buoys
Avoid the Cehennem (Hell) sinkhole with very young children; the unfenced rim is dangerously close to the edge
The Mersin-Adana train is the easiest travel with strollers; buses can be crowded and have limited luggage space