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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Nazar boncuğu (evil-eye amulet)
Blue glass talisman; hand-made versions sold by artisans are worth paying more for than mass-produced plastic
Price: ₺10-200 (~$0.22-4.33) depending on size and quality
Where: Kızkalesi souvenir stalls or bazaar shops
Mersin citrus products
Mersin province produces Turkey's finest navel oranges, lemons and mandarins; fresh fruit in season or marmalade and citrus liqueur (portakal likörü)
Price: ₺30-120 (~$0.65-2.60) per jar or bottle
Where: Local markets and bazaars
Pastırma (cured beef)
Tarsus-style pastırma vacuum-packed for travel; rich, spiced and one of Turkey's great food souvenirs
Price: ₺200-400 (~$4.33-8.65) per 500g
Where: Tarsus Tarihi Çarşı or Mersin deli shops
Turkish tiles and ceramics
Iznik-style hand-painted ceramic tiles; look for plates with Kızkalesi motifs
Price: ₺100-500 (~$2.17-10.82)
Where: Kızkalesi souvenir shops and Mersin bazaar
Local honey (Taurus mountain honey)
Wildflower honey from Taurus mountain beekeepers; thyme and lavender varieties are exceptional
Price: ₺150-400 (~$3.25-8.65) per jar (500g)
Where: Silifke Tuesday market or Gözne village stalls
Nargileh (water pipe) accessories
Decorative nargileh mouthpieces and tobacco pouches make compact souvenirs
Price: ₺50-200 (~$1.08-4.33)
Where: Mersin bazaar and souvenir shops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mersin Kapalı Çarşı
Local spices, olive products, dried figs, tahini, sun-dried tomatoes, hand-crafted leather
Where: Central Mersin
Hours: Mon-Sat 08:00-19:00; Sunday some stalls open 09:00-14:00
Tarsus Tarihi Çarşı
Pastırma (cured beef), sucuk (spiced sausage), copper goods, tahini and local spices
Where: Tarsus old town, 27 km east of Mersin
Hours: Mon-Sat 07:00-18:00
Silifke Tuesday Pazar
Village honey, citrus, herbs, handmade jams and pekmez (grape molasses)
Where: Silifke town center
Hours: Tuesday only 07:00-14:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Mersin Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar)
The traditional covered market in central Mersin, with stalls selling spices, olives, dried fruits, local cheeses, leather goods and household items; open Mon-Sat 08:00-19:00
Best for: Spices, dried fruit, olives, local produce
Tarsus Tarihi Çarşı
The atmospheric old bazaar of Tarsus with traditional craftsmen, pastırma sellers, copper goods and textiles; set around the historic caravanserai
Best for: Pastırma, sucuk, copper goods, hand-woven textiles
Kızkalesi Souvenir Strip
A string of souvenir shops along the main beach road selling replica castle miniatures, evil-eye amulets, Turkish tiles and beach gear; prices are negotiable
Best for: Souvenirs, evil-eye amulets, beach essentials
Silifke Pazar (Tuesday Market)
Weekly open-air market with fresh produce, village honey, home-made pekmez (grape molasses) and hand-crafted goods; most vibrant early morning
Best for: Local honey, citrus, spices, village crafts
Mersin Park AVM
Large modern mall with Turkish and international brands, food court and cinema; useful for electronics, clothing and pharmacy items
Best for: Clothing, electronics, supermarket, pharmacy
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Mersin Park AVM
Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Forum Mersin
Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Haggling is expected in the Mersin Kapalı Çarşı and Tarsus bazaar; open negotiations at 50-60% of the asking price
Never haggle in supermarkets, pharmacies, malls or any shop with fixed price tags
Walking away slowly often prompts a better final offer
Always handle goods carefully; expressing interest without purchasing is fine
Buying multiple items from one stall often gets a discount — ask 'Hepsi için ne kadar?' (How much for all?)
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Items:
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- Shopkeeper tea
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- Shopkeepers often offer tea while you browse; accepting is fine and builds goodwill but creates no obligation to buy
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- Receipts
- Note
- Always get a receipt (fiş) for significant purchases; useful for VAT refund claims (see below) and returns
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- VAT refund
- Note
- Non-EU visitors spending ₺500+ (~$10.82) at participating 'Tax Free' shops can reclaim 18% VAT at Adana Airport on departure; ask for a 'Global Blue' form at purchase