Mersin Turkey | Living Advantages, Mersin districts, and apartments in Mersin
Mersin is a major port city located on the southern coast of Turkey, situated on the eastern Mediterranean. Known for its strategic position and bustling harbor, Mersin serves as a key economic and cultural hub in the region.
The city's history is rich and diverse, shaped by various civilizations over millennia. The ancient settlement of Yumuktepe, within the city, dates back to the stone age, specifically the Neolithic period, highlighting early human habitation. Over the centuries, Mersin has been influenced by the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and was also shaped by the Ottoman Empire before the emergence of the modern Turkish Republic. This layered past is evident in the city's archaeological sites and cultural heritage.
Introduction to Mersin
We are absolutely delighted to share our deep expertise about Mersin — this magnificent, vibrant large city that serves as the provincial capital of Mersin Province, strategically positioned on Turkey's stunning southern Mediterranean coast. As seasoned experts who have spent years understanding every nuance of the Adana-Mersin Metropolitan Area, we can confidently tell you that Mersin stands as an extraordinary dynamic urban center, home to over 3.3 million people — making it genuinely one of the most significant and remarkable cities in this incredible region. What fills us with particular pride in our expertise is knowing that this city's major port represents the largest seaport in all of Turkey, positioning Mersin as an absolutely crucial gateway for international trade and a true driving force in Turkey's robust economy.
Our years of experience have taught us to appreciate how Mersin's breathtaking history stretches back to the 9th millennium BC, with the ancient settlement of Yumuktepe revealing the most fascinating layers of civilization — from the Hittites and Assyrians to the Persians, Greeks, and countless others who have called this place home. This incredibly rich tapestry of cultures has left what we consider an indelible mark on the city, creating what we genuinely believe to be a fascinating blend of the ancient and the modern — truly a magnificent jewel of the Mediterranean coast that we are honored to know so intimately.
Geography and Climate
Nestled with extraordinary grace on the western edge of the remarkably fertile Çukurova plain—a geographical treasure that has nurtured civilizations for millennia—Mersin holds an absolutely prime and genuinely enviable position that speaks to the heart of every traveler and resident who discovers its magic, positioned perfectly between the majestic, protective embrace of the Taurus Mountains rising dramatically to the north and the mesmerizing, crystal-clear waters of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea stretching endlessly to the south in all their azure glory. This truly unique and blessed geographical setting—a masterpiece of nature's careful planning—bestows upon the city a distinctive and remarkable microclimate that residents cherish deeply, characterized by delightfully hot, pleasantly humid summers that invite endless outdoor adventures and wonderfully mild, refreshingly wet winters that embody the very essence of the authentic Mediterranean experience that so many dream of but few are fortunate enough to truly live.
The city's exceptional climate represents nothing short of an absolute paradise for those souls who genuinely love sunshine and warmth, offering long, gloriously warm seasons that create the perfect conditions for the outdoor living that transforms everyday life into a continuous celebration of natural beauty and comfort.
While Mersin is thoughtfully considered to maintain a relatively low earthquake risk compared to other Turkish cities—a blessing that brings peace of mind to families and investors alike—its strategic proximity to geological fault lines and its stable alluvial soil foundation remain important and carefully monitored geographical factors that speak to the region's dynamic natural heritage. The harmonious combination of gentle, cooling sea breezes flowing lovingly from the south and the protective, sheltering presence of the magnificent mountains standing guard to the north creates an extraordinarily comfortable and balanced environment throughout the entire year, making Mersin not just a destination but a truly desirable and sought-after home for both devoted residents and discerning visitors who seek nothing less than the absolute best that the enchanting Turkish Mediterranean has to offer to those with the wisdom to choose excellence.
Mersin Turkey | Living Advantages, Mersin districts, and apartments in Mersin
Mersin - the most comprehensive and detailed review of the city.
Detailed information about the climate, location, history, population, infrastructure, education, the seaside and beaches in Mersin, kindergartens, schools, colleges, hospitals, and universities.
Let us tell you about the greatest parks and recreational areas in Mersin, where to do sports, which courses are worth taking, and where to have a great vacation.
Surely it will be useful for those who are considering buying a property in Mersin and don’t want to be wrong in choosing a region!
Mersin can be easily named a nugget not yet explored by most people, it just needs a short time to turn into gold and to stand on a par with such popular and already known regions such as Antalya or Alanya.
It is indeed a very up-and-coming region in which you can find excellent real estate properties close to the seaside, at an affordable cost. The large city spreading along the coastline features modern urban amenities, new building developments such as skyscrapers and hotels, and extensive infrastructure.
Mersin is a major district centrally located in the southeast of Turkey, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and is ranked as the 11th most populous region in Turkey. The city is part of the Çukurova cultural region, a significant geographical and cultural area in Turkey.
The history of the region goes back thousands of years - the first human settlements were found in an area called Yumuktepe, they were established more than six thousand years BC.
Mersin is one of the biggest port cities. With its mild climate, the resort period lasts from mid-April to mid-November.
Initially, Mersin as a resort city was known only by local inhabitants, but year by year it is becoming increasingly popular among foreign travelers and real estate buyers. Mersin attracts not only by its warm climate, marvelous clean sandy beaches, and rich cultural heritage but also by its quite pleasant low prices for real estate and life here, which is no less important. Many residential areas and modern buildings are located up in the hills, offering scenic views of the city and the Mediterranean.
Meanwhile, the planned opening of the Çukurova Airport at the end of 2022, only 42 kilometers from the city, will be another tremendous effort to develop international transport links, thereby increasing the number of tourists and residents here.
Nowadays, you can get to Mersin from Adana Airport, which is located seventy kilometers from Mersin proper.
So, what is so very special about this city, what benefits does it give to its visitors and the people who live here all the time?
One of the main benefits of the city is its Mediterranean climate.
Summers in Mersin is hot, and in winter temperatures are rarely below +10. It is often said when describing Mersin that the sun shines there 300 days per year. This is indeed true. The numerous warm days of sunshine give people and tourists wonderful weather and a prolonged swims season.
Mersin’s unique geographic position deserves a reference as well. The city is bounded by the waters of the Mediterranean Gulf of Mersin to the south and the Taurus Mountains to the north.
Mersin is one of the most seismically safe cities in Turkey. From the city, you can get to any region of the country by train or highway.
The seashore and beaches of Mersin. The seafront
In the heart of Mersin, there are few beaches for swimming. The closest beaches equipped with showers, cabins, and cafes are in the area of Soli and Çeşmeli.
But here is an excellent seafront for walking, one of the best seafront promenades in Turkey. Right on the promenade is the famous Marina - a yacht port area, recreation, and shopping zone, so loved by both locals and foreigners.
Most tourists and locals prefer the beaches in Erdemli and Silifke districts, namely Kızkalesi, Ayaş, Susanoğlu, Akyar, Yapraklı Koy and Narlıkuyu for swimming.
Narlıkuyu is one of several bays on the entire sea coast of Mersin. However, the water here is cool and fresh due to the underwater stream that is located here. During hot summer days swimming in the cool waters of Narlıkuyu is very pleasant and refreshing.
There are a lot of fish restaurants in Narlıkuyu that also attract tourists and locals. Although the famous beaches of Mersin are situated at some distance from the city center, there are ferry rides almost every day in the summertime.
City Centre Attractions
The city centre of Mersin represents what we believe to be one of the most remarkable blends of tradition and modernity you'll encounter anywhere along the Mediterranean coast, and we take genuine pride in sharing with our visitors the exceptional wealth of attractions that await discovery here. We invite you to experience firsthand the impressive landmarks that define our city's character, including the magnificent Mersin Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) and the truly striking Muğdat Mosque, both of which we consider perfect reflections of our city's extraordinary architectural diversity that has evolved over centuries. Our beloved old city centre unfolds as an enchanting maze of narrow streets and historic arcades, thoughtfully lined with charming small shops and genuinely cozy cafes where we ensure you can fully immerse yourself in the authentic local atmosphere that makes Mersin so special to us and to the thousands who visit each year.
Through the dedicated vision of our Metropolitan Municipality, we have successfully transformed what was once an ordinary seafront into a truly welcoming promenade that we're confident exceeds expectations, complete with carefully designed walkways, meticulously maintained lush parks, and elegant statues, all gracefully shaded by our iconic palm trees that have become a symbol of our Mediterranean paradise.
One of our most treasured highlights remains the Mersin Marina, which we've developed into a bustling hub that brilliantly serves as both a state-of-the-art marina and a sophisticated modern shopping center, proudly featuring over 40 carefully selected shops, exceptional restaurants, and diverse entertainment venues that cater to every taste and preference.
We're particularly proud that our city centre has earned its reputation for offering genuinely vibrant shopping opportunities that we believe are unmatched in the region, ranging from contemporary malls featuring international brands to traditional bazaar-style markets where you can discover authentic local treasures, making our city an absolutely favorite destination for both locals who trust our recommendations and tourists seeking an unforgettable taste of Mersin's unique and irreplaceable urban life.
Landmarks and Monuments
Mersin stands as an extraordinary testament to cultural richness and natural magnificence — a destination where diverse heritage unfolds through remarkable historical and natural landmarks that captivate every discerning traveler. Among its most treasured jewels lies the ancient ruined city of Soli/Pompeiiopolis, gracefully positioned in the western suburb of Viranşehir near the sparkling sea — this archaeological masterpiece offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the city's illustrious past as a flourishing port during the mighty Roman Empire, where history comes alive with every weathered stone.
In the enchanting rural district of Silifke, travelers discover the breathtaking Chasms of Heaven and Hell — two magnificent natural sinkholes steeped in ancient mythology and timeless wonder, with the Heaven sinkhole tenderly sheltering a small monastery and both sites woven into captivating legends of Zeus that transport visitors to realms of divine storytelling. Mersin Province proudly houses several exceptional museums — including the distinguished Mersin Archaeological Museum, the revered Atatürk Museum, and the impressive Naval Museum — each meticulously preserving and beautifully presenting the city's profound history and remarkable cultural achievements with dedication and expertise. These extraordinary landmarks establish Mersin as an absolutely essential destination for passionate history enthusiasts and curious travelers who seek authentic experiences and genuine cultural enrichment.
Parks and Recreation
Mersin presents an extraordinary abundance of parks and recreational spaces that masterfully capitalize on its breathtaking Mediterranean Sea panoramas and luxuriously verdant surroundings, offering experiences that truly exceed expectations. Atatürk Park, rightfully recognized as one of the city's most treasured and beloved green sanctuaries, provides an incomparably peaceful retreat where visitors are treated to sweeping panoramic vistas that encompass both the stunning azure expanse of the sea and the majestic, imposing peaks of the Taurus Mountains — a combination that creates truly unforgettable moments of tranquility and natural beauty. The carefully curated selection of other distinguished parks, including the exceptionally well-maintained Mehmetçik Park and the thoughtfully designed Mersin Nature Park, have been expertly developed to serve as perfect venues for enriching family outings, delightful picnics, and a comprehensive range of outdoor activities that cater to diverse interests and age groups.
The prestigious Mersin Marina stands as far more than merely a center for shopping and dining — it represents a sophisticated destination and a genuinely favorite gathering spot where locals and visitors alike can enjoy leisurely, contemplative strolls along the elegantly appointed waterfront, creating lasting memories while soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Kushimoto Street significantly enhances the city's distinctive charm and character through its wonderfully vibrant, energetic atmosphere and its impressive, carefully selected array of shops and inviting cafes that reflect the authentic spirit of coastal Turkish hospitality. Thanks to its exceptional coastal location and consistently mild, Mediterranean climate that provides ideal conditions year-round, Mersin emerges as an absolutely perfect destination for an extensive variety of water sports, rejuvenating beach activities, and exploratory adventures to nearby natural wonders such as the spectacular Tarsus Waterfall and the enchanting Santa Iras Waterfall, each offering unique opportunities for connection with nature's most beautiful expressions.
Whether you find yourself seeking profound relaxation and peaceful rejuvenation or thrilling adventure and active exploration, Mersin's expertly developed parks and thoughtfully planned recreational areas genuinely offer something exceptional and memorable for absolutely everyone, ensuring that every visitor discovers their own perfect way to experience this remarkable Mediterranean destination.
Transport accessibility
Mersin is well connected to other regions through major highways, railways, and its port, making it an accessible hub for regional and international trade and travel.
Not far from Mersin, the construction of the Çukurova International Airport, the nearest airport to the city, is still in progress.
The Çukurova International Airport is still under construction near Mersin. The first phase is planned to welcome passengers by the end of 2022.
Currently, Mersin can be reached from Adana Airport, located 70 km from Mersin proper.
To get from Adana to Mersin, tourists and locals use Havaş, the most comfortable and fastest intercity bus which will transport you to any location in Mersin directly from the airport.
At the moment, the transfer from Adana to Mersin will take about 2 hours, much faster than the trip from Antalya to Alanya, for example. On the way from Adana to Mersin, the bus stops at Tarsus.
By car, you can reach Mersin via the Highway in approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
As soon as Mersin's new airport will be open, the trip from the airport to the city proper will only take 30-40 minutes.
Let us remind you that Mersin is Turkey's major harbor, which hosts ships from hundreds of international ports, and therefore the City is open for business and commerce.
Several times per week there are ferries from Mersin to Northern Cyprus. Everyone who wants to visit the Northern part of Cyprus can use this wonderful opportunity.
The internal public transport infrastructure is also very convenient.
Small ‘dolmush’ buses are available to get from Mersin to any area of beach along the seashore. All services are operated in accordance with a regular timetable and a single system of payment by Mersin Card or bank cards is in use everywhere.
It is also necessary to mention the presence of a new bus station in the city. From here you can get to any city in Turkey. The bus station is full of small souvenir stores and various cafes.
Speaking about public transport in Mersin, we should also mention high-speed intercity trains, which can be simply used to get to nearby cities. The southern railroad is a key part of Mersin's transport infrastructure, supporting both passenger and freight connections.
Cost of living and organic year-round goods
First of all, it should be emphasized that Mersin is the leader in terms of Turkish exports of fruits and vegetables, and this explains the affordable prices and quality of products.
Even within the city borders you can see citrus trees and observe the blossoming of lemons, oranges, and tangerines.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are available in the city markets all year round at a lower price than in Alanya, Antalya, or Istanbul, for example.
The cost of services such as maintenance, hairdressers, car rentals, etc., is still much lower than the European average.
The cuisine and restaurants in Mersin are known traditionally far beyond its borders. The average bill for a meal in a local restaurant will be several times lower than the bill in Istanbul or Antalya.
So, living in this city is not only comfortable but also inexpensive!
Privacy of life, family and children
Speaking about the safety of Mersin, we should again emphasize the fact - this city is located in the zone of lowest seismicity. Among the population of Turkey, Mersin is considered one of the safest cities in Turkey in this matter.
The locals are friendly and hospitable, so in Mersin, you can feel safe and feel free to enjoy the streets and promenade of the city at any time!
Do not forget that Turkish people are responsive, and it means that you will always be welcome and will never abandon in trouble! Foreigners who live in Mersin have traditionally honored its traditions and culture.
Education
Families with children can safely move to Mersin as there are many free public schools where foreign children can study as well as a large number of high-level private schools that offer the best education for everyone.
There are private schools in Mersin as well, where education is partly in English.
A big plus in the field of education in Mersin is also the presence of a large public university and a campus called Mersin Üniversitesi, where you can educate your child very well!
There are 17 faculties with more than 40,000 students, and more than 2,200 of them are international students.
Education there is both in Turkish and in English.
By the way, foreigners can also enter this university and study almost for free under a special program by passing an exam called YÖS. This exam does not require a high knowledge of the Turkish language, and this is also a definite plus.
Another state university, called Tarsus Üniversitesi is located near Mersin in the municipality of Tarsus. In addition to the state university, there is a private university in Mersin called Toros Üniversitesi.
Another private university, called Çağ Üniversitesi, is located between Tarsus and Adana.
Mersin also has a lot of top-level kindergartens, both public and private.
A plus will be available "developmental" for preschool children in English.
Medicine in Mersin
Mersin has many large state and private hospitals, clinical centers and private clinics.
Most recently, in 2017, Mersin has finished the construction of a high-level state hospital with the most modern equipment, called Şehir Hastanesi, a very comfortable and highly professional hospital.
There are several other state hospitals in Mersin as well, such as Mersin Devlet Hastanesi, Mersin Toros Devlet Hastanesi, Mersin Üniversitesi Sağlık Araştırma Ve Uygulama Hastanesi University Hospital, and Erdemli Erdemli Devlet Hastanesi State Hospital.
Apart from state hospitals, Mersin has many high-level private hospitals such as Medical Park, City Hospital, Özel Mersin Yenişehir Hastanesi and others.
Having a residence permit in Turkey, you can get state insurance called SGK and by using it, you can get free treatment in state hospitals. The same insurance will give you the same privileges to the best private hospitals with a significant discount.
Culture and Entertainment
Mersin is a big city with a rich environmental and cultural heritage.
As this city is famous for its citrus fruits of the highest quality, every year in November Mersin hosts the “citrus festival” (Narenciye Festival).
It is a fascinating show that can only be seen in Mersin. This festival generally lasts for several days.
For fans of classical music, the city has the state opera and ballet theater, ranked as the fourth largest in the country.
There are many museums and art galleries in Mersin.
History admirers can visit the archaeological museum, and those who are interested in military machinery can visit the Navy Museum. Museums are available for visits all year round. A travel guide can help visitors explore Mersin's history and attractions, providing useful information about these museums and other cultural sites.
Living in comfort and simple adaptation
Mersin and areas near it have natural gas and central heating, thus allowing you to keep your home warm in winter.
Although temperatures in winter are not below +10, on rainy non-sunny days the house becomes quite cool, so for your convenience and comfort, it is recommended to have central heating.
Thinking about moving to another country or about buying a property abroad one of the important questions our clients ask us is: will we be able to find friends, as we do not know the language, will we feel lonely?
A large number of nationals live in Mersin, so you will not be lonely.
Also, English-speaking residents of Mersin often organize meetings, and celebrations of significant events - New Year, Easter, etc. in beloved cozy restaurants or cafes.
If you suddenly get bored of the usual foods or meals, there are stores in Mersin that sell groceries and food for us.
Walking along the promenade, do not be surprised if you hear a familiar speech, as someone is already enjoying sunny Mersin!
This means you will never feel lonely and you will always have the opportunity to make new friends in a country you are still unfamiliar with.
The Shops and Shopping
Let's get to the pleasurable subject of shopping. Yes, indeed, everyone loves to do shopping!
Mersin has many big modern malls with many stores, cafes, cinemas, and a game area for children - in general, in these malls, you can find everything to suit all tastes. The largest shopping centers in Mersin are Forum Mersin Mall, Sayapark AVM, Soli Center AVM, and others.
The Marina, located in the center of Mersin, is also a hotspot for lovers of shopping and having a great time.
Sports
The Religion
Restaurants and Cafes
Districts of Mersin
Real estate in Mersin
