Best Places to Visit in Adana

The history of our city of Adana, located on the Mediterranean coast in the south of Türkiye, is quite ancient. Dating back to around 6000 BC, Adana has been home to many civilizations including the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, leaving traces of these cultures behind. Therefore, it's one of the most significant points in our country, both historically and culturally. Adana also captivates visitors with its natural beauty, including parks, rivers, canyons, and waterfalls, drawing the interest of both domestic and foreign tourists. For those planning to visit Adana, we've put together a brief guide of must-see places. Here are the spots you shouldn't miss in Adana:

Stone Bridge

The Stone Bridge, which is also seen as a symbol of Adana, spans the Seyhan River. Its construction dates back to the 4th century, attributed to the Roman Emperor Hadrianus according to sources. This bridge, still in use today, is known as one of the oldest bridges in the world. When carefully examined, one can see the engineering and architectural traces of the Roman Empire. Tourists enjoy crossing the bridge and admiring the Seyhan River view. The Stone Bridge is a historical structure that should be at the top of your list when visiting Adana.

Yılankale (Snake Castle)

Dating back to the Byzantine era and located in Adana's Ceyhan district, this historical structure is also known locally as "Şahmeran Castle." The castle was built by the Byzantines to defend the southeastern Anatolia against the Arabs. Perched on a steep hill, this historical site continues to attract many visitors. The castle's walls total 700 meters, and inside, you can still see structures like churches, cisterns, and barracks. Yılankale is one of the important historical sites to visit in Adana.

Ulu Mosque

Located very close to the city center, the Ulu Mosque is considered a masterpiece of the Ramazanoğulları Principality. It has survived from the 16th century to the present day and is one of the most important historical structures in the region. The mosque, considered an early example of Ottoman architecture, has four minarets. The mosque's structures such as the madrasa, tomb, and fountain are still intact. The mosque has been a religious and cultural center of Adana for centuries and is therefore extremely significant for the city. You can still visit this historical mosque, which is still open for worship.

Seyhan River

Undoubtedly, Seyhan River is of great interest to everyone, local or foreign, in the city. It is Türkiye's longest river flowing into the Mediterranean, stretching for 560 kilometers. Research and studies have revealed human settlements here dating back to around 7000 BC. Many civilizations have used this river, making it crucial for trade and transportation for centuries. During your visit to Adana, you can not only see the river up close but also take a boat tour. You can fish in the river or have a picnic by its banks. Since you've come all the way to Adana, you should definitely see this natural beauty, which is extremely important for our country's history.

Akyatan Lake

Located approximately 47 kilometers from Adana city center, this natural wonder of a lake was formed by the Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers. It's known as Türkiye's largest lagoon lake. You can explore the lake's natural beauty by walking around its shores. Additionally, you can participate in activities like fishing, bird watching, and hunting around the lake and its surroundings. There are also many restaurants around the lake where you can enjoy a meal with a view.

Another important feature of the lake is its hosting of many migratory bird species. With its diverse plant and animal life, it's safe to say that it's an important ecosystem. Make sure to add Akyatan Lake to your list when visiting Adana.

Aladağlar National Park

One of the city's most beautiful natural areas is Aladağlar National Park. Established under the National Parks Law in 1995, this park is located within the boundaries of Kayseri and Niğde provinces. The highest peak in the park is Mount Kızılkaya. You can see numerous glacial lakes within the park, with the largest being Yedigöller. The magnificent Kapıkaya Canyon in the park will leave you in awe. Besides enjoying the scenery, you can also have a great time engaging in various activities like trekking, camping, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding.

Adana Archaeology Museum

One of our country's oldest and most important museums, the Adana Archaeology Museum, has been open to visitors since 1924. The museum exhibits historical artifacts not only from Adana but also from its surrounding areas. If you want more detailed information about Adana, you must visit the Adana Archaeology Museum. From the Prehistoric period to the Ottoman era, you can see all kinds of artifacts in the museum, which will take you on a journey through time. The museum hosts Roman-era mosaics, sculptures, and sarcophagi. The museum consists of eight halls, each reflecting a different era, and there is an entrance fee. You can explore the museum on your own or join guided tours.