Places to Visit in Hatay and Hatay Travel Guide

Hatay is at the top of my list of must-see cities in Turkey. Hatay is a city that will set an example for Turkey with its deep-rooted civilization that has hosted 13 different civilizations, its UNESCO-registered cuisine that emerged with the synthesis of different civilizations, and the coexistence of members of three different monotheistic religions. When I first went to Hatay “I wish everyone went to Hatay one day' I thought. This feeling has never changed. I visited Hatay by making different programs at different times. As a result of these visits, my own experiences Places to visit in Hatay and Hatay food with my suggestions on Hatay travel guide I prepared it, I hope it will be useful for you too! Happy reading!

Briefly About Hatay

Hatay; It has been an important settlement throughout history with its fertile plains, its strategic location on trade routes and the effect of its climate. The history of the city dates back to the Middle Paleolithic Period. The city, which has a history of 8 thousand years, has hosted 13 different civilizations.

Hatay became the personal matter of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during the War of Independence and joined the Republic of Turkey in 1939.

The thing that impresses me the most about Hatay is that for thousands of years, different civilizations, different ethnic groups and communities with different beliefs have lived together in peace, love, respect and tolerance. “I don't have you, we exist!” The slogan must be the one that best describes Hatay.

Where is Hatay?

Hatay is located at the far end of the Mediterranean Region. Hatay; It is surrounded by Syria in the east and south, the Mediterranean in the west, Adana in the northwest, Osmaniye in the north and Gaziantep in the northeast. Hatay's central district, Antakya, is the provincial center. Thus, the confusion of where is Hatay and where is Antakya has been resolved.

Hatay's Google Maps application click for location.

How to go to Hatay?

It is possible to reach Hatay by air from major cities of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. However, due to the fact that Hatay Airport is built in the pit of the Amik Plain and it receives the prevailing wind, problems such as frequent landing of planes and flooding of the airport can occur. I suggest you check the weather forecast during your visit.

How to go to Cyprus from Hatay?

You can go to Cyprus from Hatay by air or by the Hatay Sea Bus (HADO), which has just started service. The ferry departing from Arsuz Marina goes to Girne Harbour. From Hatay to Girne on Tuesdays and Fridays
There are flights from Girne to Hatay on Thursdays and Sundays. Up-to-date information on ferry days and hours From the HADO website .

Best Time to Go to Hatay

Hatay is a suitable destination to visit at any time of the year. Thanks to its mild climate even in winter, it is suitable for visiting both summer and winter. However, I like to be there most when the oranges and tangerines are ripe, namely November-December-January.

How Many Days Should You Allocate to Visit Hatay?

You need at least 2 full days to visit the popular spots in Hatay city center and its surroundings. If you want to go to the sea or go to Iskenderun or Cyprus, you should extend your time.

Map of Places to Visit in Hatay

Below is a map of places to visit in Hatay visually. On this map, you will see the places to visit in all districts of Hatay province marked.

In this section, you will see places to visit in Hatay, restaurants, accommodation options and important places mentioned throughout the article marked on the Google Maps application.

Click to see the map on the Google Maps application.

Places to Visit in Hatay

I was very excited about the idea of ​​Hatay, so I had done a lot of research and gathered pages of travel tips before I went. What to eat, where to visit… In fact, there are many things to write, draw and focus on one by one. Request Places to visit in Hatay!

Hatay Archeology Museum

Hundreds of mosaics are exhibited Hatay Archeology MuseumDefinitely worth a visit. The museum, which was in the city center before, was moved to its new location and became a much more spacious museum.

Hatay Museum The new location is 5 km away from the city center. The new museum is very nice, with a much larger exhibition space. It is the largest mosaic museum in the world as an exhibition area and the second mosaic museum in the world in terms of mosaic artifacts. it was.

There are 16 galleries in the museum. Apart from the magnificent mosaics, it is possible to find many works that shed light on the history of the region in the museum. I suggest you spare at least a few hours to visit the museum. You need a full day to tour all of them properly.

Hatay Archeology Museum 2022 entrance fee is 50 TL, free with Müzekart.

Antakya Streets and Old Antakya Houses

After our tour in the museum, we started to wander around the city and enjoy its side streets. Just above the town square Ancient Antioch so-called region. This is a city of tolerance, where mosques, churches and synagogues stand back to back in its narrow streets. The more you wander the streets, the better you understand. Although the old Antakya houses may seem small from the outside, a courtyard, an orange or lemon tree in the courtyard, welcomes us when we enter.

Antakya's old city center is worth exploring with its narrow streets and old Antakya houses. While some of the restored mansions in the side streets have been turned into hotels or restaurants, they are like pieces of a mosaic together with the buildings that are on the verge of demolition. The Asi river defines the border of Ancient Antakya. It is possible to come across old houses from Asi to the slopes of the city.

Kurtulus Street

Kurtuluş Street is the busiest and most lively street of the old city, passing through the old Antakya. This street is an important point for world history, as it is the first street to be illuminated in the world.

Habib-i Neccar Mosque

This mosque on Kurtuluş Street has the distinction of being the first mosque built within the borders of Turkey. The mosque took its name from Habib-i Neccar, who was the first to believe in the apostles of Jesus and lost his life because of this. Also, in the mosque, St. Yunus and Hz. There are tombs of Yahya.

Jewish Synagogue

Located on Kurtuluş Street, the Synagogue is still used by the Jewish Community.

Catholic Church

The Catholic Church is located on Liberation Street. On the same street and at very close distances, the places of worship of 3 holy religions are peacefully together.

Orthodox Church

This is one of the oldest churches after Jerusalem. It is not open to visitors outside the congregation.

Protestant Church

The church building, which was used as an embassy and bank during the French occupation of Hatay, was recognized as a Protestant Church by the South Korean Kwong Lim Methodist Church in June 2000.

An important note is that it is very difficult to keep up with the hours when the churches are open, they do not let them in when there is a mass. So try to find out the hours before you go. It is possible to get information from the hotel you are staying at. Since it is a place that attracts a lot of tourists, the hotels are equipped in this sense.

Sister Barbara's Peacehouse

To understand how the peace in Hatay continues Sister Barbara's PeacehouseI recommend you to visit . Ask the locals in the back street of the Catholic Church and they will tell you. Although this place is currently operated as a hostel, it is actually a place established for people from different cultures, religions, languages ​​and races to come together.

Antakya House of Civilizations

Civilizations House, located in the old city center of Antakya, is an old mansion dedicated to the Antakya Civilizations Choir. It is popularly known as Karabağlar Mansion.

For those who do not know about Antakya Civilizations Choir, Civilizations Choir; A 6-member choir that embraces the philosophy of "Love the created, because of the Creator", which includes members of 120 sects, including Alevi, Sunni, Armenian, Orthodox, Catholic and Jewish. The choir was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.

Antakya Long Bazaar

Long Bazaar We can say that it is the shopping center of Antakya. You can find many different products here, from cheese makers to shoemakers, coppersmiths to basket makers. Also, this is the best place to buy Hatay's various spices and breakfast items.

A few points that I would like to say do not miss in Uzun Çarşı; Kurşunlu Han, Çınaraltı Künefe, Dalgaç Künefe.

Most of the shops in Antakya Uzun Çarşı are closed on Sunday. We preferred to visit the bazaar on Saturday before the bazaar was closed, to see the bazaar while it was active and to buy special products for Hatay.

Assembly Culture and Art House

The place where public buildings such as the Municipality, Ptt, Ziraat Bank are located in the center of Antakya is called Köprübaşı. Almost all of the buildings on the banks of the Orontes River, parallel to the old city center, were built during the French occupation period. One of these structures is the Parliament Culture and Art House. The Hatay Assembly met here and the decision to join the Republic of Turkey was made in this building, so it is a building of historical importance for Hatay as well.

Today, the upper floor of the building is used as a library and the lower floor is used as a concert/theatre hall. The view from the outside and inside is very beautiful.

st. Pierre (St. Pierre) Church and Memorial Museum

st. You can find Pierre Church when you continue for 3 km from Antakya city center towards Reyhanlı. The church, which was built at the foot of the Habib-i Neccar Mountain, is considered one of the first churches in the world, and for this reason, it was declared by the Pope as the place of the Cross for Christians. This was one of the 3 places where the Christian world was a pilgrim, the others being Ephesus and Jerusalem.

The Saint Pierre Church & Memorial Museum is one of the must-see places when you go to Hatay.
Hz. Saint Pierre, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, tried to spread Christianity here between 29-40 AD. The church is the world's first cave church built on the skirts of Habib-i Neccar Mountain. Because the Christian name was given to the congregation here for the first time, the Pope declared the church a place of cross for Christians. One of the 3 pilgrimage sites for Christians, along with Jerusalem and Ephesus.

The cave gained its present appearance with the constructions made by the crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. The church has the status of a museum. 2022 entrance fee is 50 TL, free with Müzekart.

Hell Boatman Kharon

If you go up 700 meters from the paths leading up the hill from the church, you can find the carved rock. Hell Boatman Kharon You reach the statue.

The Museum Hotel Museum – Necmi Asfuroğlu Archeology Museum

“Why is a hotel on the list of places to visit?” You must have thought of it. I ask the same question because a hotel was built on the site of the largest floor mosaics found in Antakya and even in the world. In order to see the mosaics and the living spaces there, you have to go to the hotel's museum.

During the construction of the hotel to be built in the region, mosaics are found. Normally in such a case the area is expropriated and construction is not allowed, but here the situation is a bit different. By working with archaeologists and art historians, the mosaics are taken under protection and a hotel is built on them.

"The world's largest one-piece mosaicThe 1050 square meter mosaic, the Eros Statue, the Pegasus Mosaic and the Roman Baths are the must-see spots here.

Necmi Asfuroğlu Archeology Museum entrance fee for 2022 is 65 TL, which I think is another nonsense. It is meaningless to issue a ticket to a place that is already commercially profitable. You can visit it for free with the Müzekart.

Harbiye Waterfalls

Military academy It was once a summer resort of Antakya, especially during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the rich people had their mansions here. The fact that it is only 6 km away from Antakya has been lucky for the Harbiye region. Silkworm farming was also practiced around the valley where many large and small waterfalls spill. Now, plenty of cafes-restaurants have been built on top of Harbiye Waterfalls, there is no waterfall to see, not to mention its filth. The people of Hatay will be angry with me, but when I went to Harbiye for the first time, I was very disappointed, I stopped by again. There are places where you can find good food around the waterfalls, but I haven't tried it.

There are also many shops in Harbiye where you can find silk works. You can find shawls and souvenirs made of Hatay silk with different price options.

Harbiye is also famous for its sunset, so we caught the sunset.

The Story of the Laurel Tree

Laurel tree and soap are among the famous ones of Harbiye. On this occasion, I had my companions memorize Defne's mythological story:

“Apolion, the God of Light, son of Zeus, whose name is a fast rogue in mythology and who cannot be resisted because he is a god, sees the young and beautiful Defne on the edge of the stream flowing into Asi from the valley descending from the current Gümüşgöze to Sinanlı. The flirtatious Apollon wants to approach and talk to this beautiful girl to meet him. Defne has heard of Apollo's reputation. He starts to run away because he senses what is on his mind and feels that his intentions are not good. Defne runs away, Apollo chases her. Feeling Apollo's breath on the back of her neck, running up the stream and getting tired, Defne realizes that she cannot escape and stops. He scrapes the ground with his feet and calls out as if begging; "Mother earth, please cover me, hide me, protect me."

Earth hears the call. Defne's body turns into roots, her fragrant hair turns into leaves, and her arms turn into branches.

Apollo is stunned; He looks at the laurel tree rising in front of him and; “BAfter that, you will be my sacred tree. I will make a wreath on my head with those leaves that do not fade and fall. Dear heroes, those who are victorious in wars will always adorn their foreheads with your leaves. Our names will go side by side in songs and poems” he says.

"Defne greets him by bowing her branches upon these beautiful words she heard from Apollo. Since that day, heroism and beautiful poems achieved by war are crowned with laurel leaves.”

st. Simon's Monastery

After watching the view of Antakya from above, we started our journey towards the sea. Our first stop St.Simon Monastery was. Traveling on a rather bad road for about an hour, we were greeted by a monastery of neglected ruins among the windmills.

Vakifli Village

Vakifli Village It was the only village in Turkey whose entire population consisted of Armenians. We reach the village between orange and tangerine orchards. Unlike other villages around, this village is sparkling clean and its gardens are well-maintained.

There is an Armenian Church in the village, you can enter and visit. There is also a sales point right next to the church where you can find laurel products (oil, soap), olive products, handmade wines and liquors produced by the villagers. They were going to start their sales throughout Turkey with the brand “Foundation”.

It is only 5 km from Vakıflı Village Samandağı, but it is a broken mountain road.

Grape festivals were held in Vakıflı on August 11 every year and it was very active. According to the old calendars of the Armenians, New Year's Day was accepted as August 11.

Hidirbey Village and Moses (Sycamore) Tree

Just a few kilometers from Vakıflı Hidirbey Village there is. The peculiarity of this village is the huge plane tree in the center of the village. This tree, known as the Moses Tree, is believed to have emerged where the Prophet Moses struck his staff. Standing to drink water from the fountain flowing by the plane tree, Hz. Moses sticks his staff here and it turns into a tree. They arranged the surrounding of the tree beautifully. The village cooperative has a bazaar where handmade products are sold.

When you go to Hıdırbey Village the Katıkl You should definitely sit in any of the tea gardens by the creek and taste the Katiklı cooked by the women in the village.

The road from Hıdırbey Village to Samandag "Laurel RoadThey drew as '. It was a good move both to bring the region to tourism and to promote the products of the local people.

Titus Tunnel

It is possible to see many ruins around as you go from Vakıflı Village towards Çevlik coast. Çevlik was a very important port city for a long time, so there were many ancient settlements in this area. Titus Tunnel, It was built in the 1st century BC to protect the port city of Çevlik-Samandağ from floods. You can easily walk part of the tunnel, which is 1380 meters long and 7 meters high on average.

Titus Tunnel is considered to be equivalent to Petra in Jordan in terms of the reason and technique of its construction. One of the most interesting places I've seen in Turkey, the Titus Tunnel should definitely be on your route.

Beşikli Cave

There are many ancient tombs in and around the church, which is known as Beşikli Cave. You can enter with a museum card. There is a nice walking path.

Hz. Khidr Tomb

Hz. Khidr Tomb was our last stop. This is St. Khidr and Hz. It is a mausoleum built on the rock, which is considered to be the meeting place of Moses. Those who come round the rock seven times pray and hope that their wishes will come true.

What to Eat and Where to Eat in Hatay?

Eating and drinking options in Hatay are endless, I'm listing some of the ones I've tried below. For more "What to eat in Hatay, where to eat?You can take a look at my post.

Cinaralti Kunefeci Yusuf Usta

It was a “real” Antakya künefe that could make us happy on top of the amazing food we ate. In the inn next to Kurşunlu Han in the heart of Uzun Çarşı Kunefeci Yusuf UstaWe found . It is not enough to say künefe prepared on the barbecue, we eat our huge portions like Turkish delight… Yusuf Usta is open both days at the weekend, those who go should definitely include Yusuf Usta in their program.

Sağıroğlu Butcher for Paper or Tray Kebab

My notes said; “Do not return without having a kebab at the butcher shop”. Sağıroğlu Butcher'We got together with him, they prepare the kebab in front of your eyes at the butcher you know, send it to the oven and cook it, and we enjoy a meal. The kebab they prepared with a line, first on paper and then on a tray, showed me how a person can fall in love with a kebab. Butcher employees laughed a lot at this love, but although it was normal for them, it was an unprecedented taste for us.

Haytali at Affan Cafe

Affan coffee or alias İnci Coffee House. In the oldest coffee house of Antakya, we ate something cool called “Haytalı”, made from rose water and similar to ice cream made in Adana. Affan ice cream is delicious, even delicious, because it is made from goat's milk. But Haytali did not suit my taste, rose water lovers love it.

Affan Coffee maintains its traditional design. While the uncles are playing okey, tourist groups are enjoying the taste of Haytali. Even if you don't like Haytali, this is a place you must see.

Sveyka Restaurant for Dinner in a Magnificent Environment

We went to Sveyka restaurant as soon as we got off the plane on Friday night. Even though it was showing 23:00 in the evening, we wanted to taste the legendary dishes, appetizers and desserts of Hatay as soon as possible. They restored an old mansion and turned it into a restaurant, in this beautiful place with a very stylish, good service and delicious food. Don't return without eating in Hatay We started to order the ones on the list: Paper kebab, Tray kebab, Hummus, which we couldn't find the right name for; abaganuş or babaganuş or abagannuş or something similar, zahter, and many other things I can't remember the name of :), our chef offered us Cherry kebab and Kurdish pastry made with sausage, both of which remained in our palate, and of course, Kunefe, walnut jam, bergamot jam…

We reached our hotel easily with the peace of delicious food without relieving the tiredness of the plane. You can reach most of the must-see places by walking in the center of Antakya (Hatay central district Antakya).

Döver Village Hammus Place for Breakfast

As soon as we pick up our car from the airport in the morning, the first stop of everyone who makes a weekend trip to Hatay, a few kilometers from Harbiye Waterfalls. 'Dover Village'what did we go Döver Village was around 40km from the airport. Döver Village is a tiny village, but it is famous for its natural Hatay breakfast. Based on the comments from my Facebook page, we went to the breakfast place known as Hammusun Yeri. They decorated the table with organic breakfast foods (zahter, zahter cheese, melted cheese, jams, appetizers…) that they made entirely, and we feasted first on our eyes and then on our stomachs.

They suggested a place for Uncle Yusuf besides Hammusun Place in Döver Village. We did not go there, but it has a view overlooking the valley where the Harbiye Waterfalls flow, so it can be preferred because it has a better view than Hammusun Yeri.

Anadolu Restaurant for Dinner – Sorry it's closed

Anadolu Restaurant serves in a mansion and garden in the old center of Antakya. You can find all the appetizers and kebabs in Hatay cuisine here. We ordered paper kebab, zahter, salty yogurt, babagannuş (abagannuş), oruk (Hatay style stuffed meatballs), olive salad and of course hummus. Paper kebab, hummus and zahter are my favourites. If you like hummus try it with butter too, you can eat your fingers.

Konak Restaurant for Dinner

With the restoration of one of the mansions in the area where the old Antakya houses are located, another mansion came back to life and Konak Restaurant, one of the most beautiful restaurants in Hatay, emerged. The place, the food, the garden and the mansion itself are beautiful. You can eat local Hatay dishes and taste the Antiochia brand wines unique to Hatay, especially the wine made from the Barburi grape unique to Hatay.

Pöç Butcher for Lunch in Antakya

The most famous kebabs of Antakya tray kebab ve paper kebab. The way these kebabs are made is a little different from what we know. You go to a town and say how many grams of meat you want kebab, they prepare the meat in front of your eyes, put it on a tray and send it to the oven. The kebab is cooked in the oven and the town comes back, you eat your kebab at the butcher shop.

Although it may sound a bit strange, the tray kebab I ate in Antakya is one of the best kebabs I've ever eaten. On my first visit, I went to Sağıroğlu Butcher and fell in love with tray kebab. This time, Vedat Milör made famous Böç ButcherI ate in and I passed out again. Do not leave Antakya without eating tray kebab.

Hummus & Broad Bean in the Morning, Lunch, and Evening Meze Shops

Many in Antakya the deli you can find. A variety of appetizers from hummus to zahter are perfect for a snack, there was one very close to our hotel: Limon Mezeci. I would like to thank the hospitable staff again, they opened the shop for us at night and did not take any money from us.

Ozlem Restaurant

Towards the outskirts of Antakya, in the Güzel Burç area Ozlem Restaurant Another recommended place to visit. The abagannuş is particularly excellent.

Petek Restaurant – Antakya Mansion

Iskenderun's famous Petek Patisserie also has a branch in Antakya. An old mansion on the banks of the Orontes River right next to the Parliament Building has been restored and converted into a restaurant, its name is Antakya Mansion. In the evening, you can taste local dishes and the famous desserts of Petek Patisserie in its large garden. The only downside is that it's alcohol free.

After Petek's Iskenderun and Abu Dhabi branches, I have tasted its delicious meals and desserts at its Antakya branch.

Unesco Hatay Gastronomy House

Hatay Municipality has both registered this cuisine with Unesco in order to promote Hatay cuisine and ensure that it reaches more people, and also opened beautiful restaurants in several parts of Hatay to bring local flavors to everyone. It has restaurants in the old city center of Antakya, on the slope of Habib-i Neccar Mountain, in Hatay Expo and in the Hıdırbey Village, right near the Musa Tree.

Where to Stay in Hatay?

There are a few hotels I can recommend to stay in Hatay. Below you will find the answer to the question of where to stay in Hatay with my little notes.

Kavinn Boutique Hotel

One of my choices for accommodation in Antakya is located in the old center of Antakya. Kavinn Hotel. This is a cute boutique hotel that has been converted into a hotel with the restoration of an old mansion. We had arranged bed and breakfast in the hotel, but this place also serves breakfast to those who come from outside. Hatay appetizers were also included in the breakfast and it was very good. Again, we had a delicious breakfast with zahter, olive salad, various kinds of cheese, which is one of my favorite parts.

Liwan Hotel

The first time I went to Antakya, I stayed at Liwan Hotel. It is a very nice hotel with its central location and its architecture converted from an old mansion. Like many old Antakya houses, the hotel has a courtyard in the middle. However, when there is live music in the courtyard of the building on Friday and Saturday evenings, the room can be a bit noisy. Of course, if you say that I don't spend time in the room, I go to bed late, of course.

Savon Hotel

The hotel, which is an old soap shop, has been beautifully restored and decorated. Since it is one of the most popular hotels in Antakya, it is very difficult to find a place, you can stop by just to see or have a drink.

Neccar Hotel

If you are looking for a central and economical accommodation option, Neccar Hotel can do your job with its location right next to Uzun Çarşı. Don't have too high expectations.

What to Buy in Hatay?

On our way back from Hatay; There were various kinds of cheeses, jams, spices, bay products. In addition to edible materials such as all kinds of künefe materials, kömbe, and Hatay's famous pepper paste, you can also buy jewelry or wall decorations as souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones from beautiful mosaic works.

But the most important thing is the beauty, happiness and tolerance of people.

Is Hatay Safe?

As a solo female traveler in the city, I can confidently say that you can travel comfortably. 

I wish everyone went to Hatay one day

Seeing Hatay made me say that there are still people living in tolerance.

When I come back from Hatay, in my mind; good food, beautiful people, impressive history, endless tangerine orchards, fertile plains, the wind blowing was left. Hatay, where Muslims, Orthodox, Catholic, Jewish, Armenian, Arab, Turkish, Kurdish all live in peace, is a city that will set an example for all of Turkey and even the whole world, a city of peace… There are still such places in the world, there are still such people in our country… If he goes to Hatay one day and sees these beauties, people living in tolerance and peace... 

In Hatay, as in the Middle East, they say "welcome" to you at the door when you leave. Even though I gave a reaction like "we didn't come, we're leaving" at first, I realized later that they use "welcome" when saying goodbye to "good luck".

I'm glad I went, welcome Hatay!