The Mediterranean region; It is among the most preferred regions by people who want to take a vacation. The region, which attracts great attention by many local and foreign people; It stands out with its nature, unique sea and beaches. The region also contains many places worth seeing with its thousands of years old ancient cities, natural wonders, lakes, canyons and caves. Some of the must-see places in the Mediterranean region are as follows;
1 – Dalyan
Dalyan; It is a neighborhood of Ortaca district of Muğla province. Located at the junction of Köyceğiz Lake and the sea, it is a natural wonder. Dalyan takes its name from the “Dalyan” fishery that has been done on natural channels for centuries. In addition to the ancient city of Dalyan Kaunos, there is Iztuzu Beach, a special place where caretta caretta turtles are found. Boat tours can be made on Dalyan Stream. At the same time, it is possible to see the ostentatious Lycian tombs carved into the steep cliffs along the banks of the stream.
2 – Gilindire (Mirror Lake) Cave
Gilindire Cave; It is located within the borders of Aydıncık district of Mersin province. It emerged in 1999 when a shepherd grazing cattle was discovered by chance. Located on a slope 45 meters above the sea, the cave has a horizontal length of 555 meters and a depth of 46 meters. The drip stones and the lake known as the mirror lake in the cave, which is quite large, offer a visual feast. The cave consists of the main gallery, many halls and rooms.
3 – Salda Lake
Salda Lake; It is located in Yeşilova district of Burdur province. Salda Lake, a karst lake, attracts visitors with its white sandy beach, turquoise water and dazzling beauty. The beach is white in color because the sweet lake water is very rich in magnesium. Its sandy beach is one of the two places on earth that is said to be similar to the soil structure of the planet Mars. The depth of the lake, which is 1193 meters above sea level, is 185 meters. With this feature, it is Turkey’s deepest freshwater lake. The lake, which is of tectonic origin, is one of the clearest lakes in the world. There are opportunities for swimming, sailing, underwater diving and bird watching in the lake.
4 – Side Antique City
Side Ancient City; It is located in the Manavgat district of Antalya. In the Ancient City, which is a port city, there are architecturally effective temples, columns, theater and many historical monuments. Especially the historical monument in the city, known as Dokuz Çeşme, attracts worldwide attention. The city, which has survived from the ancient period, came under the rule of many empires in its time. The city, which was built in the 7th century BC, creates impressive views due to its location intertwined with the sea.
5 – Mersin Maiden’s Castle
Girls Castle; It is located in Erdemli district of Mersin province. Also known as the Sea Castle, the castle offers a unique view. Located on a small island in the sea, the castle was built in 1199. The castle, which was built by Leo I, has been restored many times until today. An interesting legend is told about the castle, whose outer circumference is approximately 190 km. According to the legend, the king learned from a fortune teller that his beloved daughter would die by being bitten by a snake. Thereupon, the king built this castle into the sea to protect his daughter. He sent a basket of grapes to his daughter, who was in the castle for a long time, to eat. However, a snake that came out of the basket that reached the girl, bit the girl and killed her.
6 – Aspendos
Aspendos or Belkıs is located in Serik district of Antalya province. Located in Belkıs Village, the ancient city is famous for its ancient theatre. According to Greek legend, the ancient city was founded by Argive colonists led by Mopsos, who came to Pamphylia after the Trojan War. The ancient theater with a capacity of 15 thousand was built by the Romans. It is an open-air theater that has survived to the present day, among the ancient theaters, very well preserved. Among the Roman theaters, it is the most solid example that has survived to the present day with its stage.
7 – Saklikent Canyon
Saklıkent National Park is located within the borders of Seydikemer district of Muğla province. It is the canyon formed by Karaçay, the tributary of Eşen Stream, which draws the border between Antalya and Muğla. A steep and deep canyon has been formed due to the calcareous land that is easily eroded by water. The length of the canyon is 18 kilometers, the height is 200 meters. The Saklıkent canyon, which is considered the longest canyon in the world, is a natural wonder that will fascinate those who see it. It is possible to visit the canyon on the walking paths consisting of wooden platforms in the canyon.
8 – Church of Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre Church or Saint Peter’s Church; It is within the borders of Antakya district of Hatay province. The church consists of a cave carved into the rocks to the west of Stauris Mountain. It has a depth of 13 meters, a width of 9.5 meters and a height of 7 meters. Although it is not known exactly when it was built, Hz. It is accepted as the place where St. Peter, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, gave his first sermon. For this reason, it is known as the first church of Christianity. After Christianity was accepted as an official religion by the Roman state, it took its present form with the additions made. Since St. Peter was accepted as the first pope, it took a central position in the spread of the Catholic faith to the world. In the church, which is accepted as one of the pilgrimage centers of Christianity, a ritual is held every year on 29 June.
9 – Patara Beach
Patara Beach; It is located between Kaş and Fethiye districts of Antalya province. Located near the Ancient City of Patara, the beach is one of the largest in the region. The beach, which reaches 18 kilometers in length, has fine sand, reminiscent of a desert, and the sea is shallow. The sand dunes formed on the beach of Patara Beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, are quite remarkable. These dunes offer a unique view at sunsets.
10 – Mamure Castle
Mamure Castle; It is located in the Anamur district of Mersin. The castle was built by the Romans in the 3rd century to watch over the Mediterranean and Cilicia trade routes. It was also built to protect merchant ships from pirates. It was repaired again in the 12th century during the Cilicia-Armenian kingdom. In 1450, it was restored during the Karamanoğulları Principality and was given the name mamur. The mosque inside was built by Mahmut Bey. There are 5 towers in the southern part of the castle, and 7 bastions and fountains in the inner courtyard.
