Adana, Turkey’s fourth largest city is at the heart of the rich agricultural region and a thriving textile industry.  Alanya is also a major bus interchange for eastern Turkey. 

The Taskopru (Stone Bridge), spanning River Seyhan, was built by Hadrian and restored by Justinian has only 14 of the bridge’s original 24 arches still standing.

Of interest in the city are the 16^th century Ulu Mosque, the Eski Mosque, the Hasan Aga Mosque, the 19^th century clock tower and the old covered bazaar. The city has three museums – the Archaeological Museum that displays locally excavated remains, the Ethnography Museum and the Ataturk Culture Museum – worth including in your tour of the city. 

After a day of sightseeing, sample the Adana Kebab, a spicy sensational tube of ground meat. Local beverages include salgam, a drink made from dark turnips and sira, a type of grape juice. Take shaded walk around Seyhan Dam and Lake; sip tea in quaint tea gardens – a cool place to escape the heat! At sunset, look back towards the city and take in the view of the peaceful city and winding river lined with twinkling lights. 

The nearest beaches with accommodation are at Yumurtalik and at Karatas. Yumurtalik has an ancient harbour castle that dominates the fisherman’s wharf. Visit Misis, an important city along the Silk Route, off the road from Adana to Iskenderun. There are several Roman ruins at the site, including a beautiful mosaic depicting Noah’s Ark and the animals. The Tourist Office telephone number is (322) 363 1287 and 363 1448 and the fax number is (322) 363 1346.

 For more detailed country and visitor information, see Turkey.