Tourism in Antakya: Prepare to be Amazed!

2025-01-17

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Table of Contents

Information about Antakya City
Tourism in Antakya
- Top 6 Tourist Places in Antakya
How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Antakya?

Located in the heart of history, Antakya is a hidden gem in southern Turkey, where civilizations and cultures blend. It is a charming city that combines the fragrance of the past with the vitality of the present, attracting visitors with its unique tourist attractions and stunning natural landscapes. In this article, we will take you on an exploratory journey to the most important tourist attractions in Antakya and its tourist attractions, in addition to providing comprehensive information about its climate, geographical location, and population, to complete the picture of this wonderful city.

Information about Antakya City

Antakya is located in southern Turkey, 67 metres above sea level. According to the 2020 statistics by the directorate of population, Antakya’s population is 383.354. Most of them work in agriculture, industry, and commerce.

Antakya has a historical status, mainly for Christians, as well as tourist importance as it has a wide variety of natural beauty.

Where is Antakya located?

Antakya is located in the far southern Turkey, within the borders of the Hatay governorate on the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and Adana from the west, Syrian cities of Idlib and Aleppo from the east, Gaziantep and Osmaniye from the north, and the Syrian city of Latakia from the south.

The Distance Between Antakya and Istanbul

Antakya is 1114 km from Istanbul and 672 km from Ankara. It has a domestic airport, Hatay Airport. The nearest international airport is Adana International Airport.

How Far is Mersin from Antakya?

Mersin city is 280 km from Antakya. There are two option for traveling to Antakya fro mersin.

By Car: Driving from Mersin to Antakya usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions, road construction, and your driving speed. The main route involves the D400 highway.

By Bus: A bus trip can take slightly longer, around 4 to 5 hours, including stops. Several bus companies operate routes between the two cities.

Weather in Antakya

As it is nearby the Mediterranean Sea, Antakya’s climate is relatively mild over all seasons, with reasonable temperatures in summer and winter. Antakya falls under a Mediterranean climate classification. This means it experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The sea moderates temperature extremes to some degree but doesn't completely eliminate them.

Antakya in Winter

Antakya's winter, while milder compared to many other regions, presents a distinct character. January, the heart of winter, sees average temperatures hovering around 4°C (39°F), creating a chilly atmosphere that can feel quite cold, especially with the increased humidity. This time of year is characterized by significant rainfall, often heavy and persistent, transforming the landscape and requiring visitors to be prepared with appropriate rain gear. Although snowfall is rare in the city itself, the surrounding mountainous areas can experience snow at higher elevations, making the region picturesque yet occasionally hindering travel.

Tourism in Antakya

Antakya is known for its tourist attractions: there is a wide variety of tourist places to visit which make it one of the best places in Turkiye for tourism. Here is a list of the most prominent ones:

The Grand Mosque.
Habib-i Neccar Mosque.
The Monastery of St. Simeon.
Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch.
Catholic Church of Antioch on Kurtulus Street.
Antakya Synagogue (Havra).
The Protestant Church on Saray Street.
Orthodox Church on Hurriyet Street.
Church of St. Peter.
Antakya Castle.
Diocletian Bridge Antakya.
The walls on the slopes of the Habib-i Neccar Mount, 3 km from the city centre.
Hatay Archaeology Museum.
Iron Gate, Antakya.
Bakras Castle.

In addition, Hatay is known for its unique cuisine. Hatay's gastronomy is not just unique; it's a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of history, geography, and cultural exchange. Hatay's cuisine reflects its history as a crossroads of civilizations. It blends elements of Turkish, Arabic, Syrian, and French culinary traditions, creating a truly distinctive palate.

Top 6 Tourist Places in Antakya

1. Orontes River

Orontes river springs from Beqaa Plains in Lebanon, 571 km long, 46 km of which is in Lebanon and 525 km in Syria, flowing towards Antakya, with 87 cubic meters / second in abundance, before it ends in the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Hatay Antakya

Hatay is one of Turkey’s governorates, Antakya is its capital city. Hatay is 5.678 km², having many districts, most of its population speak Arabic. It is known for agriculture and agricultural products as well as some coastal tourist places.

3. Hatay Archaeology Museum

Hatay Archaeology Museum is one of Antakya’s tourist attractions, built in 1934. It is famous for its wide-ranging collection of Roman and Byzantine mosaic, date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods in the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries.

4. Habib-i Neccar Mosque

Habib-i Neccar Mosque is the first mosque in Antakya, built in 638 AD by Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah after the Antakya conquest. The mosque, a must-visit masterpiece, features unique architecture, dates back to the medieval eras.

The mosque has the man’s shrine, the first to believe in Messengers, scarifying his life for that belief. The mosque and the mountain o the northern side of Antakya got his name, Habib-i Neccar.

5. Saka Bath

Saka Bath is a historical bath and building located among the narrow alleys of the Antakya Long Bazaar, comprising three sections: the interior one (hot), two middle parts (medium-hot), and the fireplace.

The bath holds the shrine of Mohammed Saka, which got his name. It is no more in use nowadays, rather a tourist place.

6. Payas District in Hatay

Payas is one of Hatay’s districts and picnic spots, spreads out along the Mediterranean Sea, containing many beaches perfect for swimming and recreation.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Antakya?

Here's a table outlining the average costs of traveling to Antakya, Turkey. Please keep in mind these are averages and can vary greatly based on your origin, travel style, time of year, and specific choices:

Expense Category	Average Cost Range (USD)	Notes
Round-Trip Flight	$500 - $1500+	Varies hugely by origin city, booking time, airline, and season. Consider flights to Adana (ADA) or Gaziantep (GZT) then ground transport. Major European hubs often have better deals.
Accommodation (Per Night)	$20 - $150+	Hostels and budget guesthouses can be very affordable. Mid-range hotels are common. Luxury hotels or unique accommodations may be higher. Prices will fluctuate.
Local Transportation (Per Day)	$5 - $20	This includes local buses, dolmuş (shared taxis), and occasional private taxis. Renting a car could be more expensive but offers flexibility.
Food (Per Day)	$15 - $40	Budget-friendly Turkish food is widely available. Restaurant meals and western options will cost more. Can be less if you eat at local eateries.
Activities/Entrance Fees	$5 - $25 (Per activity/day)	Many historical sites and museums require small entrance fees. Some activities might be more expensive, like guided tours. Varies based on your itinerary.
Visa (if applicable)	$0 - $60+	Cost depends on your nationality and visa requirements. Some nationalities do not require a visa for tourist visits. Check requirements based on your passport.
Travel Insurance	$2 - $8+ (Per Day)	Highly recommended. Cost varies based on coverage and duration of travel.
Miscellaneous	$10 - $30+ (Per Day)	This covers souvenirs, small snacks, unexpected expenses, etc. It's always a good idea to have a buffer budget.