Location: Hatay Province
Top Things to do in Hatay Province
Top 10 Things to do in Hatay Province, Turkey
Hatay Province (Turkish: Hatay ili, pronounced [ˈhataj]) is a province in southern Turkey, on the eastern Mediterranean coast. The administrative capital is Antakya (Antioch), and the other major city in the province is the port city of İskenderun (Alexandretta). It is bordered by Syria to the south and east and the Turkish provinces of Adana and Osmaniye to the north. The province is part of Çukurova (Cilicia), a geographical, economical and cultural region that covers the provinces of Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye, and Hatay. There are border crossing points with Syria in the district of Yayladağı and at Cilvegözü in the district of Reyhanlı. Sovereignty over the province remains disputed with neighbouring Syria, which claims that the province was separated from itself against the stipulations of the French Mandate of Syria in the years following Syria's independence from the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Although the two countries have remained generally peaceful in their dispute over the territory, Syria has never formally renounced its claims to it.
Restaurants in Hatay Province
1. Antakya Archaeological Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By Yalçın K - Istanbul, Turkey
Amazing museum. It was renewed and changed. If you like mosaics probably its the best. Also Gaziantep museum should be visited to complete. The people are helpful in the museum and you can have a coffee just by the museum. With some little touches it can be much better.
2. Habibi Neccar Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By Wanderpaths - Geneva, Switzerland
You will likely find it challenging to understand the actual events and protagonists behind the history of this mosque and the Christian martyrs, including Habib the Caroente, Habibi Neccar, in whose honor this mosque is named. Who is buried there?
But, in the so diverse city if Hatay, where the muezzin calls, the bell rings, and the Syriac and Alevi cross paths, the sympbolism will not be lost on you. And you will no doubt appreciate the welcome given to Christians in this mosque. Just be respectful in return.
For those seeking more,
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habib_the_Carpenter
And especially its references.
3. Old City of Antakya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Wanderpaths - Geneva, Switzerland
Travel to Antakya today and, with a rare few exceptions, the center of town will bring you back 50 years. With the exception of cheap Chinese made goods in the old market, and a rare few places, I can personally testify that nothing appears to have changed in30years, and the many small trades that made the old town life, from Kunefe to spices, are still there and thriving. Modernisation and massive urbanization happened in the suburbs but the center of town still give you this sense of timeless and peaceful life. That is before dust. After that music is blasting from various bars and restaurants. The general feel is far less conservative than many other Turkish town, possibly a byproduct of the "multiethnic" culture of Hatay.
4. Vespasianus Titus Tunnel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By vaquero viajero - Cortez, Colorado
The Romans diverted a river and used enslaved workers to build a massive tunnel to carry the water. You can walk through the tunnel which is about 1.8 kilometers in length. It is a bit of an adventure scrambling through it. The interpretation is in Turkish and English and is adequate especially if you have a little background on Roman history. At the end, you can see the Roman dedication for the tunnel chiseled in the rock wall. A small, concrete, modern irrigation canal uses the tunnel to bring water to modern fields. I did leave wondering how much human effort and how many human lives went into the construction. Although it is called the Titus - Vespasian Tunnel, I feel certain that neither of these two emperors ever swung a pick or carried a basket of rocks during the construction.
5. Hatay Arkeoloji Muzesi
Overall Ratings
5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By CA_fruitfly_42 - Istanbul, Turkey
This newly opened museum is one of the best-presented archaeological museums that I've visited. Certainly there are interesting artifacts, but they are presented in the context of the civilizations and societies in which they were used. Lots of maps, timelines, and explanations of their context in both Turkish and English. The details of their historical, sociocultural, and geopolitical contexts were presented engagingly at different levels, so you could learn more in depth if something was particularly compelling. We only had an hour one morning, which allowed us to cover just 25% of the collection on exhibit--definitely worth another visit, as we hadn't seen the mosaics yet.
6. Vakifli Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Vaikfli Village is the only remaining ethnic Armenian village in Turkey
Reviewed By Smilinsaru - Mill Creek, Washington
Vakifli Village, a small, rustic village of approx. 150 pop. and located approximately 20km from Antakya, Turkey, is a lovely and peaceful place to visit. You can easily get there by tour shuttles or rental car from Antakya. Part of the road is unpaved and rough, so make sure you carry water and check your tires before departure. I recommend leaving the village before nightfall, as it can get very dark. Drive carefully as you enter the village; children and cats abound. Park your car streetside or wherever you find a spot; parking is easier in late Fall when the heavy tourist season has passed. There is a magnificent ancient tree next to a water Fountain from which I sipped cool spring water (and made a wish). We meandered for just a brief time to look at some of the tiny shops in the semi-open air market, where we purchased fresh vegetables and preserves. We munched on grilled corn on the cob as we walked along the stream running through the village. It began raining and so we could not prolong our stay; we'll just have to return next time, perhaps in early summer, to enjoy the weather, the people, and the history of this special place.
7. St Pierre Kilisesi
Overall Ratings
4 based on 281 reviews
Первая христианская церковь
Reviewed By Throy - Girne
Unusually for Turkey this ancient site is not really worth the entrance fee unless you are very religious. There is not much to see and very little information provided. If I was pressed for time I would not bother with this one.
8. Hidirbey Musa Agaci
Overall Ratings
4 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By juliegoetzgrimes - Belmont, CA
We two Americans stopped here with our guide Cenkhan Altay to see the Moses Tree in October 2014. It's a very pleasant town with friendly people. We bought pistachios and figs, and had tea in the restaurant along the flowing water. A very relaxing and pleasant time.
9. Great Antakya Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By aguvenis - Istanbul, Turkey
Antakya Parkı, right in the city center neighboring Antakya Archeological Museum by Asi River is an excellent spot to take a break. First established in late 19th century , the park has been refined during the French occupancy in early 20th century.
The park has a wide variety of well established vegetation , nice walking paths, cafe's and and a part for birds. Locals visit at all times however early morning stroll seems to be the most popular and a very nice way to catch the spirit of the city.
You can always stop by before or after your visit to the museum to have a cup of local coffee, strong and served in tea glass. The park is also nice for families with children.
10. Harbiye Selalesi
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By Carmen A - Santiago de Compostela, Spain
I was incredibly disappointed to see what they've done to this beautiful place. It's full of restaurants everywhere, can't avoid them and they have redirected water so that each one has their own piecr of attraction. Tables are inside the water path and I've seen some of the restaurant workers throw rubbish to the water. It's impossible to enjoy the place and nature. We ran away immediately after looking desperately for an unspoiled place without success.
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