The city's three museums, the Archaeological Museum, which displays locally excavated Hittite and Roman remains, the charming Ethnography Museum, and the Ataturk Culture Museum should be included in a tour of the city.
After a day of sightseeing you can sample Adana kebab, a sensational spicy tube of ground meat. Local beverages include salgam, a drink made from dark turnips and sira, a type of grape juice.
The nearest beaches with accommodation facilities are at Yumurtalik, where an ancient harbour castle dominates the picturesque fisherman's wharf, and at Karatas. Fishermen enjoy the scene, and the catch, at Camlik Park.
There are several Roman ruins at the site, including a beautiful fourth-century mosaic depicting Noah's Ark and the animals. Further along the road are the impressive ruins of the Yilanlikale castle, atop a rocky peak that dominates the Ceyhan River.
Osmaniye, inland from the head of the Guff of Iskenderun, is the turn-off for two more ancient sites. The road to Karatepe takes you to the ancient Roman city of Castabala, where a colonnaded street, theatre, baths and a fortress on the hill evoke a bygone era.
This region was much fought over during the Crusades and the impressive fortress at Toprakkale was for a time held by the Christian armies. Further back in history, Alexander the Great defeated Darius III and the Persian army in 333 B.C. at the Plain of Issos (Dortyol). Today this area is covered with large citrus groves which supply Turkey with oranges, tangerines and lemons. Iskenderun, formerly Alexandretta, was founded by Alexander the Great after his victory over the Persians on the Plain of Issos. Today it is a busy commercial center and port with a fine harbour. Excellent hotels, restaurants and cafes line the seafront surrounded by parks and palm trees. The culinary speciality of Iskenderun is delicious prawns.
Antakya, the biblical city of Antioch, lies on the Asi River (Orontes) on a fertile plain surrounded by grand mountains. Once the capital of the Seleucid kings, it was notorious for its wealth and luxury. In Roman times, the city continued to thrive with commerce and culture. It featured prominently in early Christianity and St. Barnabas, St. Paul and St. Peter all visited the city. The Antakya Museum houses one of the richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.
South of Antakya is Harbiye, the ancient Daphne, where, according to mythology, Apollo tried to make the wood nymph, Daphne, his lover. To escape him, she changed into a laurel tree. The city was a luxurious suburb in Roman times. Covered with orchards, gardens, laurel trees, and waterfalls, this is an excellent place for a good meal. In October, the delicious Harbiye dates are in season. Wonderful laurel-scented soap can be purchased here.