Things To Do
in Silifke
Silifke is a charming coastal town located in southern Turkey, known for its scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The town is home to historical landmarks such as the Silifke Castle, which stands tall overlooking the town. Visitors can explore the rich history of Silifke by wandering through its ancient ruins, including the remains of the ancient city of Olba.
The town also offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere for travelers looking to unwind by the sea.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $25 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the beautiful beaches of Silifke. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea and soak up the sun.
After lunch, explore the ancient ruins of the Silifke Castle and take in the stunning views from the top. Wander around the town and visit local boutiques for souvenirs.
Wrap up your day with a seaside dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy delicious seafood while watching the sunset over the horizon.
Visit the ancient city of Korykos to explore its ruins and admire the architecture. Take your time walking through the historical sites.
Head to the Silifke Museum to learn more about the region's rich history. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase local artifacts.
Stroll through the charming streets of Silifke and experience the local nightlife. Find a cozy café to enjoy a warm drink and people-watch.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches along the Mediterranean Sea.
- Rich historical heritage with ancient ruins such as the Silifke Castle.
- Mild Mediterranean climate, making it a great destination for outdoor activities.
- Access to local cuisine featuring fresh seafood and traditional Turkish dishes.
- Vibrant local markets and culture, giving a taste of Turkish village life.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities in Turkey.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, affecting the overall experience.
- Public transport may be less frequent, making it harder to explore surrounding areas.
- Less known among international tourists, which might affect the availability of certain amenities.
- Some areas may lack modern facilities, which could be a drawback for some visitors.
Best Activities in Silifke
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the ancient Alahan Monastery and its surroundings while enjoying a captivating hike.
Experience the natural wonders of Cennet and Cehennem (Heaven and Hell) sinkholes, perfect for outdoor exploration and photography.
Relax and soak up the sun at the beautiful beaches of Narlıkuyu, offering clear waters and stunning coastal views.
Discover the historic Kızkalesi (Maiden's Castle) and enjoy the beach, local cafes, and restaurants for a full day of outdoor activities.
Tours
Uncover the best of Silifke with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Silifke
Visit one of these nice places.
Perched on a hill, the castle offers stunning panoramic views of Silifke and the surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for photos and sightseeing.
These caves provide unique photo opportunities with their dramatic natural formations and scenic surroundings, offering a remarkable backdrop for stunning pictures.
This coastal town features picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea, making it an ideal location for capturing beautiful coastal landscapes and sunsets.
Food in Silifke
Silifke Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish featuring fresh sea bass grilled with olive oil, herbs, and spices, highlighting the region's excellent seafood.
Must-Try!
A traditional snack in Silifke made from lupin beans, often seasoned with salt, cumin, and other spices, and commonly enjoyed with a glass of cold ayran.
A delightful dessert made of thin, crispy layers of pastry filled with a sweet mix of nuts, sugar, and spices, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Silifke better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling Silifke Market is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, olives, cheeses, and local snacks like simit (sesame bread rings) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels).
This legendary spot in Silifke is known for its excellent street food such as dürüm (wrap sandwiches), kumru (grilled sandwich), and lahmacun (thin, crispy pizza-like flatbread).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Silifke, it is important to show respect to elders by using polite language and addressing them with titles such as 'abi' (older brother) or 'abla' (older sister).
Hospitality is highly valued in Silifke, and it is customary to offer guests tea or coffee as a sign of welcome and warmth.
As a predominantly Muslim community, it is important to be mindful of Islamic customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly and being respectful during prayer times.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Silifke with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Silifke
Ensure a smooth experience
In Silifke, Turkey, tipping is generally appreciated but not always expected. It is common to leave a small tip of around 5-10% at restaurants, especially for good service. Tipping for other services such as taxi rides and hotel staff may vary, but it's generally a nice gesture to show appreciation for good service.
In Silifke, Turkey, cash is still widely used for everyday transactions, although credit and debit cards are becoming more commonly accepted, particularly in larger establishments and tourist areas. It's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases and in more rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Silifke.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Silifke is in spring (April to June) when the weather is mild and lovely, and the countryside is in full bloom with wildflowers. You can expect pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists during this time.
In summer (July to September), Silifke experiences hot and dry weather with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This is the peak tourist season, and the coastal areas are popular for beach activities and water sports.
Autumn (October to November) is also a good time to visit Silifke with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. The landscape turns golden, and it's a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the ancient ruins.
Winter in Silifke (December to March) can be chilly and wet, especially in the higher elevations. While it's not the best time for beach activities, it's a great time to experience local culture and festivals while enjoying the cooler weather.
Silifke at Night
Hiking in Silifke
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque coastal area with trails that offer stunning views of the sea and surrounding cliffs.
Features beautiful coastal paths and access to local nature, ideal for hiking while enjoying views of the Mediterranean.
A mountainous region with trails that lead through forests and along rivers, perfect for more challenging hikes.
Offers diverse ecosystems with various hiking trails through marshes and coastal areas, rich in wildlife.
A scenic trail along the coastline that connects the two towns, providing breathtaking seaside views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Silifke through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Silifke by plane.
Located approximately 268 km from Silifke, this is the main airport serving the city of Izmir and the surrounding region.
Situated about 175 km from Silifke, this international airport serves the coastal city of Antalya and is one of the busiest airports in Turkey.
About 154 km away, this airport primarily serves the Hatay province and provides connections to various international destinations.
Located around 145 km from Silifke, this airport serves the Alanya district and offers both domestic and international flights.
Approximately 750 km from Silifke, this airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is one of the major airports in Turkey.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Silifke, constituting a significant portion of the population.
A notable minority group in Silifke, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of the area.
An ethnic group that has a presence in the region, particularly in some rural areas.
A smaller demographic group, known for their distinct cultural identity and language.
Includes various smaller communities such as Circassians and Greeks, each contributing to the local diversity.
The Soul of Silifke
Discover the essence of Silifke through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Silifke, with many local teams participating in regional leagues and community matches.
Basketball has a strong following in Silifke, with various clubs and school teams participating in competitions.
Volleyball is widely played in Silifke, especially among youth and women's teams, with regular tournaments held.
A traditional sport in Turkey, wrestling enjoys popularity in Silifke, with local events celebrating this heritage.
Cycling is growing in popularity in Silifke, with many scenic routes attracting both local enthusiasts and tourists.
Athletics is encouraged in schools, and many local athletes participate in track and field events at various levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Silifke.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Silifke is known for its seafood, many restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as stuffed grape leaves, vegetable stews, and mezze platters featuring a variety of salads and dips.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy dishes like grilled fish, kebabs with rice, and yogurt-based dishes, along with the bountiful selection of fresh fruits and vegetables available in the local markets.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Silifke with these cultural adventures.
