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The road from Mersin to Silifke closely follows the coast, passing by pine forests and orange groves. On one side lie the ruins of citics, basilicas and tombs, on the other a series of small secluded coves with sandy beaches. A row of Corinthian columns that once lined the main street remain at Vlransehir (13 km west of Mersin), ancient Pompeiopolis founded in 700 B.C. by Rhodians. At Kanlidivane are the ruins of ancient Kanytelis with tombs resembling small temples, churches and sarcophagi dating from Roman and Byzantine times.The city itself and the ruins are all on the sides of a deep gorge. Kizkalesl, a holiday resort and the ancient site of Korykos has fine sandy beaches, motels and camp sites. The Castle of Korykos on shore faces another fort, Kizkalesi (Maiden's Castle), that stands on a tiny island 200 meters off shore. Formerly, a sea wall joined the two fortresses.
Just beyond Kizkalesi, on a bay lined with fish restaurants, at the little fishing village of Narlikuyu is a Roman mosaic depicting the Three Graces. Further on are the deep chasms known as Cennet-Cehennem (Heaven and Hell). In Ihe Vale of Heaven are the nuins of a fifth century chapel. Nearby in the deep Narlikuyu Cave, full of stalagmiles and stalactites, the humid air is believed to aid sufferers of respiratory diseases.
Located slightly inland, Silifke (90 km from Mersin) spreads out at the foot of a hill. Crowned with a citadel, this highland was formerly the acropolis of ancient Seleucia. In the town, a Roman bridge crosses the ancient Calycadnos River, today called the Goksu. Ataturk once stayed in a local turn-of-the-century house that has now been converted into the Ethnographical Museum. The Silifke Archaeological Museum, on the way to Tasucu is filled with relics from all over the area. In Demircili, north of Silifke on the way to Uzuncaburc, there are well preserved monumental tombs of the early Roman period.
The drive up the mountain road to the magnificent ancient site of Dlocaeserea, Uzuncaburc, at 1200 meters is lined with large tombs. The remains of the impressive Temple of Zeus Olbius, the Temple of Tyche, a monumental arch, theater, Byzantine church, and tower are outstanding. Four kilometers to the east, the ruins of olba (Ura) -- the Roman aqueducts, theater, and fountain -- make a quick tour.
Continuing along the coast road south from Siiifke you come to Meryemlik (Ayatekla), a Roman necropolis with the tomb and church of St. Thecla, the first female martyr.
Tasucu, with good accommodation for tourists, is a resort town with sandy beaches and a harbor. A regular sea bus and ferry boat service connects the town with Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Ovacik 44 km west of Tasucu is a quiet spot well known for its fisherman's wharf and beach. The peninsula (ancient Cavaliere) of Ovacik is one of the natural highlights of Turkey, an area ideal for diving. If this sport interest you, visit Kosrelik Bay and Kosrelik Island. Aydincik, to the west of Ovacik clearly marks the surrounding sailing waters ensuring safety for the yachts that ply this breathtaking stretch of coast. The shore road that clings to the pine-clad mountain slopes which plunge steeply down to the sea offers spectacular views of cliffs, coves and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Another 36 km to the west of Aydincik, Bozyazi is a holiday center with clean and roomy camping sites along its wide beaches.
The fine well preserved Anamur Castle, set between two curving sandy beaches commands a splendid view of the coastline. Originally built by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages, it later served as an Ottoman stronghold.
The town of Anamur, nestled in the mountains with banana plantations surrounding it, is a few kilometers inland. Just west of town on a beautiful beach are the ruins of the ancient Anamorium with double ramparts, a theater, odeon, bath and necropolis.
