Photo: Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Source 12 places to visit in the Gazipaşa district of Antalya: Gazipaşa Beaches, Selinus Ancient City and Gazipaşa Castle. Plan your trip to Gazipaşa with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Gazipaşa is the easternmost district of Antalya province in Türkiye’s Mediterranean Region. Its population was 53,702 in 2022.
The soils along the coast are reddish-chestnut in colour and suitable for vegetables, citrus fruit and bananas.
Economic life in Gazipaşa depends on the weather. Greenhouse farming has been the district’s most important source of income. The largest share of agriculture comes from early-season greenhouse vegetable growing under cover and banana cultivation.
Settlement in Selinus dates to the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. According to a source, the death of the Roman Emperor Trajan in Selinus increased Roman interest in the city. The acropolis of Selinus sits on a hill and is reached by a staircase of about 800 steps. The remains of Bıçkıcı Monastery are dated to the early Byzantine period. The Gazipaşa Seedless Pomegranate Festival is held every year on 21–22 October. A news report notes that Gazipaşa district stands out for its banana production and under-cover farming.
The Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism page lists the Gazipaşa Seedless Pomegranate Festival on 21–22 October.
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Photo: Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Source Selinus, where the Roman Emperor Trajan died in AD 117, was an important port city in ancient times. Its remains include a bath, a church and a necropolis area.
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Photo: Stegop (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A castle on a hill overlooking the sea, built in the Roman and Byzantine periods. It offers wide views of the Mediterranean.
View on mapA two-storey structure built with rubble stone walls. It is located in Kayhalar town, on the coastal plain west of Bıçkıcı Monastery.
View on mapThe city lies in Güney village, 18 km from the district. Its remains include a necropolis area, a colonnaded street, a church, a bath, an agora and medieval castle walls.
View on mapRemains identified from inscriptions as the ancient city of Cestrus, lying on a hill about 350 metres high. The city is dated to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.
View on mapThe city is reached by a road branching south from the 15th kilometre of the Gazipaşa–Mersin highway. Its remains include city walls, an acropolis and a structure that appears to be a temple.
View on mapLocated in the wide plain south of Gazipaşa, about 3 km north-west of Selinus. Monastery remains dating to the early Byzantine period can be found here.
View on mapBanana gardens stretching along the coastal parts of the district create a tropical atmosphere. The gardens can be visited during the banana harvest.
View on mapA cove reached through a cave entrance opening onto the sea. A news report notes that it can also be reached on foot along a path through the banana gardens around the cove.
View on mapNatural pools on the shore of Koru Neighbourhood. A news report says that thousands of tourists swim in these pools every year.
View on mapA news report mentions it among Gazipaşa's historic and natural sites waiting to be discovered.
View on mapWhile you are in Gazipaşa, you can also see the highlights of Antalya province. These places are in other districts; Gazipaşa is about 170 km from the provincial centre.
Made with Gazipaşa's famous bananas, this dessert is prepared by serving caramelised banana slices with ice cream or kaymak.
Antalya piyaz, made with dried beans, onion, parsley and tahini, is an indispensable meze on traditional tables in Gazipaşa too.
Fish freshly caught in the Mediterranean are served grilled in coastal restaurants.
Gazipaşa is known for its banana production, with banana gardens stretching along the coastline.
Gazipaşa is where the Roman Emperor Trajan died in AD 117 while returning from a campaign against the Parthians. This historic event makes the district important in Roman history.
Gazipaşa's economy consists of agriculture, greenhouse farming and tourism. Banana and avocado production are the district's most important sources of income. The Gazipaşa–Alanya Airport has increased the region's tourism potential.
Gazipaşa is 170 km from Antalya city centre. Gazipaşa–Alanya Airport is 5 km from the district. The Antalya–Mersin highway passes through the district.
Gazipaşa's 12 highlights: Gazipaşa Beaches, Selinus Ancient City, Gazipaşa Castle, Gazipaşa Banana Gardens, Antiocheia Ad Gragum (Güney Castle, Nohutyeri), Cestrus (Macar Ruins), Nephelis (Muzkent), Kral Cove (Delik Deniz), Koru Neighbourhood natural pools, Yalandünya Cave, Bıçkıcı Monastery and Bıçkıcı Medieval Tower.
Muz Tatlısı, Piyaz, Balık Izgara and Muz are the standout foods on Gazipaşa's tables.
Gazipaşa is known for its Gazipaşa Seedless Pomegranate and as the Last Stop of Roman Emperor Trajan. It is listed in TÜRKPATENT as a protected designation of origin product.
Gazipaşa is 170 km from Antalya city centre. Gazipaşa–Alanya Airport is 5 km from the district. The Antalya–Mersin highway passes through the district.
Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: May-October.