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10 places to visit in the Arsuz district of Hatay: Amanos Mountains, Arsuz Ancient City and Arsuz Beach. Plan your trip to Arsuz with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

Arsuz is a district of Hatay province, lying between the Amanos Mountains and the Mediterranean coast. It covers 462 km², stands at 12 m above sea level and has a population of 115,077. It is the 4th largest district in Hatay by area.

History

Over its history Arsuz has borne names such as Rhosus, Rhopolis, Port Panel, Kabev and Arsous. Its known history begins with the Seleucids, and it was founded around 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator. Arsuz was a very important harbour and settlement in the Byzantine and Roman periods. It gained district status by Law No. 6360 on 12 November 2012.

Geography

Arsuz is 87 km from Hatay provincial centre. About 20% of Hatay’s coastline lies within the district’s boundaries. The district’s elevation is 3 metres, and in its mountainous parts the highest elevation is over 1,700 metres.

Natural Resources

The district has asbestos deposits, with total reserves of 3,523,300 tonnes. It is very suitable for renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric and geothermal power.

History and Culture

Arsuz came under Arab rule in 638, Byzantine rule in 969 and Mamluk rule in 1268. Arsuz was a very important harbour and settlement during the Byzantine and Roman periods. Throughout its history, it has been home to many peoples with various beliefs. Nevruz is celebrated every year on 30 March in Akçalı town. Orthodox Christians hold a festival at the Meryem Ana Pool on 14 August.

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Places to Visit in Arsuz

  • 2 Historic
  • 3 Ancient City
  • 2 Religious
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Attraction

Historic Sites 2

Historic

Arsuz Ancient City (Rhossos)

The remains of the ancient city of Rhossos lie around Arsuz. Rhossos, an important harbour city in the Roman period, is being brought to light through archaeological excavations.

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Historic

Kale village castle (Arsuz Castle)

A castle in Kale village, believed to have been built during the Seljuk period. It has since collapsed, but its remains can be seen.

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Ancient Cities 3

Ancient City

Arsuz Ancient City

A historic settlement in Arsuz with ancient remains and harbour structures dating from the Seleucid period.

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Ancient City

Rosun city remains

From the city of Rosun, known in the Middle Ages as Port Bonel, remains of a necropolis, ancient buildings and mosaics survive.

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Ancient City

Sütunlü Harbour

The remains of a harbour from the Hellenistic period, about 8 km south of Arsuz.

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Religious Buildings 2

Religious

Meryem Ana Pool (Seydi)

A natural pool considered holy by Christians, on the road to Hacıahmetli village; it is also known locally as 'Seydi'.

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Religious

Mario Hanna Church

In the centre of Arsuz; it is stated to have been built in 1778 and restored in the 19th century.

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Natural Wonders 2

Nature

Amanos Mountains

The mountain range to the east of the district, forming its geographical boundary.

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Nature

Arsuz Beach

A long sandy stretch of Mediterranean coast with clear sea and fine sand, one of the most popular beaches in Hatay. It is favoured in summer for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.

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Attractions 1

Attraction

Arsuz Marina

The marina in Arsuz serves yacht and boat owners. The restaurants and cafés around the marina offer pleasant time with sea views.

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Places to Visit Around Hatay Province

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While you are in Arsuz, you can also see the highlights of Hatay province. These places are in other districts.

  • Hatay Archaeology Museum — One of the largest mosaic collections in the world, with Roman and Byzantine mosaics excavated from ancient Antioch and its surroundings; founded in the 1930s, the museum moved into its new building in 2014. It is famous for works such as Oceanus and Tethys, the Abandoned Ariadne and the skeleton mosaic.
  • Church of St Peter — A cave church carved into the rock on the western slope of Mount Stauris, 13 metres deep; according to Christian tradition it is where the first Christians of Antioch met in secret, and it is counted among the oldest churches in the world.
  • Habib-i Neccar Mosque — One of the oldest mosques in Antakya; it is believed to have been built on the site of an old temple and church after the Arab conquest of the 7th century.
  • Titus Tunnel — A water tunnel and channel cut into the rock in the Çevlik neighbourhood of Samandağ in the time of the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus (1st century AD) to protect the harbour of ancient Seleucia Pieria from floodwater; it is about 1.4 km long.
  • Harbiye (Daphne) Waterfalls — Small waterfalls and springs flowing among laurel trees at Harbiye, south of Antakya; in antiquity this was Daphne, the sacred grove of the cult of Apollo.
  • Bakras Castle — A medieval castle on a steep hill at Belen, controlling the pass that links Antakya with Cilicia; in the Crusader period it was one of the Knights Templar's important bases.

Practical Information for Visiting Arsuz

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Summer months (June-September)
Places to visit
10 places

What to Eat in Arsuz

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  • Arsuz Balığı (fresh fish)

    Fresh fish caught in the Mediterranean, served grilled or pan-fried. Eating fresh fish at Arsuz's seaside restaurants is one of the district's highlights.

  • Humus (chickpea dip)

    Chickpeas mashed with tahini, lemon juice and olive oil, humus is essential to Arsuz's meze tables.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Arsuz

  • Ancient Rhossos Heritage

    Arsuz's ancient name was Rhossos, and it was an important harbour city in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Archaeological remains bear the traces of this rich history.

  • Coastal Culture

    Arsuz is Hatay's most important centre of coastal tourism. The coastal culture, which comes alive in summer, along with water sports and sea festivals, shapes the district's way of life.

Local Products

  • Fresh Seafood — Prawns, sea bass and sea bream caught in the Mediterranean are among Arsuz's important natural products.
  • Citrus Fruit — Oranges and lemons grown around Arsuz are the region's important agricultural products.

Economy

Arsuz's economy is based on tourism, fishing and agriculture. Coastal tourism brings significant income in the summer months. Citrus and olive production are other sources of income.

How to Get to Arsuz

Arsuz is 20 km from İskenderun and 60 km from Antakya. Hatay Airport is about 40 km away.

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Arsuz: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Arsuz?

The 10 highlights in Arsuz are Amanos Mountains, Arsuz Ancient City, Arsuz Beach, Arsuz Ancient City (Rhossos), Arsuz Marina, Meryem Ana Pool (Seydi), Mario Hanna Church, Kale village castle (Arsuz Castle), Rosun city remains and Sütunlü Harbour.

What is there to eat in Arsuz?

Arsuz Balığı and Humus are the standout dishes on Arsuz's tables.

What is Arsuz famous for?

Arsuz is known for Fresh Seafood and Ancient Rhossos Heritage. Prawns, sea bass and sea bream caught in the Mediterranean are among Arsuz's important natural products.

How do I get to Arsuz?

Arsuz is 20 km from İskenderun and 60 km from Antakya. Hatay Airport is about 40 km away.

How long should I spend in Arsuz?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June-September).

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