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9 places to visit in the Bozyazı district of Mersin: Nagidos Ancient City, Softa Castle and Bozyazı Beaches. Plan your trip to Bozyazı with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Bozyazı is a district of Mersin province, set at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, with an area of 642 km². The fact that its coasts host an important colony of the Mediterranean monk seal, a species in grave danger of extinction, is a clear indication that the sea here is very clean.

History

Paşa Beleni Hill was founded as a Rhodian or Samian colony in the 5th and 4th centuries BC. The city’s first name was Nagidos, and it is attributed to its founder Nagis. Ancient sources state that Nagidos was colonised by the Samians. In the Hellenistic period it came under the influence of the Ptolemies of Egypt, but subsequent pirate raids led to the city’s decline.

Geography

The district of Bozyazı lies on the Mediterranean coast at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. To the east lies Aydıncık, to the west Anamur, to the north Gülnar and Ermenek, and to the south the Mediterranean. The district’s land is generally mountainous, with little flat, open terrain. The Bozyazı Stream, the largest watercourse in the district, rises on the slopes of the Elmakuz and Söğüt mountains.

History and Culture

The name Nagidos is given as the city’s first name, attributed to its founder Nagis. Bozyazı became a district in 1987, having been a town attached to Anamur. Artefacts from the Egyptian, Byzantine and Seljuk periods are said to be found in Bozyazı. The remains of Nagidos that survive to the present day consist only of walls close to the summit of the hill.

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Places to Visit in Bozyazı

  • 2 Historic
  • 4 Ancient City
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Beach

Historic Sites 2

Softa Castle - Bozyazı Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Historic

Softa Castle

A medieval castle on the Mediterranean coast, notable for its sea views. The structure is an important example of cultural heritage reflecting the region's history.

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Historic

Yelbiz Castle

Located on a high hill in Bozyazı.

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Ancient Cities 4

Ancient City

Nagidos Ancient City

Ancient city remains on Paşabeleni Hill in Bozyazı town centre. Excavations have been carried out by the Archaeology Department of Mersin University.

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Ancient City

Nagidos Ruins

The remains of Nagidos, one of the oldest cities of the region, lie on a hill near the coast in Bozyazı district.

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Ancient City

Kilise Cape

A ruined site from the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods.

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Ancient City

Maraş Hill (Arsione)

An ancient port city established on Maraş Hill; the city bears the name of Queen Arsione.

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Natural Wonders 2

Nature

Bozyazı Beaches

Bozyazı's sandy beaches are ideal for swimming and sunbathing in the clear Mediterranean water.

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Nature

Çaltı Cave

A cave in Lenger village in Bozyazı.

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Beaches and Coves 1

Beach

Tekmen, Tekeli, Gözce and Gözsüzce beaches

Named in official promotional material as important tourist centres.

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Places to Visit Around Mersin Province

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While you are in Bozyazı, you can also see the highlights of Mersin province. These places are in other districts; Bozyazı is about 200 km from the provincial centre.

  • Kızkalesi (Korykos) — A medieval sea castle built on an islet about 200 metres off the coast in the Kızkalesi neighbourhood of Erdemli; together with the land castle of Korykos opposite, it is the best-known symbol of the Cilician coast.
  • Heaven and Hell Sinkholes (Cennet ve Cehennem Obrukları) — Giant sinkholes formed by the dissolving of limestone, 25 km from Silifke and 2 km north-west of Narlıkuyu; steps lead down to the 5th-century Church of the Virgin Mary at the bottom of the Heaven Sinkhole.
  • Mamure Castle — A castle on the seashore at Anamur, founded in the Roman period and enlarged under the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia and the Karamanids; it is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Anatolia.
  • Anemurium Ancient City — At Cape Anamur, with its theatre, odeon, baths and extensive necropolis from the Roman and Byzantine periods, it is one of the most impressive ghost cities on the Mediterranean coast.
  • Uzuncaburç (Olba–Diocaesarea) — The sacred centre of the Teucrid priest-kings, 30 km north of Silifke; it is known for the Temple of Zeus Olbios, one of the oldest Corinthian-order temples in Anatolia, the Temple of Tyche, the theatre and a five-storey tower.
  • Cleopatra's Gate and Tarsus — A Roman-period city gate in Tarsus that, according to legend, Cleopatra is believed to have entered to meet Mark Antony; nearby are Saint Paul's Well, a Roman road and the historic houses of Tarsus.

Practical Information for Visiting Bozyazı

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
9 places

What to Eat in Bozyazı

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  • Tantuni

    Finely chopped beef fried in oil and wrapped in lavash bread. The recipe, passed down from generation to generation, varies slightly from family to family.

  • Balık Izgara (grilled fish)

    Fresh Mediterranean fish grilled and served. Prepared using recipes passed down from generation to generation, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Bozyazı

  • Mediterranean Coastal Culture

    With its location on the Mediterranean coast, Bozyazı keeps its maritime culture alive. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local people's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Bozyazı Kavutu — Bozyazı Kavutu was registered as a protected geographical indication on 3 September 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 530). Product group: chocolate, confectionery and related products. Registered by: Dokuma ve Kültür Ürünleri Geliştirme Derneği (Association for the Development of Weaving and Cultural Products).
  • Bananas — Bozyazı, together with Anamur, is one of Türkiye's banana-producing centres.

Economy

The economy of Bozyazı is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Bozyazı's economy rests on banana cultivation, citrus fruits and tourism. Small and large livestock farming are important sources of livelihood. Beekeeping and forestry are also carried out in the district.

How to Get to Bozyazı

Bozyazı is 200 km from Mersin city centre. It lies on the Antalya–Mersin coastal road.

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Bozyazı: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Bozyazı?

The 9 highlights of Bozyazı are Nagidos Ancient City, Softa Castle, Bozyazı Beaches, Nagidos Ruins, Yelbiz Castle, Kilise Cape, Maraş Hill (Arsione), Çaltı Cave and the Tekmen, Tekeli, Gözce and Gözsüzce beaches.

What is there to eat in Bozyazı?

Tantuni and Balık Izgara are the standout flavours at Bozyazı's tables.

What is Bozyazı famous for?

Bozyazı is known for its Bozyazı Kavutu and its Mediterranean Coastal Culture. Registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.

How do I get to Bozyazı?

Bozyazı is 200 km from Mersin city centre. It lies on the Antalya–Mersin coastal road.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Bozyazı?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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