TR RU

8 places to visit in the Çamlıyayla district of Mersin: Çamlıyayla Plateaus, Çamlıyayla Mosque and Namrun Castle. Plan your trip to Çamlıyayla with local food, practical tips and transport information.

Share with friends

Çamlıyayla is a district of Mersin province, also known locally as Namrun. The district became a separate district in 1990, when it was separated from Tarsus. The district covers an area of 602 km² and its elevation is 1,163 metres.

History

In Hittite sources the name Çamlıyayla appears as İlibru. Namrun Castle, which gave the district its name, remained in Armenian hands for a long period, from the time of the Crusaders’ arrival in the region and from the Seljuk dynasty onwards. The castle was taken and restored in 1488 by the Ottoman vizier Davut Pasha. The name of the Namrun subdistrict, attached to Tarsus district in İçel province, was changed to Çamlıyayla in 1965, and on 20 May 1990 it became a district.

Geography

The average elevation of Çamlıyayla district centre above sea level is 1,150 metres. The district is bordered by Ulukışla to the north, Tarsus to the east and south, Halkapınar to the north-west, and Mersin city centre to the west. The forests within the boundaries of Çamlıyayla contain pine, Calabrian pine, Turkish red pine, stone pine, juniper and other tree species. The Ana Juniper (Anıt Ardıç) is around 1,100 years old and is the oldest juniper in Türkiye.

Tourism

In summer, the district sees activity related to plateau tourism. The district is rich in trekking, mountain and water sports.

History and Culture

Çamlıyayla became a district on 20 May 1990 after separating from the subdistrict attached to Tarsus. Namrun Castle was built as a defensive castle in 1045.

Last updated:

Places to Visit in Çamlıyayla

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 5 Nature

Historic Sites 2

Historic

Namrun Castle

A defensive castle built on a high hill in the district centre of Çamlıyayla. It has been restored and is open to visitors.

View on map
Historic

Sinap Castle

The second-largest historic structure in the district after Namrun Castle. A fountain to its south provides drinking water all year round.

View on map

Religious Buildings 1

Religious

Çamlıyayla Mosque

The mosque in the district centre was built in the traditional Anatolian architectural style. The building, which reflects local architectural character, is important both religiously and culturally. Local people keep their cultural heritage alive by holding traditional plateau festivals every summer.

View on map

Natural Wonders 5

Nature

Çamlıyayla Plateaus

Plateaus in the upper reaches of the Taurus Mountains, known for their cool summer climate and pine forests. Ideal for camping and nature walks.

View on map
Nature

Ana Juniper (Ana Ardıç)

A registered monumental tree, 22 metres tall and 3.5 metres in diameter, at the foot of the Bolkar Mountains, north of the Kadıncık valley.

View on map
Nature

Papazın Bahçesi (Priest's Garden)

A picnic area in Çamlıyayla, within a valley, where waterfalls and trout ponds are found.

View on map
Nature

Çini Lake

A crater lake at an altitude of 2,500 metres in the Bolkar Mountains, within the boundaries of Çamlıyayla. There is a camping area on its shore.

View on map
Nature

Cehennemderesi Canyon

A canyon near Sebil town; it is one of the suitable routes for walking (trekking).

View on map

Places to Visit Around Mersin Province

See all →

While you are in Çamlıyayla, you can also see the highlights of Mersin province. These places are in other districts; Çamlıyayla is about 60 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 Çamlıyayla

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Summer months (June–August)
Places to visit
8 places

What to Eat in Çamlıyayla

Food guide →

  • Tantuni

    Finely chopped beef is fried in oil and wrapped in lavash bread. It can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home-style restaurants.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    A traditional dish prepared by simmering cracked wheat and meat for a long time. Prepared from recipes handed down from generation to generation, this dish is an important part of the local culinary culture. Pounding the wheat and simmering it with meat for hours is a process that requires patience.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Çamlıyayla

  • Plateau Culture

    As its name suggests, Çamlıyayla is known for its plateaus covered with pine forests. Plateau culture and the tradition of livestock farming form the basis of the district's identity.

Local Products

  • Forest Products — Thanks to the rich forest resources of Çamlıyayla, timber and firewood are produced.

Economy

The economy of Çamlıyayla is based on agriculture and livestock farming. The economy of Çamlıyayla is based on forestry, livestock farming and plateau tourism. Small and large livestock farming are among the important sources of livelihood. Beekeeping and forestry are also carried out in the district.

How to Get to Çamlıyayla

Çamlıyayla is 60 km from Mersin city centre. It lies in the high parts of the Taurus Mountains.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Mersin

Çamlıyayla: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Çamlıyayla?

The 8 highlights of Çamlıyayla are: Çamlıyayla Plateaus, Çamlıyayla Mosque, Namrun Castle, Ana Juniper, Papazın Bahçesi, Sinap Castle, Çini Lake and Cehennemderesi Canyon.

What is there to eat in Çamlıyayla?

Tantuni and Keşkek are the standout dishes on tables in Çamlıyayla.

What is Çamlıyayla famous for?

Çamlıyayla is known for its Forest Products and Plateau Culture. Timber and firewood are produced thanks to the rich forest resources of Çamlıyayla.

How do I get to Çamlıyayla?

Çamlıyayla is 60 km from Mersin city centre. It lies in the high parts of the Taurus Mountains.

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

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June–August).

Continue Your Trip

Other Districts of Mersin

Search 81 province guides and 968 district guides.