Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 9 places to visit in the Erdemli district of Mersin: Elaiussa-Sebaste, Kızkalesi (Corycus) and Cennet and Cehennem Sinkholes. Plan your trip to Erdemli with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Erdemli is a district of Mersin province with an area of 2,279 km². The district’s population was approximately 153,967 according to the 2023 census.
The origin of the name Erdemli is not known for certain, but it is thought to come from the Erdemoğulları, a Turkmen tribe that is believed to have come from Central Anatolia in the 15th century. After the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, Erdemli became a district on 1 June 1954.
The average elevation of the district centre is 13 metres above sea level. The plain part of the district is under the influence of a warm, temperate sub-tropical climate. Its high mountainous region is cool and very rainy in summer, and snowy and cold in winter.
Korykos-Kızkalesi was densely settled in the Roman and Byzantine periods and also in the Islamic periods; artefacts taken from the necropolis area show that it dates from the 4th century BC. In the 12th century AD a castle was built on the islet near the coast, which gave the town its name. The Elaiussa-Sebaste site lies at the 55th km of the Mersin–Silifke road and was founded at the end of the 2nd century BC. The first settlement at the Kanytelleis-Kanlıdivane site dates to the late 3rd century BC.
Erdemli became a district on 1 June 1954. An inscription shows that Maiden’s Castle was built in 1199 by Leo I.
After the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, Erdemli was a small settlement attached to Silifke district until it became a district on 1 June 1954. Erdemli is located 37 km west of Mersin, on the Mediterranean coast.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source A medieval castle on an island in the sea off Akdeniz, Erdemli's most iconic structure. Together with the castle on the land opposite, it is part of the ancient city of Corycus.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source The Roman-period mosaic of the Three Graces is displayed in this small museum in Narlıkuyu. Its architectural features and historical importance add to the cultural richness of the region.
View on mapA sea castle of Korykos, built on a small islet off the Erdemli coast.
View on mapAn ancient city at the 55th km of the Mersin–Silifke road. It was founded at the end of the 2nd century BC.
View on mapIn the Şeytan Deresi Valley, eleven rock reliefs depicting a funerary feast.
View on mapA Roman city known for its theatre, basilica and aqueducts, which became a trade and harbour city.
View on mapAn ancient harbour city known for its sea and land castles, churches and harbour.
View on mapAn archaeological site known for its churches, sarcophagi and Roman-period tombs on a rocky slope.
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Photo: Martincarpio1973 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Karstic sinkholes on the Erdemli–Silifke border, among the most impressive natural formations.
View on mapWhile you are in Erdemli, you can also see the highlights of Mersin province. These places are in other districts; Erdemli is about 40 km from the provincial centre.
Finely chopped beef is fried in oil and wrapped in lavash bread. Prepared with seasonal ingredients, the dish offers a different flavour in each season.
Fresh Mediterranean fish is grilled and served in bread.
Kızkalesi is known for the legend of a king who built a castle on the sea to protect his daughter from a snake. This legend is one of the best-known stories in Anatolian folk culture.
The economy of Erdemli is based on farming and tourism. Citrus fruits and bananas are the main agricultural products. Kızkalesi and the ancient cities bring in income from tourism.
Erdemli is 40 km from Mersin city centre. It lies on the Mersin–Silifke coastal road.
The highlights of Erdemli are 9 sites: Elaiussa-Sebaste, Kızkalesi (Corycus), Cennet and Cehennem Sinkholes, Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum, Maiden's Castle (Kız Kalesi), Adamkayalar, Elaiussa Sebaste Ancient City, Korykos Ancient City and Tapureli Archaeological Site.
Tantuni and Balık Ekmek are the standout dishes on Erdemli tables.
Erdemli is known for Erdemli Lamas Lemon and the Legend of Kızkalesi. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected designation of origin.
Erdemli is 40 km from Mersin city centre. It lies on the Mersin–Silifke coastal road.
Suggested visit: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.