Hatay — city image

Hatay Neyi Meşhur?

152 published placesUpdated April 6, 2026

Hatay neyiyle meşhur? Hatay, with license plate code 31, stands out for Antakya's rich mosaics and museums, multicultural religious structures, the Titus Tunnel and Mediterranean coast, the nature of Defne–Harbiye, and world-renowned künefe and Hatay cuisine.

One-day overview

Morning

Antakya sokakları

Afternoon

Müze

Evening

Künefe

Famous for

  • Place

    Antakya

    Tarihi şehir merkezi.

  • Place

    Vakıflı Köyü

    Türkiye’nin son Ermeni köyü.

Flavor notes

  • KünefePeynirli tatlı.
  • Tepsi KebabıFırın yemeği.
  • HumusMeze kültürü.

Quick navigation

City guide

Overview and planning notes.

Hatay Travel Guide: Antakya, Titus Tunnel, Mosaics, and Künefe

Quick answer: Hatay, with its license plate code 31, is located on the Mediterranean coast; it is a multicultural province centered around Antakya. The Hatay Archaeology Museum, Saint Pierre Church, and Habib-i Neccar Mosque are mentioned side by side in the same urban fabric. The Vespasianus–Titus Tunnel and Harbiye waterfalls combine nature and history. Hatay künefe, olive oil dishes, kebabs, and pöç are the symbols of the dining table.

The route encompassing Antakya, İskenderun, and Samandağ–Çevlik should not be squeezed into a single day. Verify museum and archaeological site hours from up-to-date announcements.

Build your trip on three pillars

In Hatay, most travelers divide their time between Antakya bazaar, mosques, and museums, the Titus tunnel, coast, and Harbiye nature, and künefe, breakfast, and the Hatay table. Nelerimeshur lists hundreds of venues; the ones below are sample selections. To see the full list, you can browse the categories from the Hatay homepage.

Antakya: bazaar, mosque, and sacred sites

Antakya Long Bazaar (Uzun Çarşı) is the heart of central exploration with the scent of spices and crafts. Antakya Uzun Çarşı.

Habib-i Neccar Mosque and the Tree of Moses (Musa Ağacı) are added to the faith and storytelling route. Habib-i Neccar Camii · Musa Ağacı.

The ATATÜRK MONUMENT and Şeyh Yusuf El Hekim are stops within the city's memory. ATATÜRK ANITI · Şeyh Yusuf El Hekim.

The Tomb of Hz. Hızır features on religious visitation lists. Hz. Hızır Türbesi.

All historical records: Hatay — historical places.

Titus Tunnel, coast, and surrounding castles

The Vespasianus – Titus Tunnel and the Titus tunnel road are prominent examples of Roman engineering. Vespasianus — Titus Tüneli · Titus tünel yolu.

Çevlik Beach is planned as a coastal break. Çevlik Plajı · Karaağaç Plajı.

Payas Castle and Erzin Hot Springs (İçmeler) provide examples of surrounding excursions. Payas Kalesi · Erzin İçmeleri.

Altınözü Glass Terrace serves as a scenic viewpoint break. Altınözü Cam Teras.

Museums and archaeological sites

The Hatay Archaeology Museum and Saint Pierre Church Memorial Museum form the foundation of the Antakya cultural route. Hatay Arkeoloji Müzesi · Saint Pierre Kilisesi Anıt Müzesi.

The İskenderun Naval Museum and St. Simeon Monastery appeal to different interests. İskenderun Deniz Müzesi · St. Simon Manastırı.

The Harbiye Waterfall and Beşikli Cave are listed under the museum category; they can be considered alongside expectations of nature and caves. Harbiye Şelalesi · Beşikli Mağara.

All museums: Hatay — museums and art galleries.

Parks, plateaus, and recreation areas

Defne Harbiye Hydropark, Atatürk Park, and Vali Ürgen Park are inner-city green spaces. Defne Harbiye Hidropark · Atatürk Parkı · Vali Ürgen Parkı.

Karlısu Pond Water and Adventure Park, Citrus Park (Turunçgiller Parkı), and İskenderun Nation's Park are suitable for family outings. Karlısu Göleti Su ve Macera Parkı · Turunçgiller Parkı · İskenderun Millet Parkı.

Alan Plateau and Soğukoluk Belen are for those seeking cool air and nature. Alan Yaylası · Soğukoluk Belen.

Kırıkhan City Forest is listed as a green area. Kırıkhan Kent Ormanı.

Full park list: Hatay — nature and parks.

Gastronomy: künefe, pöç, and the Hatay table

Künefe and desserts: Çınaraltı Künefe Yusuf Usta, Köprü Hatay Künefe, Hatay Meclis Künefe, Nuri Usta Uluçınar Künefe, Hatay Ferah Künefe ve Baklava Salonu, EMMOĞLU Baklava Serinyol.

Meat, kebabs, and pöç: Pöç Kasap ve Restaurant, Konak Restaurant, Kule Restaurant, Koca Yusuf Restaurant, Muhtar'ın Yeri Aile Kebap Salonu, Gariban Kebap, Ciğerci Cuma.

Fish and scenery: Çağlayan Alabalık, Seyirtepe Restaurant & Cafe, Nuri Kuzeytepe Restaurant, Gülpınar Restoran.

Table examples: Şirinyer Restaurant, Alican Restaurant, Kurtoğlu Restaurant, Ünal Restaurant, Hatay Büyükşehir Belediyesi Habibi Neccar Sosyal Tesisi.

Breakfast: Antakya Kahvaltı Evi (Hatay Sultan Sofrası), Hatay Sultan Sofrası Kahvaltı Evi, Defne Sultan Konağı, Dalgaç 1949, Hatay Karaca Kahvaltı & Et, Yusuf Dayı Kahvaltı Salonu.

Cafes and döner: Tarihi Affan Kahvesi, Sümerler Çay Bahçesi, Necmi Usta Döner Salonu Antakya, Belen Seyir Terası.

Street food: Mısırlı Döner, Elbruz Pide Salonu, BY GUSTO Döner.

Extensive lists: Popular restaurants, Breakfast spots, Cafes and dessert shops, Bars and pubs.

Sample 3-day itinerary

Day 1 — Antakya: Archaeology Museum, Saint Pierre, Uzun Çarşı, and Habib-i Neccar; künefe in the evening.

Day 2 — Titus and the coast: Titus Tunnel and Çevlik or a coastal break; on the way back, Defne–Harbiye hydropark or the surrounding waterfalls.

Day 3 — İskenderun or the plateau: Naval Museum and Nation's Park or Alan Plateau / Soğukoluk (selection based on weather and available time).

Featured places

Published content; sorted by popularity and rating.

View all

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Hatay's license plate and region?
    Hatay is located in the Mediterranean Region with the license plate code 31, nestled in a coastal and plain geography bordering Syria.
  • Is the Titus Tunnel in downtown Antakya?
    No, it is towards Samandağ–Çevlik. You need to allocate separate travel time from the center.
  • What to eat in Hatay?
    Künefe and cheese-based desserts, olive oil-infused appetizers, various pöç and kebab dishes, fish, and a rich spread breakfast culture are prominent.
  • Can Antakya and İskenderun be visited on the same day?
    Due to distance and traffic, it is generally more comfortable to plan them on separate days or make a selective itinerary.
  • Which museums should I prioritize?
    For most visitors, the Hatay Archaeology Museum and Saint Pierre Church are the natural starting points; the Naval Museum can be added along the İskenderun route.
  • Hatay mutfağı nasıl?
    Türkiye’nin en zengin mutfaklarından biridir.

Lesser-known stops

  • Harbiye Şelaleleri

    Doğal su kaynakları.

    Why overlooked? Yerel bilinirlik yüksek ama turistik değil.

Other provinces in the same thematic area.

Community routes

Stops link to place listings.