Adana holidays

How to reach Adana

Flight time: Flights to Adana from the UK will involve a transfer in Istanbul or Ankara, with a total journey time of around 6 to 8 hours.

Transfer time: After landing at Adana’s Sakirpasa Airport, it is best to reach the city centre by taxi, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Price:

• Taxis to central Adana cost around TRY200 (£5), although regular taxis from the street outside the airport are usually cheaper.

• The city bus is a budget-friendly option at around TRY40 (£1) per ride.

Best time to visit Adana

Adana has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters and comfortable temperatures for the rest of the year. Here’s what you can expect in all seasons:

• April to June is one of the best times for holidays to Adana. Spring temperatures range from 18 to 30°C, and there is low rainfall and abundant sunshine, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The lower number of visitors also makes it more pleasant than the peak months.

• July to August is the peak tourist season, but it can get very hot, with average summer highs of 35 to 40°C and very little rain. Locals and visitors often take refuge in shaded areas or enjoy indoor cultural spots during the day's hottest hours.

• September to November is warm and welcoming, with average autumn temperatures cooling from 32°C in September to 18°C by November and fewer crowds than summer. Rainfall increases gradually, but the weather is generally dry with plenty of sunshine, ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

• December to March is winter but mild, with daytime temperatures between 10 and 16°C, though nights can dip to single figures. Rainfall is heaviest during these months, especially in January and February, but the milder temperatures and quieter atmosphere provide a more relaxed experience for visitors.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Turkish is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in restaurants, hotels and the tourism industry. Learning a few Turkish phrases can be helpful and is appreciated.

• Local habits and customs: Turkey is a Muslim country, so respect for Islamic culture is important. This includes dressing modestly away from the beach or pool, especially when visiting mosques. Tipping 10 percent in restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is standard practice.

• Currency: Turkey uses the Turkish Lira. Adana has plenty of ATMs and card payments are common, although it’s wise to carry some cash for markets and smaller establishments.

• Getting around: The city’s public transport system includes buses, minibuses (dolmuşes) and taxis. The low price of taxis makes them the most convenient option for short trips across the city. Most city buses require a contactless Adana Kentkart, available at kiosks.

• Electricity and plug types: Turkey uses 220V with European-style two-pin plugs; UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Adana is 3 hours ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Adana

Adana is Turkey’s fifth largest city, located in the south of the country, and is brimming with a unique mix of historical buildings, cultural attractions and beautiful views. The northern part is more modern, with malls and entertainment, while the old town in the south is full of character and charm. Here’s what you can look forward to during Adana holidays:

The best districts

• Tepebağ: Adana’s oldest neighbourhood has narrow lanes winding past historic houses and shaded courtyards. It is a fantastic area to explore on foot, soaking up the traditional architecture and atmosphere.

• Bazaar: The old bazaar area is a lively place to explore. Its labyrinth of snaking pathways, local shops and cafés, and the clang of metalworkers make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Standing proudly at one end, Adana’s large Clock Tower (Büyük Saat Kulesi) is the tallest in Turkey and provides a photogenic focal point.

Historical monuments

• Sabanci Merkez Camii (Sabanci Mosque): Towering over Adana’s skyline, the iconic Sabanci Central Mosque, with its six minarets, is the second-largest mosque in Turkey. Decorated in gold trim and beautiful tile work, it is a stunning sight.

• Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque): Dating back to the 16th century, this beautiful mosque made from black and white marble is a testament to Adana’s Ottoman heritage. Its intricate tile work and peaceful courtyard make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Turkish history and architecture.

Day trips in the area

• Karataş Beach: Less than an hour away, Karataş offers a sandy beach ideal for a day by the sea. It’s a relaxed seaside retreat, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and sampling fresh seafood from local eateries.

• Snake Castle (Yilan Kalesi): This ancient Armenian fortress atop a hill provides sweeping views of the Ceyhan River meandering below and the Cukurova plain. The hike up is steep but rewarding, with the ruins offering a fascinating insight into the area’s medieval history.

Activities for families in Adana

Adana is a fantastic destination for families, with a wide range of activities to entertain children of all ages. From parks to museums, history and culture, here’s a glimpse of family-friendly fun in the city:

• Merkez Park: Located along the Seyhan River near the Sabanci Mosque, this tranquil escape has fountains, paths and displays of flowers throughout the year. Ideal for families, it features playgrounds and plenty of green space to play.

• Adana Archaeology Museum: This museum is the largest in Turkey. Housed in an old textile factory, it is home to an impressive collection of artefacts, including Hellenistic and Roman statues, some fine sarcophagi and a sphynx.

Free things to do in Adana

There are plenty of cost-free ways to enjoy Adana’s culture, sights and natural beauty. Whether you’re wandering through historic streets or enjoying the scenery, here are some excellent activities that won’t break the bank.

• Events: Adana hosts several annual festivals, like the International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival, where screenings and activities are open to the public. Another popular event is the newer Orange Blossom Festival in spring, which brings lively parades, music and festivities.

• Scenic walks: Take a stroll along the Seyhan River to enjoy a beautiful view of Adana’s skyline and the Sabanci Mosque. South of the mosque, Zubeyde Harim Parki is a shaded park with pleasant tree-lined walkways and picnic areas. It leads to Taş Köprü, a stone bridge built by the Romans.

Wellness in Adana

• Spas and thermal baths: For a classic Turkish spa experience, Adana has several luxury hotel spas that offer a range of treatments, from relaxing massages to thermal baths. The nearby city of Kozan, just a short drive from Adana, also features natural thermal springs, offering an authentic soak in warm, mineral-rich waters that locals believe have healing properties.

• Traditional body care: Adana’s hammams are a wonderful way to experience traditional Turkish body care, and they’re priced very reasonably compared to hotel spas. These local bathhouses offer an immersive experience, starting with a steam bath and moving on to exfoliation massages and body scrubs, leaving you refreshed and your skin soft.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Adana is surrounded by excellent hiking spots, from the trails around the Seyhan Dam and lake to the rugged pathways leading up to Varda Bridge. These hikes provide scenic views of canyons, rivers and mountains, with picnic areas along the way for breaks.

• Watersports: The Seyhan river and lake are ideal spots for kayaking and canoeing, offering a tranquil escape within reach of the city. Kayak rentals are available around the Seyhan Dam, allowing visitors to paddle along the river and enjoy Adana’s beautiful natural scenery from a new perspective.

Local dishes in Adana

Turkish food is among the world’s best cuisines, with exceptional ingredients, great value and many famous dishes that have a reputation for being bold, spicy and rich in taste. Here’s some you won’t want to miss:

Meat dishes

• Adana kebab: This iconic dish is made of spiced minced lamb skewered and grilled over charcoal, served with grilled vegetables and flatbread. Known for its fiery spice, the Adana kebab is a must-try.

• Sac kavurma: A hearty dish of meat, vegetables and spices unique to Adana fried in a Turkish wok (sac).

Street food

• Lahmacun: Known as Turkish pizza, this thin flatbread is topped with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables and spices. It’s often rolled with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavour.

• Pide: Another Turkish bread served pizza-style, pide is commonly topped with cheese, egg, mince or sausage but without tomato sauce. Found in cafés and restaurants, including being served plain as a side with other dishes, it's also a popular takeaway.

• Bici bici: A cooling treat especially loved in summer, this dessert is made with crushed ice, rose-flavoured syrup and starch, giving it a jelly-like texture.

• Çiğ köfte: Although originally containing raw meat, in Adana, this street snack is now made with bulgur wheat, vegetables and spicy seasonings, formed into patties and served in a wrap.

Local drinks

• Şalgam suyu: This refreshing, sour drink made from fermented turnips and purple carrots is a local favourite and often served with Adana kebabs or other spicy dishes to cool the palate.

• Ayran: This popular Turkish drink is a chilled yoghurt drink, slightly salted, which works well with spicy dishes or hot days.

• Raki: Known as Turkey’s national tipple, raki is a strong anise-flavoured spirit similar to ouzo in Greece. Typically diluted with water, it’s especially popular alongside seafood meals and is traditionally enjoyed in a leisurely setting with friends.