Hatay (Antakya) Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Hatay

Hatay rewards visitors interested in history and food, though some sites are closed or being restored after the 2023 earthquakes, so check locally before visiting.

• Hatay Archaeology Museum — Home to one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics from ancient Antioch.
• Cave Church of St Peter — A church carved into a hillside, regarded as one of the earliest places of Christian worship.
• Künefe and local cuisine — Hatay is celebrated for its food and is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy; try künefe, a warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup.
• Harbiye (Daphne) — A green valley of waterfalls and tea gardens south of Antakya, famous since antiquity.
• Titus Tunnel — An impressive Roman water tunnel cut through rock near Samandağ on the coast.
• Samandağ beach — A long sandy beach on the Mediterranean, popular with locals in summer.
• Vakıflı — A small village near the coast known for its orchards and Armenian heritage.

Best time to visit Hatay

Hatay has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to November, are the most comfortable times to visit, with warm days that suit museum visits, walks in Harbiye and trips to the coast.

July and August are hot and humid inland, though the coast at Samandağ offers sea breezes. Winters are mild but wetter. As reconstruction continues after the 2023 earthquakes, it is wise to check which sites, hotels and restaurants are open before you travel, as the situation is changing.

Getting from the airport

Hatay Airport lies north of Antakya, roughly 20 km from the city, and the drive usually takes around 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and road works.

Airport shuttle buses connect with many flights and run to Antakya and other towns in the province, and taxis are available outside the terminal. Car hire is available and useful for reaching Harbiye, Samandağ and other sites across Hatay. Because reconstruction is ongoing, allow extra time for journeys and confirm your hotel’s exact location before arrival.

Where to stay

Accommodation options are being rebuilt after the 2023 earthquakes, so book ahead and confirm details directly.

• Antakya — Hotels close to the museum and city sights; convenient for a short stay.
• İskenderun — A port city on the coast north of Antakya with seafront hotels; suits business travellers.
• Harbiye — Green surroundings and a calmer atmosphere south of Antakya.
• Coastal area near Samandağ and Arsuz — Seaside accommodation for summer beach stays.

Travel tips

• Plan ahead: After the 2023 earthquakes, check which sites, hotels and restaurants are open, and follow local guidance.
• Money: Cards are widely accepted in larger businesses; carry some lira in cash for markets and small eateries.
• Getting around: Taxis, local minibuses and hire cars are the main options; roads may have works in progress.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting mosques and churches, and be sensitive when taking photos in affected areas.
• Language: Turkish is the main language and Arabic is also spoken locally; English is limited, so a translation app helps.