🌊 Ceyhan, Karataş and Yumurtalık 2026: River, Coast and Çukurova Lagoons

حكايات تركية · Sep 17, 2026

A stone tower beside the sea at sunset, with animals in the foreground.

Castle towers and walls rising above rocky outcrops.

Boats moored along parallel harbour piers in the evening.

Ceyhan, Karataş and Yumurtalık 2026
From the Çukurova plain to the Mediterranean

South and east of Adana, a different landscape unfolds from the city centre and the northern mountains. The Ceyhan River crosses farmland before the journey reaches Karataş and Yumurtalık on the Mediterranean, with coastal lagoons, birdlife, ancient cities and castles.

The area's principal attractions are:

Yılankale and Sirkeli near Ceyhan.
Ancient Magarsus near Karataş.
Akyatan and the coastal wetlands.
Ayas and its castle in Yumurtalık.
The eastern coastline of Adana province.

Ceyhan: the town and the river

Ceyhan lies approximately 47 kilometres east of Adana and takes its name from the Ceyhan Nehri, the Ceyhan River.

The river flows across Çukurova towards the Mediterranean. Historically, this landscape supported trade routes, agriculture and settlement. Today, the town is a useful starting point for sites scattered around the river and plain.

Yılankale: a fortress above Çukurova

Yılankale, also popularly known as Şahmeran Kalesi, stands on a rocky height near the Ceyhan River. Its position overlooked the historic route connecting Adana with lands farther east.

Walls, towers and an elevated setting provide broad views across the plain. Surviving masonry reflects repairs from Byzantine, Crusader and Armenian periods, illustrating the fortress's long use by successive powers.

Sirkeli Höyük: Hittite history beside the Ceyhan

Near Yılankale, Sirkeli Höyük is an important archaeological mound in the Ceyhan area.

Its best-known feature is a rock relief associated with the Hittite king Muwatalli II. Carved into rock facing the river, it helps place Çukurova's history in a period long before the Greek and Roman cities of the coast.

Karataş: Adana's Mediterranean coast

Karataş lies roughly 47–49 kilometres south of central Adana, depending on the starting point and route.

Its fishing harbour and boats, beaches, the ruins of Magarsus, Akyatan Lagoon and the wider Çukurova delta wetlands offer several reasons to visit. The area suits a day combining sea, nature and archaeology, provided you select a manageable number of stops.

Magarsus: an ancient city near Karataş

Magarsus lies approximately 5 kilometres west of Karataş. Founded around the seventh century BC, it remained significant through Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods.

Its remains include:

The ancient theatre.
Remains associated with the Temple of Athena.
City walls.
A stadium.
Cisterns and other ancient structures.

Research and excavation have continued to reveal the city. Confirm the current visitor route, as working areas may be restricted.

Akyatan: a major coastal lagoon

Akyatan Gölü is the largest lagoon in the Adana–Çukurova area and an important habitat for migratory birds and waterbirds.

Flamingos, ducks and other waterbirds, together with several kinds of shorebird, make it particularly interesting for wildlife watching. The dunes between lagoon and sea also support birds and other wildlife.

The coastal area matters to marine turtles, including Caretta caretta, the loggerhead turtle, and the green turtle. Follow conservation instructions and authorised access arrangements. Keep away from nesting areas and avoid disturbing birds or turtles.

Yumurtalık: ancient Aigeai and Ayas

East of Karataş, Yumurtalık occupies the site associated with ancient Aigeai and later Ayas.

Ayas was an important Cilician port, with trade becoming particularly significant in the Middle Ages as shipping connected the eastern Mediterranean with European markets.

Today's town combines a beach, fishing harbour, castles and other historic remains, with coastal wetlands nearby.

Ayas Castle

Ayas Kalesi is one of Yumurtalık's principal monuments. Its history is closely connected with defending the harbour and coastline.

Other landmarks associated with old Ayas include Süleyman Tower, the Marco Polo Pier and remains of the ancient settlement. Together, they recall the town's changing roles as a naval base and a trading centre on the Cilician coast.

Süleyman Tower: watching the coast

Süleyman Kulesi, west of Yumurtalık, was built in 1536 during the reign of Süleyman the Magnificent.

It served as a watchtower for the harbour and coast, helping warn of attacks from the sea. Its distinctive features include a pentagonal plan and narrow defensive openings.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism's official register lists Süleyman Tower as entirely closed from 26 May 2022 for landscaping works until those works are complete. Do not plan to enter the tower without confirmation of an official reopening. View it from outside only where the site boundaries and local instructions permit.

The Yumurtalık lagoons

Between the Ceyhan's mouth and Yumurtalık Bay lies an extensive wetland system of lagoons, marshes, reedbeds, dunes and places where birds gather.

Among the principal water bodies are:

Çamlık Lagünü, or Çamlık Lagoon.
Yelkoma Gölü.
Ömer Gölü.
Yapı Gölü.

These wetlands are important stopover and wintering habitats along eastern Mediterranean bird migration routes. Use authorised observation points and follow local conservation guidance.

How to divide the visits

The sites are spread out, so splitting the area into separate outings makes the journey more enjoyable.

Day one: Visit Yılankale and Sirkeli Höyük, then continue towards Ceyhan.
Day two: Combine Magarsus and Karataş, adding Akyatan only if access is permitted under current conservation arrangements.
Day three, or a separate half-day: Explore Ayas and the Yumurtalık waterfront; include only a permitted exterior view of Süleyman Tower while entry remains closed.

This allows time to appreciate each place without turning a single day into a succession of hurried transfers.

Practical tips

Transport: A car is the most flexible option because sites are scattered between the plain and coast.
Summer: Heat and humidity can be intense. Start archaeological visits in the morning.
Protected areas: Observe all measures protecting birds and turtles.
Excavations: Parts of Magarsus and Sirkeli may lie within active or restricted archaeological areas.
Swimming: Check beach conditions, waves and local warnings before entering the sea.

Çukurova's Mediterranean side

Here, Adana offers a very different experience from its urban centre. Yılankale overlooks the plain; Sirkeli introduces Hittite history; Magarsus and Ayas reveal ancient ports; and Akyatan and the Yumurtalık lagoons support some of Çukurova's richest natural habitats.

The next guide leaves Adana province for Greater Osmaniye, exploring Toprakkale, the Amanos Mountains and the routes connecting Çukurova with the eastern Mediterranean.

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🌊 Ceyhan, Karataş and Yumurtalık 2026: River, Coast and Çukurova Lagoons

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