Silifke, Turkey

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The eastern Mediterranean town of Silifke is at the junction of the coastal highway and the road north up to Turkey's Anatolian plateau (map). It's also near the place to catch a ferry to northern Cyprus.

Founded by Seleucus I Nicator (one of Alexander the Great's generals) in the 3rd century BC, Silifke (see-LEEF-keh, pop. 80,000) has a few interesting historic sights, such as the Byzantine fortress commanding the town from a hilltop; the Tekir Ambari, an ancient stone cistern blow the fortress; ruins of the Roman Temple of Jupiter; a small Archeological Museum; and two mosques, the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) with foundations from Seljuk Turkish times, and the Resadiye Mosque, built by the Ottomans using columns recycled from the Temple of Jupiter.

Silifke has a few low-budget hotels and restaurants, but nearby Kizkalesi has a better, brighter selection and overall is probably a better place to stay the night.

Bus and minibus traffic between Silifke and Adana (via Kizkalesi, Mersin and Tarsus) is fast and furious all day, making it easy to travel the eastern coast by public transport. More...

About 5 km (3 miles) from Silifke's otogar (bus station) off the road to Tasucu is the Cave of St Thecla (Ayatekla). A young virgin from Iconium (Konya), Thecla overheard St Paul preaching in her neighbor's house and converted to Christianity. Persecuted for her beliefs, she triumphed and was revered by the Byzantines, who built a splendid church above the cave where she allegedly sought shelter from her persecutors. The church is now in ruins, but the cave beneath is a place of pilgrimage for Christians.

Fast ferries to Girne (Kyrenia) in northern Cyprus depart from the Silifke suburb of Tasucu (TAHSH-oo-joo), 11 km (7 miles) west of Silifke's otogar (bus terminal). More...