Discover Narlıkuyu: Natural formations, church and mosaic

Narlıkuyu brings together unusual natural formations, religious history and a bay known for its fish restaurants. Two sinkholes, the Meryem-Ana Church, a mosaic featuring figures and regional motifs, and scuba diving offer different perspectives on the area. This range of attractions is useful when planning your trip: you can prioritise nature, culture, food and activities according to your travel group’s interests.

Two sinkholes with different dimensions

Cennet Sinkhole measures 250 × 110 m and is 70 m deep. Cehennem Sinkhole has an opening measuring 75 × 50 m and is 128 m deep. When comparing them, it is worth distinguishing between the measurements given: for Cennet Sinkhole, the dimensions of the site are stated, whereas for Cehennem Sinkhole, the opening is specified. The depths, by contrast, can be compared directly: Cehennem Sinkhole is 58 m deeper than Cennet Sinkhole. This draws attention to the two distinct features of these natural formations: their extent and their depth.

Church and religious history

The Meryem-Ana Church in the Cennet Çöküğü Cave makes Narlıkuyu a significant destination for religious tourism. The Meryem-Ana Church in Cennet Sinkhole dates to the 5th century AD. The area’s striking natural formations are therefore accompanied by a religious and historical dimension. If you are interested in religious history, the church offers a distinct focus.

Mosaic and inscription in the museum

At the Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum, the mosaic depicts Zeus’s three daughters, Aglaia, Thalia and Euphrosine. It also features geometric designs and regional bird and flower motifs. The different details in the artwork offer several specific points of interest: the three figures named, geometric shapes, and motifs from the region’s animal and plant life. An inscription in the museum also provides a link to the history of the bathhouse by name: it identifies Poimenios as its builder.

Bay and underwater world

Narlıkuyu Bay is known for its fish restaurants. This adds a clear culinary focus to the area’s natural and cultural attractions. If you would like to include fish restaurants among your travel interests, the bay is a specific point of reference when making your choice.

Scuba diving is available in Narlıkuyu as a tourist activity. East of Narlıkuyu, Fok Cave can be seen at a depth of 9 m. Its floor is sandy and rocky; the cave is 3 m high and 5 m long. These features offer a different perspective on nature from the large dimensions of the sinkholes: Fok Cave is defined by its depth, floor composition, height and length.

Choosing Narlıkuyu as a destination

When looking for a holiday apartment in Narlıkuyu, you can first consider which themes you would like your trip to focus on: natural formations, religious history, mosaic art, fish restaurants or scuba diving. This lets you choose a destination that suits your travel group’s interests. With children, the specific measurements and image motifs can prompt questions to explore together: How do the depths of the two sinkholes differ, and which figures or flower motifs can you spot in the mosaic?

If you would like to include other destinations in your plans, you can also find Tarsus, Narince Village, Silifke, Çivi, Çeşmeli, Koçaşlı, Kumkuyu Municipality and Tekeli Municipality.

For the main travel overview: Mersin.