Things To Do
in Ceyhan

Ceyhan is a vibrant agricultural town in Adana Province, located on the edge of the Çukurova plain along the Seyhan River. The town blends traditional Turkish hospitality with growing markets, modern shops, and a calm, family-friendly pace. Nearby Cilician ruins and rural landscapes offer a sense of southern Anatolia's ancient history and agricultural life.

Ceyhan serves as a relaxed base for exploring the wider Adana region, its coastline, and Cilician hinterlands.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Ceyhan Mosque, an architectural marvel from the Ottoman era. Stroll through the nearby streets, taking in the charming blend of ancient and modern structures. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh bread, olives, and feta cheese.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the Ceyhan River, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbanks. Visit the local markets to shop for handmade crafts and local produce, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the town. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some authentic street food, such as simit and kebabs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, relax at one of the riverside cafes, sipping on Turkish tea while watching the sunset over the water. Later, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying specialties like meze and baklava. Conclude your day with a stroll through the illuminated streets, appreciating the serene ambiance of Ceyhan at night.

day 2
Cultural Immersion at Local Markets
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the bustling Ceyhan Bazaar, where the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce and spices greet you. Engage with local vendors and sample seasonal fruits and homemade jams, gaining insight into the region's agricultural richness. After shopping, enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby eatery, featuring local pastries.

afternoon
:

Continue your exploration by visiting a traditional textile workshop, where you can observe artisans at work creating beautiful fabrics. Participate in a hands-on workshop to learn about the art of weaving, and perhaps even create a small piece to take home. For lunch, treat yourself to a hearty meal at a local diner, trying dishes like lentil soup and pide.

evening
:

After a day filled with cultural experiences, unwind at a cozy café in the market area. Savor a cup of Turkish coffee while reflecting on your day amidst the lively atmosphere. As night falls, enjoy dinner at a local tavern known for its delicious grilled meats and fresh salads.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$7-12
Coffee or tea$1-3
🚌Local bus fare$0.5-1
🚕Taxi start (initial fare)$0.90-1.50
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic Cilician experience with warm hospitality
  • Access to diverse landscapes: riverfronts, markets, and countryside
  • Limited nightlife compared to coastal cities
  • Smaller town amenities may require trips to Adana for certain services
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Nerededir? Buraya nasıl giderim?" - Where is it? How do I get there?
  • "Burası çok güzel" - This place is very beautiful

Places to Visit in Ceyhan

Visit one of these nice places.

Ceyhan River Promenade at Sunset

A wide, open riverside with golden-hour light reflecting on the water and palm-lined banks—ideal for wide-angle sunset shots.

Old Town Market Lanes

Narrow streets, colorful storefronts, and daily street life offering candid and architectural photography opportunities.

Seyhan River Bridges

Simple river crossings with views of the water and city silhouettes, perfect for landscape and dusk photography.

Çukurova Farmland at Dusk

Expansive rural panoramas with silhouettes of farm equipment and distant hills—great for expansive landscape frames.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ceyhan

Ceyhan sits in the Cilicia region, offering a hearty Anatolian menu built on fresh produce, olive oil, and charcoal-grilled meats. Expect seasonal vegetables, rich stews, and generous portions that reflect rural Çukurova tastes.

Ceyhan Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Adana kebabı

A spicy, skewered kebab made from lamb or beef, best enjoyed with flatbread, sumac, and grilled peppers—widely available in local eateries.

Must-Try!

Ciğer (liver) kebabı

Grilled liver kebab, commonly served with onions and bread; a regional specialty popular in Çukurova towns.

Pide

Boat-shaped flatbread topped with cheese, meat, or vegetables; a staple in local kebap houses and family restaurants.

Mantı

Tiny filled dumplings topped with yogurt and garlic-scented sauce, a comforting traditional dish.

Zeytinyağlı yaprak sarma

Stuffed grape leaves with olive oil and lemon, a fresh vegetarian option often featured on meze platters.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ceyhan Market (Pazarı)

Daily market where you can sample seasonal fruits, olives, nuts, fresh bread, and regional cheeses; great for an informal tasting walk.

Street kebab and snack lanes

Small stalls serving grilled corn, simit, gözleme, and fast bite kebabs—perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ceyhan experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant, with cool evenings and comfortable daytime temperatures. Summer highs typically reach the upper 30s Celsius, while winter temps average around 10-15°C, with occasional rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common for both men and women in many settings; greet with ‘Merhaba’ (hello) and show warmth in conversation.

Respect for holy spaces

Dress modestly when visiting mosques; remove shoes where required and follow local rules for photography inside religious spaces.

Hospitality

If invited to someone’s home, bring a small token and accept tea or coffee as a gesture of hospitality.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ceyhan is generally safe for visitors, with typical urban precautions. Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded markets, and stay informed about weather conditions and road safety if driving to rural areas. Always carry water in hot weather and plan for shade and sun protection.

Tipping in Ceyhan

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In sit-down restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is not included. For cafes and markets, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, and major cards are accepted in larger establishments. ATMs are common in town centers; contactless payments are increasingly available.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming fields; a great time for outdoor walking tours and market visits before the heat rises.

Summer

Hot and dry with high daytime temperatures; plan early morning or late afternoon activities and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Warm days and cooler evenings; harvest season brings fresh produce and pleasant sightseeing weather.

Winter

Mild to cool with occasional rain; layering is key and indoor venues become comfortable refuges for evenings.

Nightlife Guide

Ceyhan at Night

Ceyhan’s nightlife is modest and relaxed, centered on tea houses (çay bahçesi), family-friendly restaurants, and riverside cafes. There are few bars, but evenings often revolve around socializing, listening to local music, and enjoying sunset hours by the water.

Hiking in Ceyhan

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Anavarza (Anazarbus) region trails

Hiking routes and hillside scenery near the ancient Anavarza ruins; a day trip from Ceyhan offering historical context and scenic views.

Çukurova farmland and riverbank trails

Gentle hiking and walking paths along the Seyhan and surrounding farmlands; suitable for relaxed day hikes and photography.

Airports

How to reach Ceyhan by plane.

Adana Şakirpaşa Airport (ADA)

Primary airport serving Adana Province; about 50–70 km from Ceyhan by road, with domestic and some international connections. Regular bus and taxi options connect to the city and surrounding towns.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ceyhan's town center is fairly walkable with dense markets and riverside paths. Distances between major sights are short, but some attractions lie on the outskirts and require a short drive. Pavement quality is generally good in the center, though traffic can be busy during peak hours.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Turkish residents

Majority population with strong ties to agriculture and local industry; diverse neighborhoods within the town.

Kurdish and Arab communities

Small but established minorities contributing to the cultural fabric of the area.

Migrant workers

Seasonal workers connected to Çukurova’s agricultural cycle, often living in temporary housing near fields.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region; local matches and community leagues are common in fall and spring.

Basketball

Active at schools and local clubs; community centers often host casual games.

Horseback riding

Rural areas and farmland around Çukurova offer opportunities for riding and countryside excursions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is moderate to heavy in the town center during mornings and late afternoons. Public transportation includes minibusses and local buses; driving outside peak hours makes for a calmer experience, especially when visiting rural areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ceyhan.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for meze platters, yaprak sarma, yogurt-based soups, and pide with cheese; many places can prepare meat-free options if asked.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local clinics and a district hospital in Ceyhan; for more advanced care or specialized services, residents typically travel to Adana, where larger hospitals and clinics are readily available. Pharmacies are common in town centers and are usually open late in city areas.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide