Overview
Narlıkuyu is a tiny fishing village on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, best known for the extraordinary Heaven & Hell chasms (Cennet-Cehennem) carved into the limestone. Its population was just 2500 in 2022, yet it sits on the ancient trade route of the D400 coastal highway, making it a convenient stop between Mersin and Silifke.
Architecture · Beach · Day Trips · History · Nature
Before you go
Money
Turkey uses Turkish Lira (TL). Most restaurants and small shops are cash-only; Carrefour and larger hotels accept cards. ATMs are available in Kızkalesi.
Packing
Bring beach shoes for stony beaches and sea urchin protection. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the 300+ steps descending into Heaven chasm.
Transport
Narlıkuyu sits on D400 coastal highway; no direct inter-city buses stop here. Change in Silifke or Mersin for dolmuş minibuses. The village has no train station.
Weather
Mediterranean climate: hot dry summers (30-38°C), mild wet winters (10-15°C). Best visited April-May or September-October for comfortable sightseeing.