Holidaymakers flocked to Mersin, beaches filled up

One of the important tourism centers of Turkey, the jewel of Mersin, especially Kızkalesi, along with all the beaches, overflowed with the 9-day public holiday. With its 321 kilometers of coastline on the Mediterranean, Mersin was flooded with people due to the 9-day public holiday. Holidaymakers flocked to 11 blue-flagged beaches, including the most important part of the Korykos Ancient City, Kızkalesi, which is on the temporary list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Tourists coming to the city from all over Turkey cooled off by swimming in the sea due to the oppressive hot weather. It was reported that the sea water was at 26 degrees while the air temperature was around 35-36 degrees in the city. Kızkalesi, mostly preferred by families, hosted many holidaymakers spending time in the sea, while some participated in various water activities and experienced exciting moments.
Mehmet Ünal, one of the holidaymakers, said that after visiting his hometown Adana for the holiday, they came to Mersin with his family for vacation and spent time cooling off in the sea.
Hotels reached 100% occupancy. Mehmet Şirin Öztop, Vice President of Kızkalesi Culture and Tourism Association, stated that the 9-day holiday brought joy to the tourism sector and emphasized that the holiday was full due to schools being on vacation. Pointing out that the occupancy rate in the region reached 100%, Öztop said, ‘We have guests coming from neighboring provinces and abroad. Families are predominantly preferred. We are coming to July after the Eid al-Adha holiday. We aim to have a full season until the end of September. Reservations are already available in that direction.’ He also mentioned that the sea temperature is at 26 degrees and added, ‘The weather is very nice. Families are always swimming. Our sea is not deep, appealing to everyone. We have 11 blue-flagged beaches, and Kızkalesi is a special place, a tourism gateway to the world.’