Arsuz between the Amanos Mountains and the Mediterranean

Arsuz lies on a peninsula extending into a bay, along a stretch of coast between the Amanos Mountains and the Mediterranean. The landscape is complemented by a church in the town center, archaeological traces and a historical example of nature and water sports. This makes it possible to explore the town from several perspectives. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Arsuz, you can first consider whether landscape, cultural history or active pursuits should shape your stay.

A peninsula between mountains and sea

The peninsula extends into a bay, while Arsuz also lies on a stretch of coast between the Amanos Mountains and the Mediterranean. The bay, mountains and sea give the geographical setting a clear outline. Those who focus primarily on the landscape when planning their trip will have a different priority from those who want to explore historical sites. These perspectives can be considered side by side when planning, without committing the stay to a single activity.

Church and archaeological evidence

The Mario-Hanna Church stands in the center of Arsuz. The municipal tourism information dates its construction to 1778; the building was restored in the 19th century. Its construction date and later restoration give you two points of reference when exploring the town’s architectural history.

Traces of the city of Rosun have also survived in Arsuz. Rosun was known in the Middle Ages as Port Bonel; its remains include a necropolis, ancient structures, mosaics and other building remains. The archaeological evidence thus includes various forms—from burial sites and structures to mosaics—and adds further historical themes to the church’s architectural history.

Historical sites in the surrounding area

About 8 km south of Arsuz, near Sütunlu Liman, lie the remains of a harbor from the Hellenistic period. The approximate distance and the location south of town help distinguish this historical site from the attractions in Arsuz when planning your trip. Its historical period also gives it a distinct character: this is a harbor dating from Hellenistic times.

Nearby Meryem Ana Havuzu, also called Seydi, is considered sacred by Christians. The site can be reached via an 8 km turnoff to Hacıahmetli. There are also rock-cut tombs with sarcophagi dating from the 5th century of the Eastern Roman period on the road to the village of Işıklı. Comparing the historical sites offers different points of interest: the sacred significance of Meryem Ana Havuzu, Hellenistic harbor remains at Sütunlu Liman and Eastern Roman sarcophagi on the road to Işıklı.

Nature and water sports: an example from 2019

The 2019 edition of the Arsuz nature and water sports event featured nature hikes and cycling tours. There were also canoe races, sailing demonstrations and a fishing competition followed by the release of the fish. The program at the time combined land-based activities with competitions and demonstrations on the water. It is a historical example, not a current events calendar. If attending an event is a deciding factor for your trip, check the dates for your travel period.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel profile

Camping is also an accommodation option: Arsuz has campsites and facilities for camping. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, consider the type of accommodation and your travel profile as two separate decisions. When planning, you can weigh up whether the peninsula’s landscape, the architectural history of the Mario-Hanna Church or the archaeological sites in the surrounding area should take center stage. For a travel group with different interests, this approach helps you set shared priorities without planning every day around the same activity.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Reyhanlı, Samandağ, Dörtyol, Tepehan, Karakese Belediyesi, Hatay, Hüseyinli, Azganlık Belediyesi

Go to the main travel overview: Hatay.