East of Mersin, on the edge of the fertile Cukurova Plain, is Tarsus, the birthplace of St.Paul. Of ancient origin, the city was invaded and destroyed on several occasions and only a few monuments of particular interest remain:the Cleopatra Gate, throug which Mark Antony and Cleopatra passed when day came to Tarsus to meet, an ancient church and the Ottoman Ulu Cami. You can get the feelof bygone days of  if you walk though narrow streets pat old houses to find St.Paul's well. Little streams, waterfalls and shady treesat the Tarsus Falls on the outskirts to town create and idyllic afternoon. The Karaburcak Park is perfumed by its groves of eucalyptus trees.
 

Cleopatra Gate (Tarsus)

Adana
Set in the heart of the Cukurova (Cilician) Plain, Turkey's fourth largest city. Adana ii at the center of the rich agricultural region and a thriving textile industry. The Taskopru (Stone Bridge) built by Hadrian and repaired by Justinian spans the River Seyhan which bisects the town; only 14  of the bridge's original 21 arches still stand Of interest in the city are the 16 th century Ulu Mosque, the Eski Mosque, the Hasan Aga Mosque, the 19th century clock tower bazaar. The city's three museums, the archaeological museum, which displays locally excavated Hittite and Roman remains, the charming Etnography Museum and the Ataturk Culture Museum should be included in a tour of the city.

Karatepe
After a day of sightseeing you can sample Adana Kebab, a sensational spicy tube of ground meat. Local beverages include salgam, a drink made from dark turnips and sira, a type of grape juice.

North of the city, the Seyhan Dam and Lake have shady walks and quaint tea gardens and restaurants creating a cool place to escape the heat. At sunset, look back toward the city to the peaceful, winding ruby river, lined with twinkling lights.

The nearest beaches with accommodation facilities are at Yumurtalik, where an ancient harbor castle dominates the picturesque fisherman's wharf and at Karatas.
 

Anaorbus Ruins

Iskenderun

Fisherman enjoy the scene and the catch, at Camlik Park.
Off the road from Adana to Iskenderun, near Yakapinar, lies Misis, a city which derived its wealth from its position on the silk Route. There are several Roman ruins at the site, including a beautiful fourth-century mosaic depicting Noah's Ark and the animals. Further along the road are the impressive ruins of the Yilanlikale Castle, atop a rocky peak that dominates the Ceyhan River. South of Yilanlikale, in the Sirkeli region, a somewhat weathered Hittite relief marks Muvattalish's stop here on his way to Egypt. North of Ceyhan lies the village of Dilekkaya, (the ancient Anavarza), where you can view the ruins of a Roman-Byzantine city and an impressive castle. The small museum at the site has two particularly fine mosaics from Roman baths.