Hatay is Turkey's southernmost province, a slender finger of land bordering Syria and the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital, Antakya—the ancient Antioch on the Orontes—was one of the great cities of the Roman and early Christian world. Hatay's layered history, distinctive Arab-influenced cuisine, and multicultural society (Turkish, Arabic, Alevi, Armenian, and Greek Orthodox communities have coexisted here for centuries) make it unlike anywhere else in Turkey. Note: a magnitude-7.8 earthquake on 6 February 2023 severely damaged Antakya; many historic structures collapsed and rebuilding is ongoing. Travellers will find a city in resilient reconstruction rather than a fully restored old town.
Hatay Airport (HTY) handles domestic flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Long-distance buses (otobus) connect Antakya to all major Turkish cities. Within Hatay, dolmuş minibuses serve all major towns; taxis and the BiTaksi app cover city rides. Renting a car at the airport is the most flexible option for visiting dispersed sites.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Rent a car at Hatay Airport if visiting Samandağ, Çevlik, Harbiye, and Arsuz in one trip—saves multiple dolmuş changes
Long-distance buses depart from Antakya Yeni Garaj (the new garage), not city centre—take a dolmuş or taxi there
For St. Pierre Church, take a taxi (₺60–80/$1.76–2.35) as the walk is steep and 3 km uphill
İskenderun is 45 km north; direct dolmuş runs from Antakya Yeni Garaj (~1 hour, ₺45–60/$1.32–1.76)
Dolmuş minibuses stop when full—morning departures are busiest; mid-morning travel is more comfortable