Kızkalesi, located in Mersin's Erdemli district, is concluding the 2026 summer season with high occupancy rates. Occupancy in hotels and accommodation facilities in the region has reached 100%. Tourism professionals expect the activity to extend until the first week of November, with international bookings continuing until the end of October.

Kızkalesi combines sea holidays with historical heritage. It is part of the ancient city of Korykos, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Its stone-free beach, the historic Kızkalesi (Maiden's Castle) on the coast, two Blue Flag beaches, boat tours, and water sports make the region attractive. The sea water temperature remaining high for a long time, especially in autumn, provides an advantage.

Hotel Occupancy Reaches Capacity Limit

Mehmet Şirin Öztop, Vice President of the Kızkalesi Tourism, Culture and Beautification Association and a hotel operator, stated that the summer season has been positive for tourism businesses.

Öztop said, "Currently, our occupancy rate is very high. Businesses and hotels in Kızkalesi have reached 100% occupancy. This situation has made tourism professionals happy." He also stated that visitors are interested in ancient city tours, boat trips, and water sports, in addition to sea holidays.

Foreign Tourist Numbers Increase in Autumn

Öztop noted that the domestic market was strong in August. He added that international bookings have become prominent since September. The current reservation data shows that the season in Kızkalesi has extended beyond the classic summer months.

Öztop announced, "Foreign guests have made reservations at our establishments until the end of October. We will be hosting predominantly international guests until the first week of November." He pointed out that the improvement in transportation facilities played a significant role in this development.

The increase in flight options with the commissioning of Çukurova International Airport has contributed to regional tourism. Öztop stated, "Our sea is beautiful after September 20th. The sea here cools down very late. Therefore, we invite all our guests to discover the history of the region and the beauties of this season."

Çukurova Airport Supports Tourism Season

Çukurova International Airport has become one of the significant advantages for Mersin's coasts in international tourism. The airport facilitates access to holiday regions west of the city center, such as Kızkalesi. New air connections strengthen the sector's expectations, especially in terms of sustaining foreign tourist demand after the summer. Reservations in Kızkalesi continuing until the end of October indicate that developments in air travel are aligning with coastal tourism's goals of extending the season.

Two Beaches Hold Blue Flag Status

Two beaches in Kızkalesi operate in accordance with Blue Flag standards. Tolga Şahin, Field Coordinator for Beaches at Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Denizkızı Turizm AŞ, emphasized that the region is one of Mersin's important tourism centers. Şahin said, "We meticulously apply all the standards required by the Blue Flag. We aim for everyone to be able to benefit from the sea and our beach." He stated that cleanliness, hygiene, and visitor satisfaction are prioritized throughout the busy summer season. Image: AI-generated image