Hatay (ancient Antioch) is Turkey’s southernmost province — a Mediterranean coastal strip and river valley that shares a long border with Syria and has absorbed centuries of cultural mixing. The provincial capital, Antakya, sits on the Orontes River and was one of the ancient world’s greatest cities. Today it is known for the Antakya Archaeological Museum (with the world’s second-largest collection of Roman mosaics), St Peter’s Church (the earliest cave-church of Christianity), and Hatay cuisine — designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Important note (2026): Antakya was significantly affected by the February 2023 earthquake. Reconstruction is ongoing and the city has substantially recovered, but travellers should verify current status of specific hotels and sites before booking. The recommendations below reflect properties confirmed as operating in 2025–2026.
Antakya — city centre and old bazaar
The historic centre of Antakya, despite earthquake damage, remains the most rewarding base — access to the Archaeological Museum, the old bazaar streets, St Peter’s Church, and the greatest concentration of Hatay cuisine restaurants.
Why stay here: The Antakya Archaeological Museum holds extraordinary Roman floor mosaics from the ancient villas of Antioch. St Peter’s Church (on the hillside northeast of the city) is one of the oldest surviving Christian worship sites. The bazaar area has the traditional copper workshops, spice merchants, and künefe vendors that define the city’s character.
Character: A layered Mediterranean city with a unique cultural identity — neither purely Turkish, nor Arab, nor Syrian, but all three simultaneously. The street life is warm and the food culture is extraordinary.
Accommodation range: ₺700–5,000/night.
| Budget | What to expect | Price range/night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Guesthouses, 2–3 star hotels | ₺500–900 ($16–28) |
| Mid-range | 4-star boutique and design hotels | ₺1,000–2,500 ($31–78) |
| Upscale | Luxury boutique | ₺2,500–6,000+ ($78–188) |
İskenderun
The port city 90km northwest of Antakya is a secondary accommodation option, primarily for business visitors and those arriving by sea. Less atmospheric than Antakya for tourism purposes.
Character: Commercial port city; functional hotel infrastructure; less cultural depth for visitors.
Price range: ₺700–2,500/night.
Practical notes
Hatay Airport (HTY): 17km from Antakya city centre; domestic connections to Istanbul and Ankara. The airport was rebuilt and reopened after earthquake damage.
Antakya Archaeological Museum: Houses extraordinary Roman floor mosaics from the 1st–4th centuries CE, many from the villas of ancient Antioch. It holds approximately 1,400 mosaics — the collection’s scale and quality are genuinely remarkable. Verify current opening hours and access before visiting (as of 2026 the museum is operating but check for any ongoing restoration closures).
St Peter’s Church: Carved into the hillside of Mount Starius northeast of Antakya; according to tradition, one of the sites where the early Christian community met during the apostolic period. Currently operated as a museum. Entry approximately ₺150 (verify current pricing).
Künefe: The defining Hatay dessert — hot shredded kataifi pastry with melted unsalted cheese, soaked in sugar syrup and served immediately from the pan. Eat it within minutes of preparation. The Antakya bazaar area has the best producers; look for specialist künefe shops rather than general pastry sellers.
Our top hotel picks
Budget (under ₺900/night)
- Waxwing Hotel — Boutique hotel on Saray Street in central Antakya, surrounded by restaurants and cafés; 400m from the Antakya Archaeological Museum with modern rooms, free WiFi, and a distinctive character; from approximately ₺800/night
Mid-range (₺900–2,500/night)
- Artes Hotel — Well-reviewed hotel 3.1 miles from the Antakya Archaeological Museum with free on-site private parking; a comfortable mid-range base for exploring the Hatay province; from approximately ₺1,200/night
For southeastern Mediterranean context, see where to stay in Gaziantep for combining with a Hatay itinerary.
Planning ahead: Flights to Turkey into Hatay (HTY) or Adana (ADA, 180km northwest) connect domestically via Istanbul. Travel insurance covering cancellation is recommended.