Mersin, a major tourism hub on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast, is set to host both domestic and international tourists at its 11 Blue Flag beaches this summer. With preparations now complete, the city aims to offer a clean, safe, and enjoyable coastal experience across its award-winning beaches, which highlight both natural beauty and service quality.
Known for its diverse cultural heritage and picturesque coves, Mersin continues to strengthen its appeal through its commitment to high environmental and safety standards.
Among the highlights is Kizkalesi, or "Maiden's Castle," a part of the ancient city of Korykos, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. This iconic site will be one of the 11 Blue Flag beaches open to visitors this season.
The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches that meet strict criteria for water quality, safety, environmental management, and education. Earning and maintaining this status involves regular inspections and continuous improvement of services and facilities.
Denizkizi Tourism Inc., a subsidiary of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, operates five of these certified beaches. The company has announced its plans to enhance the visitor experience further this year by improving service standards and safety measures.
According to Hasan Demir, field coordinator for beaches at Denizkizi Tourism, the beaches under their management have seen notable upgrades. "Our Blue Flag beaches are operating at higher standards compared to previous years, especially in terms of personnel and lifeguard services," he said. He added that these improvements are part of a broader effort to ensure comfort and peace of mind for all guests throughout the season.
Demir emphasized that Mersin draws visitors not only from within Türkiye—including cities like Adana, Antalya, Istanbul, and Ankara—but also from abroad.
"We place special care on our Blue Flag beaches, which stand out for their cleanliness, safety, and quality of sand," he noted. "Obtaining the Blue Flag is not easy. Our beaches undergo rigorous inspections before and during the season. So far, we’ve had no issues meeting the criteria."
As the season gets underway, beachgoers are already arriving, and early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Demir stressed that hygiene, service quality, and cleanliness remain top priorities. "We believe our guests are happier when they arrive at well-kept beaches and facilities," he said.
He also noted that prices are being kept at levels that visitors find reasonable. "We try to offer the best possible holiday setting for everyone," Demir concluded, inviting tourists to explore what Mersin’s beaches have to offer.