Explore The Mediterranean coast and the Hatay
A few kilometres north of Samandağ is the village of ÇEVLIK, easily reached by dolmuş from Samandağ town centre. In ancient times, Çevlik was the port of Seleucia ad Piera, serving Antioch, and it is from here that Paul and Barnabas are thought to have set off on their first evangelical mission to Cyprus. There are still a few ruins scattered around, including the 130-metre-long Titus ve Vespasiyanus Tüneli (open dawn–dusk; 3TL), a huge channel carved out of the hillside to prevent flooding and silting of the harbour. It’s usually easy to find someone who will assist you to scramble around the huge gorge-like site (expect to leave a tip); two inscriptions at the upper end give details of its construction. Also scattered around you’ll see foundations, sections of ruined wall and Roman tombs. Swimming is probably unwise, although the village beach is popular with local fishermen.
