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From the majestic stone bridges built by the Romans to the bustling bazaars of its Ottoman-era quarters, Adana's landmarks bear witness to its enduring role as a cultural and economic crossroads.
Unless already in close proximity, no compelling reason to visit. Fine for an overnight stop and half a day's exploring.
Having enjoyed all my previous trips to Turkey, in the Autumn of 2022 I wanted to visit as many places on the southern coast, doing a week stint in each place. Adana was the next natural stop on from Antalya.
Airbnb experiences in Turkey, Adana included, can be inconsistent. On this occasion when I arrived, the apartment I had booked turned out to no longer exist.
Opting for hotels proves to be a reliable alternative, offering good value for short stays. The likely inclusion of a Turkish breakfast with your room makes it an even more compelling option.
New legislation introduced by the Turkish government has made short-term rentals for under 100 days more restricted. Keep an eye on Reddit threads for up-to-date assessments of how the new legislation is impacting short-term rentals in practice.
There are limited options for dedicated coworking locations in the city but there are numerous high quality coffee shops to work from that are open late into the night.
As a less touristy destination than many others in the south of the country, eating out and general day to day expenses are particularly good value.
As an industrial and agricultural center, Adana is surprisingly busy, but it’s far from being an engaging destination. While, like anywhere in Turkey, there are excellent food options, there isn't much else to explore beyond the region's well-known cuisine.
Turkey adheres to GMT+2 in summer, reverting to GMT+3 in winter due to the absence of daylight saving time practices.
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Adana is a large city and In the likely scenario that you'll only be passing through for a few days, you would be best off being as close to the centre as possible.
Situated opposite the train station, Dreamwork Offices provided a great base to work from. Desk space was plentiful, internet was reliable and it features an outdoor terrace for food and coffee.
Day passes were incredibly good value coming it around €5, with a number of places for lunch available within a 2 minute walk. I don't know why I would ever end up back in Adana, but should that happen I would definitely return.
Turkey has launched a digital nomad visa programme for remote workers. If you're between 21 and 55 and hold citizenship from one of 36 countries across Europe and North America (including the US), you're eligible to apply.
The visa allows you to live and work remotely in Turkey for a set period, with benefits including affordable living costs, healthcare access, and the opportunity to experience Turkey's culture and scenery.
The requirements are standard for these types of visas. You'll need a valid passport with at least six months remaining, health insurance, proof of income, and documentation showing you're employed or self-employed.
The application process is handled online through Turkey's official platform. Once they've reviewed your documents and approved your application, you'll receive a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate. Take that certificate along with your supporting documents to a Turkish visa centre or consulate to complete the process.
Turkey is positioning itself to attract the growing digital nomad market. For remote workers considering their next base, Turkey offers lower living costs compared to most Western European destinations.
The second largest mosque in Turkey dominates the landscape of the central part of the city. Inspired by Ottoman and Seljuk architecture, it features six minarets, making it one of the few mosques worldwide with this unique feature. The surrounding park is also ideal for morning runs before the heat rises
As you would expect, Adana is the home of the Adana Kebab which you are likely to see across Turkey. It's created from heavily seasoned minced lamb and cooked over a charcoal grill. Did it taste radically different from what I sampled in other cities? No. But regardless, it's a tasty dish and a good box to tick whilst you are there.
Şalgam is a traditional Turkish beverage crafted from fermented purple carrots and bulgur, originating from this region. It has a distinct tangy and spicy flavor, with a deep, rich purple hue. The first few times I sampled it, I honestly hated it. But after this visit I have become hooked.
Large dam created in the north of the city, with shaded areas to escape the sun and dedicated areas to BBQ meats.
Like the rest of the southern coast of Turkey, it can be uncomfortably hot in summer. With no immediate access to the beaches or coastline, you'd be best off visiting outside of peak summer. Even in October, A/C was much needed.
I don't know true it would necessarily be, but it feels like you could be the only remote worker passing through town so there is little in the way of a remote community present.
Local people were friendly and accommodating, if not a little confused why you happened to be in the city.
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