Where Myths Walk: My Solo Trip to Tarsus

#mytraveldiary

I just wandered through Tarsus—a city where the footsteps of St. Paul, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra still seem to echo. With its ancient Roman road, mysterious well, and laid-back charm, it was the perfect solo escape for history lovers and seekers of quiet stories.

What Makes Tarsus Special?

· Birthplace of St. Paul: Visit the St. Paul Well and the St. Paul Church—a key pilgrimage site.
· Cleopatra’s Gate: Where the Egyptian queen allegedly entered Tarsus to meet Mark Antony.
· Roman Road: Walk the original stone-paved path used by Romans and early Christians.
· Myth & Mystery: Linked to the legendary Amazon women and the ancient Tarsus Waterfall.

Why Tarsus for Solo Travelers?

· Safe & Compact: Easy to explore on foot; locals are friendly and used to visitors.
· Rich Layers of History: Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman sites within walking distance.
· Off-the-Radar: Few tourists—you’ll often have historic sites to yourself.
· Great Food: Famous for Tarsus hummus, tantuni (spicy wrap), and fresh pomegranates.

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My Solo Itinerary

Morning: Ancient Pathways

· Started at Cleopatra’s Gate—the only surviving gate from the ancient city walls.
· Walked the Roman Road—imagine chariots and sandals once treading these same stones.
· Visited the St. Paul Well inside a quiet courtyard—a spiritual spot for reflection.

Afternoon: Waterfalls & Bazaars

· Took a dolmuş (shared taxi) to Tarsus Waterfall—picnicked nearby and enjoyed the mist and green setting.
· Explored the Old Bazaar—bought spices, textiles, and maybe a copper souvenir.
· Tried Tarsus hummus at a local lokanta—creamier and more flavorful than anywhere else!

Evening: Relaxed Reflections

· Visited the Makam Mosque and Kubat Paşa Medrese for Ottoman-era beauty.
· Drank tea at a traditional çay bahçesi near the Berdan River.
· Tried tantuni for dinner—a must-eat local street food.

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Solo Traveler Tips

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Cobblestone streets and ancient paths require good footing.
2. Carry Cash: Smaller shops and eateries may not accept cards.
3. Go Early or Late: Avoid the midday heat, especially at the waterfall.
4. Learn a Few Phrases: “Merhaba,” “Teşekkürler,” “Güle güle” (goodbye).

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Final Thoughts

Tarsus was a beautiful surprise—a city where history isn’t locked in museums but alive in wells, gates, and quiet streets. As a solo traveler, I loved wandering at my own pace, tasting deep flavors, and touching stones touched by saints and legends.

#solotravel #tarsus #stpaul #ancientcities #hiddenturkey

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Want to extend your trip to Adana (for its famous kebabs) or Mersin (for the Mediterranean coast)? Let me know! 🌿🏛️