Dana Island
Island Uninhabited Mediterranean island with steep cliffs and caves
Dana Island off Mersin features clear Mediterranean water and coastal cliffs; boat trips bring swimmers and divers to small coves and seagrass beds.
Dana Island (Dana Adası) is a small Mediterranean island off the coast of Mersin Province in southern Turkey. The island is uninhabited or sparsely used and features coastal cliffs and a historic lighthouse.
The island is frequented by local boat tours and is noted for marine biodiversity and clear coastal waters suitable for short visits from the mainland. Ruins and traces of past use are present but the island is not a major archaeological park with large visitor infrastructure.
Administratively the island is part of Mersin Province and lies close to the Turkish mainland coast, accessible by short maritime crossing. Its rocky shores and limited beaches make it primarily of interest for natural history and short excursions.
- Navigation and nature: Hosts a lighthouse and has been noted for marine life and coastal cliffs visible from short boat trips offshore.
How to Get to Dana Island #
Day trips and charter boats depart from Mersin and nearby ports; the crossing is short but dependent on sea conditions. Confirm local boat schedules and protected-area regulations before travel.
Tips for Visiting Dana Island #
- Boat services from Anamur or Kaş run seasonally; confirm departure days and sea conditions before travel.
- The island makes a pleasant day trip for snorkeling; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a mask.
- Respect protected areas where seabird colonies nest-some parts of the island may be off-limits during breeding season.
Best Time to Visit Dana Island #
The best time for visiting Dana Island is late spring through early autumn when sea conditions are friendlier and services operate more regularly.
Weather & Climate near Dana Island #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (584 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 29°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.