Soli (Cilicia) Archaeological Site
Ancient Greco-Roman city ruin on Cilicia coast
Soli in ancient Cilicia contains Greco‑Roman ruins on Turkey's Mediterranean coast-streets, baths and city walls recorded by archaeologists. Travelers visit for classical archaeology and nearby Mersin Province sites.
How to Get to Soli (Cilicia)#
Soli is near Mersin on Turkey’s southern coast. The site is accessible by road from Mersin city center (roughly 20-30 minutes) and can be visited as a day trip from Mersin or nearby Tarsus.
Tips for Visiting Soli (Cilicia)#
- Walk the coastal remains early in the morning to photograph columns and mosaics in sympathetic light.
- Visit the local museums in Mersin or Tarsus that hold artifacts from Cilician excavations for broader context.
- Hire a local archaeologist or guide to explain the site's complex sequence of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine layers.
Best Time to Visit Soli (Cilicia)#
Spring and autumn offer comfortable conditions for visiting archaeological sites on the Cilician coast.
Weather & Climate near Soli (Cilicia)#
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (642 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (115 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 (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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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. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 28°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 29°C. The driest month with just 4 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 (52 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
