There are moments when you're overwhelmed by the scorching Mediterranean sun, dreaming of a place that can both cool you down and mesmerize you. It's in those exact moments that Yaprakli Koy, hidden away like a secret within the borders of Mersin's Silifke district, comes into play. This place is very different from the beaches you know; it's a hidden paradise resembling a natural pool with its turquoise waters, surrounded by rocky cliffs. So, if you're wondering about thethings to do in Yaprakli Koy, this unique natural wonder located in the Silifke district of Mersin, let us take you on the coolest and most enchanting journey in the Mediterranean. Get ready to discover all the details of this place you've admired in photos on social media.   

Cool Off with Cold Freshwater Springs Flowing from the Rocks

What makes Yaprakli Koy so special and unforgettable is undoubtedly its famous cold water. The secret to this coolness is hidden in the underground waters coming from the majestic Taurus Mountains. This ice-cold fresh water, filtering down from the mountain peaks, travels a long way underground to meet the salty waters of the Mediterranean from at least five different points right inside this bay. This very moment of convergence offers you a unique experience you can't find anywhere else.   

Imagine letting yourself into the bay's cool waters, feeling the refreshing touch of the mountains on one side of your body and the warm embrace of the Mediterranean on the other. One stroke brings the revitalizing touch of fresh water, the next, the familiar warmth of the sea... This is like an oasis, especially for those trying to escape the summer heat that often exceeds 38 degrees Celsius (100°F). As one of the local business owners said, this place is an authentic natural pool. Thanks to this mix of fresh water, the sea is not as salty as you might be used to. This means you won't have that sticky feeling on your skin when you get out of the water, leaving you feeling more refreshed.   

Enjoy Swimming and Snorkeling in the Crystal-Clear, Aquarium-like Water

The water at Yaprakli Koy is not just cold; it's also incredibly clear. Thanks to its rocky structure and the constantly circulating spring waters, the underwater world is as visible as an aquarium. This makes it one of the most ideal spots in Mersin for snorkeling.   

With a simple snorkel and mask, you can find yourself in a completely different world. It's a great pleasure to watch the schools of colorful fish swimming around the rocks and explore the underwater geography. If you're lucky, you might even spot larger fish like groupers or mullets, which are common in the area, or even a cuttlefish. These clear waters offer fantastic opportunities not just for swimming but also for those interested in underwater photography. For those seeking a more professional experience, there are diving centers within the bay that offer services. The mysterious underwater world of Yaprakli Koy offers an unforgettable discovery experience, much like other natural wonders in the region, such as the Asthma Cave, known for its healing air.   

Relax and Enjoy the Mediterranean Sun at the Facilities Around the Bay

Yaprakli Koy has a structure that both preserves its natural beauty and offers visitors a comfortable day. The bay is jointly managed by the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and private businesses. This allows you to easily access facilities to meet your basic needs.   

One of the best parts is that entrance to the bay is completely free. Anyone can enjoy this natural wonder freely. However, if you want a more comfortable day, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas from the businesses for a reasonable fee. When you get hungry or want a cool drink, the surrounding cafes and restaurants are there to help. It's worth noting that the prices are quite affordable compared to popular holiday resorts like Bodrum or Marmaris. You have two options for sunbathing in the bay: you can either choose the comfortable sunbeds of the businesses or take your towel and lay it on the wide rocks surrounding the bay. Jumping into the ice-cold water from these rocks is one of the visitors' favorite activities. But a word of warning: with its popularity boosted by social media, Yaprakli Koy can get very crowded, especially during the summer months and on weekends. If you want to enjoy this natural wonder in a calmer atmosphere, we recommend coming before 09:00 AM or choosing the quieter months of June and September. After a pleasant day at Yaprakli Koy, you can also add other discovery points offered by Mersin's other points of discovery, such as its historic castles and plateaus, to your itinerary.   

While You're Here...

Yaprakli Koy is just the beginning of the beauties Silifke has to offer. Since you've come all this way to this magical geography, don't return without seeing these two legendary spots, which you can reach in just a few minutes by car.

1. A Journey into Mythology: Heaven and Hell Sinkholes (Cennet ve Cehennem Obrukları) Just a few kilometers from Yaprakli Koy, there is a natural wonder that will both fascinate and slightly thrill you: the Heaven and Hell Sinkholes. These massive collapses, formed by underground waters over thousands of years, are also famous for their mythological stories. The lush and cool atmosphere of the Heaven Sinkhole, which you can descend into via a 452-step staircase, will transport you to another world , while the depth of the Hell Sinkhole, which cannot be entered but can be viewed from a glass terrace, will take your breath away.   

2. The Legend in the Middle of the Sea: Maiden's Castle (Kızkalesi) A short drive from Yaprakli Koy, Maiden's Castle greets you from the middle of the sea as if it has sprung from a fairy tale. This historic castle, accessible by small boats from the shore, offers a magnificent view, especially at sunset. According to legend, a king built this castle to protect his daughter from a snakebite, but he could not escape fate, and a snake that came out of a grape basket sent to the castle poisoned the princess. Visiting the castle while listening to this sad story will add a different meaning to your trip.   

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is there an entrance fee for Yaprakli Koy?Answer: No, entry to Yaprakli Koy is free as it is a public beach. However, if you wish to use services such as sunbeds and umbrellas provided by the private businesses within the bay, you will need to pay a fee for these services.   

Question 2: Why is the water at Yaprakli Koy so cold and less salty?Answer: The bay's water is quite cool compared to the rest of the Mediterranean because it is where underground freshwater springs from the Taurus Mountains mix with the sea. These springs, which flow into the sea from five different points, also lower the water's salinity, offering a more refreshing swimming experience.   

Question 3: Is the bay a suitable option for families with children?Answer: The ground of Yaprakli Koy is generally rocky, and the water can deepen suddenly. Therefore, extra caution is required for young children and non-swimmers. If you are looking for a safer alternative for families with children,Susanoğlu Beach, located right next to Yaprakli Koy with its fine sand and shallow sea, would be a more suitable choice.   

Bibliography

For more official information and travel planning about Mersin and other tourism wonders of Türkiye, you can visit Türkiye's official tourism portal.

Source: Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, (https://goturkiye.com/).