Adana
A destination you can safely keep towards the bottom of your must-visit list.
An ancient gateway to Anatolia's heartland for millennia.
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.
Unless already in close proximity, no compelling reason to visit. Fine for an overnight stop and half a day's exploring.
Unless already in close proximity, no compelling reason to visit. Fine for an overnight stop and half a day's exploring.
Unless already in close proximity, no compelling reason to visit. Fine for an overnight stop and half a day's exploring.
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Summary
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.
Accommodation
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.
Places to work
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.
Value
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.
Working hours
Turkey adheres to GMT+2 in summer, reverting to GMT+3 in winter due to the absence of daylight saving time practices.
🇪🇺 Consider working European hours from Asia?
Where to stay
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.
Kurtuluş
Old Town
Where to work
Dreamwork Offices
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.
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Remote work visa
If staying for a prolonged period, you may want to consider a dedicated visa for this destination.
This country is actively working on a visa support for remote workers.
Check your government website for details of how to obtain a tourist visa.
Citizen Remote is a great source of up to date knowledge for everything to do with remote work visas.
Safety
Off-work
Visit the Sabanci Central Mosquea
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
Eat an Adana Kebab
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.
Sample 'Şalgam'
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.
Visit Seyhan Dam Lake
Large dam created in the north of the city, with shaded areas to escape the sun and dedicated areas to BBQ meats.
Duration & season
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.
Food & drink
People
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.
Exercise
Mosque Run
City Loop
Verdict
Positives
- A busy city with a working feel.There is little in the way of international tourism in Adana, so it provides something of a seemingly authentic experience.
- A great city for kebabs.As you would expect, if you are a fan of Adana Kebabs there are few better destinations.
Negatives
- By no means a remote hub.I would say there is a moderate to high chance you may be the only person working from there.
- Super hot with no access to beaches.Not ideally where you want to be in 35 degrees.
Tips
- Mersin is worth a visit.A neighbouring city, easily reachable via train.
- Ensure you have A/C.Even in late October there were hot evenings.
- The bus to Ankara is pleasant.Takes around 5 hours and provides great views of the Anatolian countryside.
- Eid al-Adha is a major holiday usually around June.Expect many offices to be closed during this time in a similar manner to Christmas in the UK.
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