Last reviewed: · Prices in Turkish Lira (₺ TRY) and Euros (€ EUR) are approximate and for orientation only.
Why visit Payas (Hatay (31))
Payas (Hatay (31)) is a historic district & town (i̇lçe) in Hatay Province (Mediterranean & Turquoise Coast Region), Türkiye, with a population of approximately 38,959 at an elevation of 26 m. Payas (Hatay (31)) is a historic district & town (i̇lçe) in Hatay (Mediterranean).
Getting to Payas & local transit
From Istanbul & Ankara: Take TCDD YHT high-speed rail or a domestic flight via Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport (GZT) to Antalya, then local transit to Payas.
Nearest Airport & Rail Hub: Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport (GZT) (109.3 km) · Rail / Intercity Bus: Gaziantep Gar & Gaziray.
Recommended Transit & Museum Cards: Istanbulkart / regional contactless transit & Museum Pass Türkiye. Compare fares with our TCDD YHT Rail vs. Flight Calculator, Istanbulkart & City Transit Calculator, and Museum Pass Türkiye Calculator.
Top things to see & do in Payas
- Payas Merkez Çarşısı & Historic Mosque
- Payas Kent Müzesi & Cultural Square
- Hatay Regional Bazaar & Tea Gardens
- Payas Panoramic Viewpoint & Park
Neighborhoods & quarters
Payas Merkez (Town Center)
Historic center, central mosque, and bazaar quarter of Payas.
Station / Otogar Quarter
Main transport gateway connecting Payas with Antalya.
What to eat in Payas — Local Specialties & Turkish Culinary Guide
Dining in Payas reflects the culinary heritage of Mediterranean & Turquoise Coast, combining fresh market produce, wood-fired pide and kebabs, cold olive-oil meze, and traditional Turkish tea house culture.
Signature Local Dishes
Payas Must-Try Specialties
- Regional kebabs & meze
- Adana Kebap & Antalya Tahinli Piyaz — Hand-minced zırh lamb kebab grilled over oak charcoal, and Antalya white bean salad dressed in rich sesame tahini.
- Hatay Künefe & Tepsi Kebabı — Crisp shredded kadayıf pastry filled with stretchy Antakya cheese soaked in light blossom syrup.
- Mersin Tantuni & Mediterranean Lagos — Spiced diced beef stir-fried on a convex sac griddle wrapped in warm lavash with sumac onions.
Mediterranean Regional Cuisine
Regional Staples & Drinks
Adana Kebap & Antalya Tahinli Piyaz (Hand-minced zırh lamb kebab grilled over oak charcoal, and Antalya white bean salad dressed in rich sesame tahini.) Hatay Künefe & Tepsi Kebabı (Crisp shredded kadayıf pastry filled with stretchy Antakya cheese soaked in light blossom syrup.) Mersin Tantuni & Mediterranean Lagos (Spiced diced beef stir-fried on a convex sac griddle wrapped in warm lavash with sumac onions.)
Local Drinks: Şalgam Suyu (fermented purple carrot drink), Fresh Finike Orange & Pomegranate Juice, Yayık Ayranı, Taurus Mountain Wild Thyme Tea (Kekik Çayı)
Where to Eat in Payas: Lokantas, Meyhanes & Markets
Explore the central çarşı (market quarter) of Payas alongside regional culinary landmarks including Antalya Kaleiçi & Doğu Garajı Bazaar, Adana Kazancılar Çarşısı, Antakya Uzun Çarşı for local cheeses, olives, spices, and freshly baked simit and pide.
Recommended Dining Areas: Antalya Kaleiçi & Doğu Garajı Bazaar · Adana Kazancılar Çarşısı · Antakya Uzun Çarşı
Local Turkish Drinks & Pairings: Şalgam Suyu (fermented purple carrot drink) · Fresh Finike Orange & Pomegranate Juice · Yayık Ayranı · Taurus Mountain Wild Thyme Tea (Kekik Çayı)
Dining Etiquette & Ordering Tips: In Türkiye, midday esnaf lokantası (tradesmen's restaurants) display bubbling trays at the counter where you can order half-portions (yarım porsiyon). Evening meyhanes and ocakbaşı grill houses serve cold meze first; bread and tulip-glass Rize black tea (çay) after meals are typically complimentary. Use our Turkish Phrasebook & Restaurant Allergy Show-Cards to order confidently in Turkish.
Closest neighboring Turkish towns to Payas
- Dörtyol — 7.9 km away
- İskenderun — 16.4 km away
- Erzin — 21 km away
- Hassa — 27.7 km away
- Hatay — 29.6 km away