Antakya Safety

Fascinating, welcoming, and culturally vibrant as it is, Antakya is located very close to the Syrian border. In more peaceful days, Aleppo was less than two hours away by car, and many local families regularly crossed the border to visit relatives on the other side. Impacts of the evolving political situation can be felt in the noticeable decrease in tourism in Antakya, and the increasing presence of Syrian refugees seeking safety on the Turkish side of the border. Although it's on the same coastline, Antakya is a world away from the European-style resorts farther north. Though the situation in Antakya was stable at the time of writing, please exercise utmost caution, and be sure to check both the news and the latest safety updates from the U.S. State Department before planning a trip to this area.