Places to Visit in Muğla

Muğla, a unique city located at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, attracts millions of visitors every year. In this city full of historical and natural beauties, there is definitely something for everyone to discover. In order to further expand the diversity that Muğla has to offer, we have prepared a guide full of new destinations for you. Here are more must-visit destinations in Muğla:

Historical places

• Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum: Bodrum Castle was built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century and today houses the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum. The museum offers a rich collection of ancient shipwrecks and various historical artifacts for marine archaeology enthusiasts.
• Knidos Ancient City: Located at the tip of the Datça Peninsula, Knidos fascinates its visitors with its Temple of Aphrodite, ancient theater and other historical ruins. Watching the sunset with the view of the harbor and ancient city ruins offers an unforgettable experience.
• Kaunos Ancient City: The ancient city of Kaunos in Dalyan is famous for its rock tombs and historical structures. In addition to the ruins of the ancient theater and agora, the natural wonder rock tombs on the banks of the Dalyan River are also a must-see.
• Stratonikeia Ancient City: Stratonikeia, located in Yatağan, is known for its ruins from different periods. Rome, is like an open-air museum with its Byzantine and Ottoman period structures. Here, you can travel back in time as you wander among ancient roads, baths, churches and houses.
• Mausoleum of Halicarnassus: The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Although only ruins can be seen today, it is an ideal place to imagine what the magnificent tomb of King Mausolus once looked like.
• Labranda Ancient City: Located in the north of Milas, Labranda attracts attention with its Temple of Zeus Labrandos and ancient waterways. Here you can visit the areas that were the centers of ancient festivals and religious rituals and dive into the depths of history.
• Amos Ancient City: Marmaris The ancient city of Amos, near the city center, attracts attention with its Hellenistic theater, temple ruins and city walls. With its magnificent sea view and historical texture, it is an ideal place to visit for nature and history lovers.
• Patara Ancient City: Patara, one of the most important cities of the Lycian Civilization, also has one of the longest beaches in Turkey. It offers a rich historical heritage with its ancient theater, parliament building and aqueducts.
• Letoon Ancient City: Letoon, the religious centre of Lycia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the ruins of the temples of Leto, Apollo and Artemis can be visited.
• Xanthos Ancient City: Xanthos, one of the largest ancient cities of Lycia, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with Letoon. Its ancient theater, agora and rock tombs attract the attention of visitors.
• Tlos Ancient City: Tlos Ancient City is one of the oldest and most important settlements in Lycia. The city's ancient theater, rock tombs and acropolis offer visitors an impressive history. It is also famous for its landscape and natural beauties.
• Myra Ancient City and Santa Claus Church: Demre The ancient city of Myra, near the city of Myra, is one of the most famous settlements in Lycia. It is famous for its rock tombs, ancient theater and the Church of Santa Claus (St. Nicholas). This church is an important pilgrimage center in the Christian world.
• Pinara Ancient City: Pinara, located near Fethiye, is one of the most interesting cities of Lycia. The city attracts attention with its natural beauties and rock tombs. It has unique routes for hiking lovers.

Parks and Natural Areas

• Saklikent Canyon: Saklıkent Canyon is a paradise for nature sports enthusiasts. You can walk along the canyon, go rafting or cool off in the icy waters of the canyon.
• Marmaris National Park: Marmaris National Park is one of the favorite routes of nature lovers with its rich flora and fauna. It is enriched with walking paths, camping areas and bird watching points.
• Gökova Gulf and Azmak River: Gökova Bay is known for its calm beaches and clear waters, while boat tours on the Azmak River offer unique views. Here you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood at riverside restaurants.
• Oludeniz and Babadag: Ölüdeniz is known for its world-famous turquoise lagoon and beach. Paragliding from Babadağ offers an unforgettable experience for adventure enthusiasts.
• Iztuzu Beach and Dalyan Delta: Iztuzu Beach is the spawning ground of the Caretta caretta sea turtles, and boat tours in the Dalyan Delta offer visitors a unique nature experience.
• Fethiye Butterfly Valley: One of the most special natural beauties of Fethiye, Butterfly Valley is famous for its butterfly species and natural vegetation. It is an ideal place for camping or hiking among high cliffs.
• Datça Peninsula and Palamutbükü: Datça Peninsula is famous for its untouched nature and quiet beaches. Palamutbükü attracts attention with its clear sea and peaceful atmosphere.
• Akbuk Bay: Akbük Bay is famous for its naturalness and tranquility. With its clear waters and surrounding pine forests, it is a great getaway for nature lovers.
• Dalyan Mud Bath and Thermal Springs: The mud baths and thermal springs in Dalyan are famous for their healing waters and natural mud. The mud bath, which has skin rejuvenating properties, is very popular among tourists.
• Akyaka Forest Camp and Akçapınar Beach: Akyaka offers a holiday surrounded by nature. Akçapınar Beach is a popular destination, especially for windsurfing enthusiasts.
• Beads Bay and Beads Bay. Boncuk Bay is ideal for sea lovers with its clear waters and calm atmosphere around Marmaris. Boncuk Bay, Mediterranean It is one of the rare places where seals can be seen.
• Sandras Mountain and Plateau: Mount Sandras is a perfect destination for hiking and trekking. The mountain fascinates its visitors with its magnificent views and clean air.
• Yediler Monastery and Latmos Mountain: Yediler Monastery, located on Mount Latmos, northeast of Lake Bafa, is decorated with frescoes from the Byzantine period. The mountain is also famous for its ancient hiking trails and unique views.

Müzeler

• Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum: The museum, located in Bodrum Castle, is world-famous for its maritime archaeology. It is notable for its ancient shipwrecks and various maritime artifacts.
• Marmaris Castle and Museum: Marmaris Castle, is fascinating with its Ottoman period ruins and sea view. The museum located in the castle exhibits works from the Ottoman and Roman periods.
• Fethiye Museum: Fethiye Museum displays artifacts from the Lycian, Roman and Byzantine periods, including ancient statues, ceramics and other historical objects.
• Milas Museum : Milas Museum, where archaeological artifacts unearthed from Milas and its surroundings are exhibited, is an important center in terms of historical and cultural heritage.
• Muğla Museum: Muğla Museum offers a wide range of cultural items to visitors with its Prehistoric, Archaeological and Ethnographic collections. Rock tombs, jewelry and ceramics are particularly noteworthy.
• Halıcı Ahmet Urkay Museum: This private museum in Marmaris is known for its collection of Turkish handicrafts, carpets and kilims. It also displays Ottoman period items and clothing.
• Kayaköy Art Camp and Open Air Museum: Kayaköy, the abandoned Greek village of Fethiye, can be visited today as an open-air museum. Historical houses, churches and stone streets offer a journey into history. It also hosts cultural events with art camps and workshops.

Churches and Religious Buildings

• St. Nicholas Church: Located on Gemiler Island, this Byzantine church is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. It stands out with its historical and natural beauty.
• Rock Church in the Ancient City of Tlos: Located in Tlos, one of the oldest settlements of the Lycian civilization, the Rock Church attracts attention with its structure carved into the rocks.
• Church of Panagia Pirgiotissa: Panagia Pirgiotissa Church in Milas is decorated with frescoes from the Byzantine period and stands out with its historical architecture.
• Hristos Church in Old Datça: Located in Old Datça, the Hristos Church is an interesting place to visit for history enthusiasts with its restored stone structure and frescoes.
• Amyntas Rock Tombs: Amyntas Rock Tombs in Fethiye are tombs from the Lycian period and offer a magnificent view especially at sunset.

Extra Places to Visit and Activities

• Lake Bafa and the Ancient City of Herakleia: Lake Bafa is ideal for bird watching, nature walks and historical exploration. A boat tour on the lake is a great opportunity to explore the ancient ruins around it.
• Sedir Island (Cleopatra Island): Located in the Gulf of Gökova Cedar Island, is famous for its golden sands and crystal clear sea. The island is also known as Cleopatra Beach and is home to historical ruins.
• Kabak Bay: Kabak Bay is one of the hidden paradises of Fethiye. You can camp, swim and go on nature walks among high cliffs and pine forests.
• Boncuk Bay and Boncuk Bay: Boncuk Bay is a great place for sea lovers around Marmaris with its clear waters and calm atmosphere. Also, Boncuk Bay is one of the rare areas where Mediterranean monk seals can be seen.
• Karacasöğüt Bay and Caves: Karacasöğüt Bay is famous for its sea caves and natural beauties. It is an ideal place for diving and swimming enthusiasts.
• Dalaman River and Rafting: Dalaman River is one of the best routes in Turkey for those who want to go rafting. It is ideal for both being alone with nature and experiencing adrenaline-filled moments.
• Turgut Waterfall: Turgut Waterfall near Marmaris is the perfect spot for those looking for a peaceful escape in nature. You can swim in the cool waters or walk the natural walking paths around the waterfall.

Muğla, a city full of history, nature and cultural richness, offers unique experiences to travelers in every season. There are countless destinations to discover, from ancient cities to natural parks, from beaches to museums. Pack your suitcase and set off to discover Muğla, where there is a new adventure and a story to tell in every corner!

The fascinating beauties of Muğla are waiting for you!