A Tour Of Mugla's Ancient Landmarks

Once the seat of ancient empires, the Muğla province has many historical remnants that have survived the passage of time and all its debilitating effects. From Bodrum’s famous castle all the way to former thriving ancient cities, take a tour of Muğla’s best historic sites.

1. Tlos

Resort

Located close to the summer resort town of Kalkan, Tlos is believed to be one of the Lycian Empire’s most important religious sites. Established about 4,000 years ago, the town’s most important feature is the beautiful citadel on the hilltop and structures impressively carved right into the surrounding natural rock.

Yakaköy Mahallesi, 48850 Fethiye-Seydikemer, Muğla Province, Turkey

Tlos | © Elelicht/Wikimedia Commons

2. Kaunos

Formerly a very important port city in ancient Caria (a region of western Anatolia inhabited by the ancient Carians), Kaunos is located only a few kilometers west of Dalyan. Established around the 10th century BC, one of Kaunos’ most important sites is the six temples built right into the mountainous terrain.

Dalyan Mahallesi, 48800 Ortaca, Muğla Province, Turkey

Kaunos | © Ad Meskens/Wikimedia Commons

3. Sedir Island

One of the most enjoyable of the historic sites, this gorgeous beach was once believed to host Cleopatra herself, who swam in the turquoise waters with Anthony. Sedir is famous for its sands, composed entirely of organic seashells, which are believed to have been brought in especially from North Africa for Cleopatra’s stay.

Alparslan Mahallesi, Atatürk Cd. No:11, 48640 Ula, Muğla, Turkey

Sedir Island | © Betul Piyade/Flickr

5. Letoon

This ancient Greek site was the sanctuary for Leto, the goddess of womanly demure and motherhood. Founded in the late 6th century BCE, Letoon was located near the ancient Lycian city of Xanthos and was considered one of the most important religious sites in the area.

Arifler Mahallesi, Fethiye Kaş Karayolu 65. Km., 48360 Fethiye, Muğla, Turkey

Letoon | © QuartierLatin1968/Wikimedia Commons

6. Kayaköy

Even though Kayaköy appears to be an ancient site due to its high level of aesthetic dilapidation, it was actually abandoned in 1923 during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Truly a marvel that is not often mentioned in guidebooks, the city’s churches, homes, and shops tell a tale of a once flourishing community where Muslims and Christians lived in harmony.

Kayaköy Mahallesi, 48300 Fethiye, Muğla Province, Turkey

Kayaköy | © Darwinek/Wikimedia Commons

7. Knidos

Museum

Another ancient Greek city part of Caria, Knidos is known for its architectural remains and almost perfectly intact city walls. The city’s most famous remains, such as a large figure of a lion carved out of Pentelic marble, are currently on display at the British Museum.

Yazı Mahallesi, Yazı Köyü Tekirburun Mevkii, 48900 Datça, Muğla, Turkey

Knidos | © Annahme der Existenz/Wikimedia Commons

8. Bodrum Castle

Museum

Bodrum’s castle is the city’s most important landmark and towers over the urban landscape and sea in all its medieval splendor. The castle, built in the 1400s, served the medieval Catholic military order of the Knights of St. John and was known as the Castle of St. Peter. Nowadays, it is a museum that houses an impressive collection of ancient shipwrecks discovered in the Aegean.

Çarşı Mahallesi, 48400 Bodrum, Muğla Province, Turkey

Bodrum Castle | © Ad Meskens/Wikimedia Commons

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.