Muğla is one of the most popular touristic regions of Turkey with its natural beauties, historical richness and deep blue sea. Known as the pearl of the Aegean Region, this city offers unforgettable views and experiences to its visitors. Whether you plan a peaceful vacation in nature or a trip full of historical discoveries, there is something for every taste in Muğla. Here is a detailed list of the places you must see in Muğla:
Natural Beauties
Oludeniz (Fethiye)
Oludeniz, one of Turkey’s most famous beaches, is a corner of paradise with its deep blue sea and calm environment. You can swim in the turquoise waters and sunbathe on the white sandy beach. You can also take off from Babadağ, one of the best paragliding spots in the world, and watch the unique view of Ölüdeniz from a bird’s eye view. Especially being here at sunset offers an unforgettable experience.
Butterfly Valley (Fethiye)
Located close to Faralya Village in Fethiye, Butterfly Valley is a virgin paradise that can only be reached by boat. You can hike in this natural wonder valley, which is home to different butterfly species worthy of its name, and observe breathtaking natural landscapes. It is also a very popular place for those who want to camp; a sky full of stars will be waiting for you at night.
Saklikent Canyon (Seydikemer)
Saklikent Canyon, one of the longest and most exciting canyons in Turkey, attracts attention with its coolness even in the hot summer months. You can embark on an adventure deep into the canyon by walking through the icy water. The region is a perfect destination for nature lovers who are passionate about trekking. Moreover, you can enjoy delicious local dishes in the restaurants located in the canyon against the canyon view.
Akyaka Azmak River (Akyaka)
Azmak River, the oxygen reservoir of Akyaka, offers a tranquil escape with its clear waters and lush green surroundings. You can enjoy the river by renting a canoe or pedalo, or have a pleasant dining experience at the waterfront restaurants. Watching the fish and aquatic plants underwater is a peaceful activity in itself.
Historical Sites
Kaunos Ancient City (Dalyan)
Kaunos attracts visitors interested in history with its impressive rock tombs and ancient ruins. This ancient city in Dalyan was once an important trade center between the Lycian and Carian civilizations. The ruins of the city walls, agora and baths will take you on a journey through time.
Ancient City of Knidos (Datça)
Located at the tip of the Datça Peninsula, the ancient city of Knidos offers a unique experience with its fascinating geography and historical riches. You can visit the Temple of Aphrodite and the famous Knidos Lighthouse in this ancient city, which gained a reputation for maritime trade. The view of this place at sunset is worth seeing.
Bodrum Castle (Bodrum)
The historical castle, which has become the symbol of Bodrum, is now home to the Underwater Archaeology Museum. The sunken ships and ancient artifacts exhibited in the castle offer a very informative experience for those interested in both history and seafaring. You can also take the opportunity to photograph an impressive view of the Bodrum Castle area.
Islands and Bays
Sedir Island – Cleopatra Island (Marmaris)
This enchanting island, where Cleopatra is believed to have once swum, is a natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world. Known as Cedar Island, it is famous for its fine golden sands and offers visitors an unforgettable beach experience. Legends that the sands were specially brought from Egypt by Cleopatra and her lover Marcus Antony add a mystical atmosphere to the island.
The dazzling clarity of the sea creates the feeling of swimming in an aquarium and is mesmerizing in its naturalness. The turquoise tones of the sea, as well as the world-famous sand, reinforce the uniqueness of the island. When you step here, you witness a unique atmosphere where nature and history are intertwined.
Sedir Island offers much more than just a beach for those on vacation in Marmaris. The ancient ruins surrounding it are an open-air museum for travelers interested in history. The island hosts structures such as the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater from ancient times, providing an unforgettable discovery opportunity for history lovers.
Offering an impressive natural beauty and a historical heritage together, this island is a must-see for Marmaris vacationers. The view created by the lights falling on the golden sands at sunset appeals to both peace-seeking souls and photography enthusiasts who want to capture unique frames. You should experience this unique experience offered by Sedir Island at least once in your life!
Gocek Bays (Fethiye)
Göcek is a natural wonder, famous for hosting Turkey’s most spectacular bays. This unique region offers its visitors both a peaceful vacation and an experience in touch with nature. Göcek stands out as an ideal destination especially for yacht tours and blue voyages.
Göcek’s magnificent bays promise a fascinating experience with its clean and calm atmosphere. One of the activities you can do here is to participate in yacht tours. The yachts stop at special stops in the region such as Bedri Rahmi Bay, Cleopatra Bath Bay, Göbün Bay and Sarsala Bay. Every moment spent in these bays is a unique taste that makes you feel the incredible harmony of the sea and nature. Göcek’s bays attract attention not only with their nature but also with their historical texture. History and nature are intertwined in the bays that host the ruins of ancient times.
Swimming in the crystal clear waters of Göcek is an unforgettable experience. The calm and deep blue waters not only soothe your soul, but also offer a unique swimming pleasure. You can snorkel and dive to explore the underwater world, or just enjoy the sun and the cool waters.
Apart from yacht tours, hiking trails, cycling tours and visiting local markets are also among the most enjoyable activities in the region. For those who want to taste the local flavors of Göcek, it is a great option to enjoy fresh seafood in the restaurants along the coast.
In short, Göcek is a paradise for those looking for a blue cruise and a peaceful vacation with its clean nature, calm atmosphere and impressive bays. If you dream of collecting unique memories, you should definitely add Göcek to your travel plans.
Hidden Bays of Datça (Datça)
For those who want to have a peaceful vacation away from the crowds in Datça, hidden bays offer a corner of paradise. These unique bays are surrounded by the fascinating beauties of nature and allow you to spend a pleasant time in a quiet and calm atmosphere. Here, you can dive into the clear and cool waters, lie on the beach and read your book or just enjoy the moment by listening to the peaceful sound of the waves.
Swimming in the hidden bays of Datça is not only a swimming experience, but also an opportunity for spiritual renewal. Being in the lap of nature, intertwined with the deep blue sea, helps you to get away from stress and feel completely vigorous. Also, taking a walk in these bays or watching the sunrise and sunset can be among the most unforgettable memories of your vacation.
These bays, which are close to historical sites such as the ancient city of Knidos to explore the natural beauties of Datça, also offer you a cultural richness. Each bay has its own unique texture and view; some are decorated with rocks, while others welcome you with fine sand. With the guidance of locals, you can reach lesser-known bays and find your own little slice of paradise.
To turn your vacation into a peaceful escape and experience nature at its best, Datça’s hidden bays are a gem waiting to be discovered.
City Centers and Streets
Bodrum Bar Street (Bodrum)
For those who want to experience Bodrum’s vibrant nightlife, Bar Street is a destination full of fun. With its various venues and music, it guarantees you an evening for every taste.
Eski Datca (Datca)
Old Datça, which promises peace to its visitors with its stone houses and streets decorated with bougainvillea, is a getaway point where time slows down. Especially these streets, where Can Yücel lived for a while, offer a poetic experience.
Streets of Akyaka (Akyaka)
What could be more enjoyable than taking a walk in the narrow streets of Akyaka, which has the title of “Sakin City”? With its traditional architecture, small cafes and boutique shops, the streets of Akyaka are waiting to be explored.
Beaches
Iztuzu Beach (Dalyan)
As one of the most important spawning grounds for loggerhead sea turtles, this beach attracts attention not only for its natural beauty but also for its efforts to protect the environment and life. The dedication and environmental protection efforts for the survival of sea turtles have made this beach a symbol of environmental awareness. The clear waters of the beach, with their deep blue tones, offer a visual feast and represent a clean and healthy living space. The wide and soft sandy beach offers visitors not only the opportunity to sunbathe and swim in the sea, but also to take walks, find peace and be alone with nature. The work done by local people and volunteers to protect the area is having a positive impact on both flora and fauna. This unique beach is a special destination where you can relax and enjoy the harmony between nature and human beings and raise your environmental awareness.
Kabak Bay (Fethiye)
A paradise for nature lovers, Kabak Bay offers a peaceful escape with its hidden natural beauties, hiking trails and campsites. This unique bay stands out as a hidden treasure with its clear and turquoise sea among the mountains surrounded by pine forests.
Visitors to Kabak Bay can make pleasant discoveries on hiking trails specially marked for trekking enthusiasts. Located on the Lycian Way, this region is home to many trails that allow adventurous nature walks. The scenery is breathtaking at every step; you can enjoy both sea and mountain views as you walk along the trails.
For those who want to fully integrate with nature, Kabak Bay’s various campsites offer a great advantage. You can find a suitable option for yourself in the campgrounds built on the coastline or in the forest. Some campgrounds also offer bungalow houses, camping equipment rental services and eco-friendly facilities. This makes it possible for you to spend time without sacrificing your comfort and have a vacation that respects nature.
One of the most distinctive features of Kabak Bay is the peace and tranquility it offers. If you want to get away from the chaos of city life and find yourself in a serene atmosphere, this is the place for you. You can rest your soul among the sound of the waves and birds chirping and relieve stress.
You can enjoy the sun, swim in the clear sea or take a walk along the coast. In addition, the star view that Kabak Bay offers when you gather around the campfire at night offers an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
In short, Kabak Bay is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to be alone with nature, rejuvenate and have an unforgettable vacation.
Turunc Beach (Marmaris)
Turunç Beach, one of the favorite beaches of Marmaris, is a corner of paradise with its clean sea and natural beauties. It attracts attention with the awards it receives every year thanks to its clean sea, which once again reveals how special the beach is. Turunç Beach, one of the indispensable addresses of those looking for calmness, offers an ideal escape for those who want to get away from the chaos of city life with its peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoying swimming in the clear waters of the beach is a truly unique experience. Especially for underwater enthusiasts, it is possible to discover the underwater riches by diving. Another reason why Turunç Beach is so popular is the breathtaking views of the golden sandy beach and the lush green nature around it. Watching the sunset here is an unforgettable memory.
Numerous cafes and restaurants are waiting for you to have a pleasant time around the beach. You can taste the flavors of Turkish cuisine in a restaurant overlooking the sea and enjoy fresh fruit juices and snacks to recharge your energy throughout the day. You also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding bays with boat tours organized in the region.
In conclusion, Turunç Beach is a destination that appeals to visitors of all age groups with its calmness, natural beauty and clean sea. If you are ever in Marmaris, do not complete your vacation without stopping by Turunc Beach!
Conclusion
Muğla is one of the rare cities where history, nature and the sea are in a fascinating harmony. By visiting the places on our list, you can open the doors to an unforgettable vacation and enjoy every moment of it. Make your plans now and embark on a journey to these natural beauties!
