This Turkish province stretches between mountains and Mediterranean beaches, with ancient ruins in Fethiye and the famous Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz drawing visitors year-round.
Muğla, a city in southwestern Turkey, lies between the Mediterranean coast and pine-covered mountains. In the historic center, you'll walk past the 19th-century clock tower, through narrow streets lined with white-washed Ottoman houses, and into centuries-old bazaars where locals shop for fresh produce and handmade crafts. The 14th-century Great Mosque rises above the old quarter, while converted caravanserais now house art galleries and boutiques.
Getting to Muğla
You can fly into Milas-Bodrum Airport (77 km west) or Dalaman Airport (100 km southeast). Buses run from Istanbul (13 hours), Izmir (4 hours), and Antalya (2 hours). If you're driving, take the D400 highway from Bodrum (2 hours) or Marmaris (1 hour).
Weather and Seasons in Muğla
Summer days (June-August) reach 35°C, making morning and evening the best times to explore. Winter brings rain between November and March, with daytime temperatures around 12°C. Plan your visit in April-May or September-October when temperatures stay between 20-25°C, perfect for walking through the old quarter.
Historic Center Attractions
The 1895 clock tower marks the center of the Ottoman bazaar. Two 18th-century caravanserais anchor the area: Konakaltı Han displays local art, while merchants sell traditional goods in Yağcılar Han. You can take a traditional bath at Vakıflar Hamam, built in 1258. The Great Mosque (1344) has intricate stone carvings, while the Kurşunlu Mosque (1495) stands out with its lead-covered dome.
Saburhane Quarter
Walk up the hillside streets to find 400 restored Ottoman houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Each home tells a story through its architecture: open courtyards called "hayat", wooden doors with double shutters known as "lamb doors", and tall chimneys unique to Muğla. Look for the remaining Greek houses with their stone facades and ornate balconies.
Local Life
Students fill the cafés along İzmir highway, especially during weekday evenings. Stop at Sanat Evi, an Ottoman house turned café-gallery, to see local woodwork while drinking Turkish coffee. The Muğla City Museum displays archaeological artifacts and 9-million-year-old fossils discovered at nearby Kaklıcatepe.
Day Trips from Muğla
The region around Muğla holds several historic sites and coastal towns. Visit the Mausoleum ruins in Bodrum (110 km), swim at Marmaris's beaches (55 km), see the Lycian rock tombs in Dalyan (65 km), or explore the ancient streets of Stratonikeia (45 minutes north).
