Mugla Marvels: 7 Must-See Wonders Beyond the Beach!

The province of Mugla is located along the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its sunny coastline and all-inclusive beach resorts that draw millions of tourists. But if one moves further from the coast, there are countless wonders hidden beyond the beach towels and umbrellas. Beneath the beaches and beyond the coastline, Mugla holds many archaeological, historical, and natural treasures that will intrigue any traveler who wishes to discover more of Turkey. 

1. Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey; the city was at its peak during the Roman Empire with famous marble quarries and a sculpture school all across the empire. Admire the stuccowork, the towering pillars, and such grand architectural masterpieces as thirty thousand seater theatre and marble seated stadium. Oh, be in awe while getting through the Tetrapylon gateway decorated with numerous reliefs most of which are still preserved in very detail even today.

2. Saklikent Gorge

The roaring trail of the ancient glacier carved icy rivers into the huge ravine now known as Saklikent Gorge, is undoubtedly one of the most scenic places to visit in Turkey. This chasm features an elevation of 1,200 meters, and the rock walls vertical in some sections, reaching up to 300 meters. Get the spirit of the powerful nature while crossing this ‘spreading place,’ which is the cradle of the Great Taurus Mountain and the Xanthos River.

3. Tlos Ancient City

This ancient city is situated on a rocky hill with magnificent views over a steep gully, and although it is completely encased within one of the most beautiful areas of southwestern Turkey, it is not as well known as the nearby city of Xanthos. The actual entrance to the ancient city is through gates with a modern appearance resembling a fortress, and further, proceeding uphill along the street lined with Lycian sarcophagi, there are sights of the Roman period, such as the theater and the bathhouse, carved into the rock. Marvel at views that extend down to the hills of the Bey Mountains and up to the snow-capped summits from this highland dating back to antiquity.

4. Dalyan Riverside

Recently, this has become a famous place which is surrounded by tombs from antiquity and sandy beaches, more and more beautiful nature and wildlife reserves, and, of course, the peaceful river that looks as if inviting everyone to take a little boat and sail through it. Float through lowland wetlands of the Dalyan River, where the waters are bordered by reeds up to the tawny sands of Iztuzu Beach where loggerhead turtles nest; explore Rock Tombs of Antalya carved high into cliffs that are over 2000 years old and are remarkably well-preserved given their seismic vulnerability.

5. Knidos Ancient Harbor

Drown in the atmosphere of antiquity walking through the ancient harbor city of Knidos which wealthy and powerful naval fleet dominated the sea surrounding the empire. Stroll through meandering paths until you come across marvelous architecture such as a round-shaped theatre and the Ancient Temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Take a stand on the old city walls for a breathtaking vista of two bays that are still today’s marinas where contemporary yachts cruise where triremes used to dominate centuries ago.

6. Kabak Valley

Do not miss the unique opportunity to explore the valley filled with fruit orchards, forested slopes, and steep rocky canyons of Kabak, which are far from noisy resorts. Tread through trails that pass through this havens that include pine trees, and the sound of flowing streams. Taste your way through homemade oranges, tangerines, pomegranates, and mulberries, locally sourced from producers in this fruit-growing wonder of a valley. Stay at one of many tree houses located in the valley with rocks forming a natural wall around it for a unique experience of reconnecting with nature.

7. Oludeniz Blue Lagoon

Every Mugla or Turkey wonder tour is incomplete without a picture-perfect beauty like the Oludeniz blue lagoon and the tall Babadag Mountain in the background. Eagles soar to its peak of 6,000 feet with paragliders gliding from that vantage to the gorgeous pine-lined white sandy beaches that hug crystal clear turquoise waters with a tinge of tropical sheen. Rent a paddleboard, tour across the lagoon without interruption while watching different islands on the horizon, then end the day at a casual beachside taverna – as Fernando said, ‘this is where the mountains meet the sea and the heavens’.

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