Mugla Travel

With its climate, natural wonders and a historical past that goes back thousands of years, the province of Muğla attracts the attention of everyone who goes there or even hears about it.

And on these autumn days, when tourists want to enjoy not only natural wonders and the sea, but also an interesting journey back in time, many of them head to Muğla's districts of Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Datça, as well as the towns of Ölüdeniz and Dalyan. Tourists can experience the pleasures of the sea and the natural beauty of Muğla while also exploring some of the incredible structures left over from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods here, as well as some ancient ruins around Muğla which are even older.

For tourists heading to this region especially for a historical journey through the area, a favored route is the following:

The Beçin, Bodrum, Keramos and Marmaris castles; the Bodrum Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Mars Temple; the Myndos, Knidos, Amos, Telmessos and Caunus city ruins; the Patara, Labranda, Pinara and Stratonikeia ruins; the Lycian rock tombs; the ancient city of Lagina; the Leton Temple and the Bodrum Museum, with its rich collection of treasures found underwater.

HOW TO GET HERE: There are daily flights to Dalaman on Turkish Airlines (THY), Atlasjet, Pegasus and Onur Air from Ankara and İstanbul. Dalyan is a short drive away. If leaving from İstanbul, one can use the TEM highway, passing through İzmit, Bursa and Balıkesir. The İstanbul to Muğla trip is an eight-hour drive of approximately 830 kilometers. If you take a ferry from İstanbul to Bandırma, you will travel more comfortably for a good portion of the route.

WHERE TO STAY: Club Viva Hotel. Tel: 212 414 27 77. A five-star hotel that is close to archaeological sites. Meridyen Apart. Tel: 212 414 27 77. Affordable with an a la carte menu. Close to the sea.

WHERE TO EAT: Ömer'in Yeri, 214 92 26, Cami Kebir Mah. Pabuççular Sokak. Offers traditional home-style Turkish dishes. Köşem Restaurant, 212 05 09, Marmaris Bulvarı.