4 Days in Muğla: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Historic & Cultural

Xanthos

Xanthos or Xanthus, also referred to by scholars as Arna, its Lycian name, was an ancient city near the present-day village of Kınık, in Antalya Province, Turkey. The ruins are located on a hill on the left bank of the River Xanthos. The number and quality of the surviving tombs at Xanthos are a notable feature of the site, which, together with nearby Letoon, was declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Historic & Cultural

Nereid monument

The Nereid Monument is a sculptured tomb from Xanthos in Lycia, close to present-day Fethiye in Mugla Province, Turkey. It took the form of a Greek temple on top of a base decorated with sculpted friezes, and is thought to have been built in the early fourth century BC as a tomb for Arbinas, the Xanthian dynast who ruled western Lycia under the Achaemenid Empire.

Historic & Cultural

Harpy Tomb

The Harpy Tomb is a marble chamber from a pillar tomb that stands in the abandoned city of Xanthos, capital of ancient Lycia, a region of southwestern Anatolia in what is now Turkey. Built in the Persian Achaemenid Empire, and dating to approximately 480–470 BC, the chamber topped a tall pillar and was decorated with marble panels carved in bas-relief. The tomb was built for an Iranian prince or governor of Xanthus, perhaps Kybernis.

Historic & Cultural

Lycian acropolis

The Lycian acropolis in Kaş, Muğla, is the oldest settlement area of the ancient city of Xanthos, with its history dating back to the 8th century BC. It is built on a steep cliff by the Eşen River and is surrounded by walls. The acropolis contains remains of Lycian houses and city walls dating back to the 5th century BC. It is within walking distance of significant sites such as Xanthos (220 m), the Nereid Monument (218 m), and the Harpy Tomb (88 m).

Historic & Cultural

Patara

Patara was an ancient and flourishing maritime and commercial city that was for a period the capital of Lycia. The site is located on the Turkish coast near to the village of Gelemiş, in Antalya Province. Saint Nicholas was born in the town in 270, and lived most of his life in the nearby town of Myra.

Historic & Cultural

Patara North gate

The Patara City Gate, located at the entrance to the ancient city of Patara, is a significant symbol of Lycia's capital. Built around 100 AD during the Roman period, this triple-arched triumphal arch served as both the main entrance to the city and a part of its aqueduct system. The gate was constructed in honor of Mettius Modestus, the Roman governor of Lycia and Pamphylia. It is within walking distance of Patara (490 m), Prostylos Temple (369 m), and Central Bath (396 m).

Historic & Cultural

Patara Theater

Patara Theater, located in Kaş, Muğla, was built during the Hellenistic Period and further developed during the Roman Empire. It was an important center for art and culture in the city during antiquity, with a capacity of over 5,000 spectators. It is within walking distance of Patara (314 m), Patara Deniz Feneri (634 m), and Patara City Gate (740 m).

Turkish Baths & Spa

Small Bath

Small Bath in Kaş, Muğla, offers a traditional Turkish hammam experience. Guests can relax and rejuvenate with services such as sauna, Turkish bath, peeling, and foam massage. The facility is within walking distance of notable sites like Patara, Patara Lighthouse, and Patara City Gate.

Beach & Vacation

Patara Beach

Patara Beach is a beach located near the ancient Lycian city of Patara in Turkey, on the coast of the Turkish Riviera.

Historic & Cultural

Tomb of Amyntas

The Tomb of Amyntas, also known as the Fethiye Tomb, is an ancient Lycian rock-hewn tomb at ancient Telmessos, in Lycia, which was at the time a satrapy of the Achaemenid Empire. Currently, it is in the district of Fethiye in Muğla Province, located in the Aegean region of Turkey.

Museums

Fethiye Museum

Fethiye Museum is a museum located in the Fethiye district of Muğla province. The museum, where archaeological artifacts and findings from Dalaman, Fethiye, Ortaca, Köyceğiz, and Seydikemer are exhibited, started its activities in 1962. Fethiye Museum consists of two main halls, and the exhibited works are arranged chronologically. The artifacts cover the period between 3000 BC and the Late Ottoman Period. Archaeological sites around Fethiye are affiliated with the Fethiye Museum.

Historic & Cultural

Fethiye Castle

Fethiye Castle is a historic site located on a high point in Fethiye, Muğla. While the exact construction date of the castle is unknown, some sources suggest it was repaired by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century. The castle was built on the ancient city of Telmessos, strengthened during the Byzantine period, and its history dates back to the 4th century BC. Fethiye Castle is within walking distance of Amintas Rock Tombs (455 m), Fethiye Museum (641 m), and the Fish Market (365 m).

Turkish Baths & Spa

Paspatur

Paspatur is a hammam or spa located in the historic center of Fethiye. Also known as Fethiye Old Town, Paspatur is characterized by its narrow streets, traditional shops, and historical buildings. The historic Fethiye Hamam, with a history of approximately 440 years, is situated in Paspatur and continues to offer traditional hammam culture. The facility is within walking distance of Balık Pazarı (222 m) and Fethiye Castle (511 m), with the Fethiye ferry stop being the nearest public transport at 358 m.

Shopping

Fish Market

Fethiye Fish Market is a lively shopping area located in Fethiye, Muğla. The market's history dates back to the late 19th century, and it was made more organized during the Republican era. Visitors can select fresh seafood from the stalls and have it cooked at the surrounding restaurants. The market is within walking distance of Amintas Rock Tombs (708 m), Fethiye Museum (601 m), and Paspatur (222 m), with the nearest public transport being Fethiye ferry stop (561 m).

Historic & Cultural

Letoon

Letoon or Letoum in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province, Turkey, was a sanctuary of Leto located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of the ancient city of Xanthos, to which it was closely associated, and along the Xanthos River. It was one of the most important religious centres in the region though never a fully-occupied settlement.

Historic & Cultural

Letoon theatre

Letoon theatre, located in Seydikemer, Muğla, is part of the ancient city of Letoon, one of the Lycian civilization's significant religious centers. Dating back to the Hellenistic period, this theatre features seating carved into natural rock and has a capacity of approximately 7,800 people. The theatre is surrounded by the temples of Leto, Apollo, and Artemis, and was used for religious performances. Letoon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. Letoon (93 m) and Nymphaeum (282 m) are within walking distance.

Historic & Cultural

Nymphaeum

The Nymphaeum in Seydikemer, Muğla, is a historic fountain located within the ancient sanctuary of Letoon. Situated southwest of the three temples dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children Artemis and Apollo, this nymphaeum dates to the early 2nd century or later. It was built over a Hellenistic structure that occupied the site of a sacred spring, believed to be the legendary spring where Leto quenched her thirst. Letoon has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Nature & Adventure

Saklıkent Canyon

Saklıkent National Park, established on June 6, 1996, is a national park in southwestern Turkey. The national park is a canyon, and is located in Muğla Province, at Seydikemer, 50 km away from Fethiye. The Canyon is 65 km from Kaş in the Antalya province.