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If you have done the things to do in Turkey, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Milas.
Nestled in the heart of Turkey, Milas is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
With its stunning coastline, rich culture, and bustling markets, the city offers a feast for the senses and a never-ending list of exciting activities.
Whether you fancy exploring ancient ruins, sampling local delicacies, or simply soaking up the sun on a picturesque beach, Milas has something for everyone.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience the best that Milas has to offer.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Milas:
1. Bodrum Airport
Bodrum Airport, also known as Milas-Bodrum Airport, is an international airport serving the Bodrum peninsula in southwestern Turkey.
What to see or do: As an airport, there isn’t much to see or do in Bodrum Airport.
However, there are several duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges where you can eat, relax, and shop while waiting for your flight.
Don’t miss: If you have some time to spare, you can take a short taxi ride to visit the nearby ancient city of Euromos, which dates back to the 6th century BC.
The picturesque town of Gulluk is also worth checking out, as it is famous for its seafood cuisine and stunning sunsets.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive at least two hours before your flight departure time to allow enough time for check-in, baggage drop-off, security checks, and boarding.
2. Herakleia
Ancient Greek city ruins located near the modern town of Milas, Turkey.
What to see or do: Observe the well-preserved ruins of the city walls, Roman gate, theatre, stadium, agora (marketplace), and various temples.
Don’t miss: The Heroon, a unique monument dedicated to the hero worshipped in ancient times. It consists of a cylindrical base and a cone-shaped roof resembling a beehive.
Insider travel tips: Visit in spring or fall to avoid the crowds and extreme heat. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is rugged and uneven.
Bring sunscreen and a hat as shade is limited. Combine with a visit to the nearby Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
3. Iassos (Assos)
What to see or do: Explore the ancient ruins of Iassos, including the acropolis, agora, and theater. Take in breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea from the hilltop location.
Don’t miss: Walking along the ancient walls and discovering the remnants of the city’s past, such as the Roman baths and Byzantine tombs.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the ruins and bring sunscreen and water as there is little shade. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
Don’t forget your camera for capturing the stunning views.
4. Euromos
What to see or do: Explore the well-preserved remains of the Temple of Zeus, the theatre, and Agora (marketplace).
Don’t miss: The intricately carved decorations of the Temple of Zeus and the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the ruins cover a large area and the terrain can be uneven. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
5. Labranda
A cozy resort hotel located in the town of Milas in southern Turkey.
What to see or do: Enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool, spa center, and private beach area.
Take a walk through the hotel’s lush gardens or venture out to explore the historic town of Milas, known for its ancient ruins and traditional Turkish architecture.
Don’t miss: Visiting the Milas Friday market to experience local culture and try traditional Turkish delicacies.
Insider travel tips: Book a room with a balcony to enjoy stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Don’t forget to try the hotel’s signature cocktail, the “Milas Mule,” made with local ingredients and flavors.
Explore the nearby Bodrum peninsula for a day trip to discover more of the region’s natural beauty and historical landmarks.
6. Beçin Castle
A medieval castle located in the Milas district of Muğla, Turkey.
What to see or do: Explore the ruins of the castle, including the walls, gates, towers, and mosque. Admire the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the castle and the importance of the Milas region.
Don’t miss: The underground cisterns that were used to collect rainwater for the castle’s inhabitants. The intricate stone carvings and decorations on the walls and ceilings of the mosque.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be a lot of climbing and exploring.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the top of the castle. Stop in the nearby town of Milas to enjoy traditional Turkish food and hospitality.
7. Caravanserai of Selçuk
A historical inn that served as a resting place for travelers during the Ottoman Empire.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful architecture of the building and the intricate carvings and artwork that decorate the walls.
Learn about the rich history of the caravanserai and imagine what life might have been like for travelers passing through centuries ago.
Don’t miss: Exploring the nearby Milas Bazaar, where you can find traditional handmade crafts and goods, or trying some of the delicious local cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when there are fewer crowds and the lighting is ideal for photos.
Make sure to bring comfortable shoes as the caravanserai has uneven surfaces and stairs. Don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen, as it can get hot in the summer.
8. Mylasa Gate
Mylasa Gate is an ancient city gate located in the town of Milas in Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive Roman architecture of the Mylasa Gate, which dates back to the Hellenistic period. The gate is adorned with beautiful marble carvings and reliefs depicting mythological scenes.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a closer look at the intricate details of the carvings, including depictions of centaurs, griffins, and other creatures.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the history and significance of Mylasa Gate, consider hiring a local guide who can provide a fascinating insight about its architecture and the cultural context of the ancient city.
9. Acropolis of Myndos
Acropolis of Myndos is an ancient site located in Milas, Turkey. It served as a fortified city in the Hellenistic and Roman ages.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient fortifications, including towers, walls, and gates. The site also includes a theater, a temple, and a church.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the Great Tower, which is the tallest structure on the acropolis and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there are many steep steps and uneven terrain. Consider hiring a guide to learn more about the history and significance of this important site.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water as there is little shade on the acropolis.
10. Akmil Hotel
A modern hotel located in the heart of Milas, a town in southwestern Turkey.
What to see or do: The hotel is conveniently located near the Milas Museum, which features a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Mylasa.
Guests can also explore Milas’ historic Ottoman-era buildings, traditional bazaars, and charming cafes and restaurants.
Don’t miss: The hotel’s rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to try some of the local cuisine, such as stuffed grape leaves, lamb kabobs, and the Milas-style sesame bread known as simit.
The best time to visit Milas is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the town is quieter.
11. Gümüşkesen Monument
The Gümüşkesen Monument is an impressive structure in the Milas region, located in the southwestern part of Turkey. It is a historical tombstone that dates back to the 4th century BC.
What to see or do: At the Gümüşkesen Monument, visitors will be amazed by its massive size and intricate carvings, which tell the story of a prominent citizen of Milas.
The monument also features several inscriptions in ancient Greek.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to climb up to the top of the monument and admire the breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.
Also, make sure to take some time to appreciate the beauty of the detailed carvings, which include scenes from mythology and daily life.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water, as the climb up to the top of the monument can be challenging.
Additionally, visit early in the day to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Finally, don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views and intricate carvings of the monument.
12. Milas Public Market
Milas Public Market is a bustling marketplace that offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce to artisanal goods.
What to see or do: You can explore the various stalls that offer farm-fresh fruits and veggies, as well as homemade jams, preserves, baked goods, and sweets.
There’s also an array of boutique shops selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on trying some of the locally made cheeses and charcuterie products, which are incredibly flavorful and unique. The seafood section is also a must-visit, where you can pick up the day’s catch directly from the fishermen.
Insider travel tips: Go on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds, and bring cash as most vendors don’t accept credit cards. Also, bargain for a better price as it’s commonly practiced.
13. Fatih Mosque
Fatih Mosque is a historical mosque located in the heart of Milas, a small district in Mugla Province in Turkey.
What to see or do: The mosque is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture with its intricate decorations and prayer hall. Visitors and tourists can admire the geometrically designed tiles on its exterior walls and handmade ornaments on its interior walls.
Don’t miss: The mosque’s domed mausoleum houses the tombs of prominent Ottoman officials and scholars.
Travelers can also observe the old Islamic cemetery just behind the mosque, which is claimed to be one of the oldest Islamic cemeteries in Anatolia.
Insider travel tips: Tourists should ask for a guide from the mosque’s caretaker to explore the whole complex.
It’s recommended to visit the mosque during the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and to experience a more serene atmosphere.
Visitors should dress conservatively and remove their shoes before entering the mosque.
14. Milas Museum
Milas Museum is a museum located in the Milas district of Turkey’s Mugla province.
What to see or do: The museum is home to a unique collection of artifacts dating back to the ancient city of Milas, including Roman and Hellenistic sculptures, Byzantine coins, and Ottoman ceramics.
Visitors can explore the various galleries to learn about the history and culture of the region.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive exhibits at the museum is the 2nd-century statue of Zeus, which is nearly 6-feet tall and incredibly detailed.
Other notable pieces include a life-size sarcophagus and a collection of ancient jewelry.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to take a guided tour to get the most out of your visit. The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Additionally, the nearby ancient city of Labranda is worth a visit for those interested in history and archaeology.
15. Kursunlu Han
Kursunlu Han is an impressive 16th-century caravanserai located in Milas, Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning Ottoman architecture and intricate carvings throughout the han’s interior and exterior. It’s a great spot for photo opportunities and architecture enthusiasts.
Don’t miss: The intricate stone-carved decoration on the inner walls and arches of the han’s courtyard is not to be missed, as well as the prominent entrance with its beautiful Seljuk-style archway.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit Kursunlu Han in the morning or evening, when the sun is not too much overhead, as there’s little shade in the courtyard.
Bring sunscreen and a hat if you plan on visiting during the day. Additionally, make sure to inquire about any special events or exhibitions that may be happening during your visit.
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