Over One Million Travelers Explore Mugla’s Hidden Gems and Historic Sites in 2025, Elevating the Region as a Premier Cultural Tourism Destination

In 2025, Mugla emerged as a leading cultural tourism destination, with over one million travelers flocking to its hidden gems and historic sites. This surge in visitors highlights the region’s growing appeal, driven by its rich history, including ancient Caria and Lycia, and its diverse archaeological treasures. Expanded excavation efforts and increased international promotion have played a key role in attracting tourists seeking both cultural depth and natural beauty. With this remarkable rise in tourism, Mugla has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for travelers interested in exploring Turkey’s ancient heritage.

Mugla has witnessed a significant rise in cultural tourism in 2025, with a notable increase in the number of visitors to its museums and archaeological sites. Official statistics released on January 7 show that the province attracted approximately 1.3 million visitors this year, a remarkable improvement compared to previous years.

This surge in tourism is attributed to a combination of factors, including expanded excavation work, increased international promotion, and the growing appeal of the region’s deep and diverse history. From the ancient civilizations of Caria and Lycia to the legacy of the Ottoman period, Mugla’s historical sites have garnered significant attention, offering travelers a rich and multifaceted cultural experience.

One of the key aspects contributing to this surge is the ongoing excavation projects. Mugla is home to more than 1,000 known ancient settlements, making it a hotspot for archaeological exploration. In the past, visitor numbers remained below one million annually, but the growth in 2025 marks a clear shift. The data collected covers five museums and multiple archaeological sites across the region, where excavations are still ongoing. These sites are integral to understanding the history of not just Mugla but also of ancient Anatolia.

The province is known for its numerous ancient settlements and historical landmarks, with many of these sites now being recognized on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List. As a result, Mugla has become a destination for cultural tourism that extends beyond the popular summer beach season. The increased interest has further solidified its role as a significant contributor to Turkey’s cultural tourism industry.

Among the most visited destinations in 2025 were the ancient city of Knidos, a major archaeological site located on the Datca Peninsula, and Kayakoy, a village often referred to as the “ghost village” due to its abandoned and haunting atmosphere. These sites, along with others, have become key attractions that are drawing more visitors to Mugla, not only during the peak tourist season but also throughout the rest of the year.

In addition to these archaeological sites, Mugla is home to several museums that showcase the province’s vast historical and cultural heritage. The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum, which ranks as the most visited museum in the region, offers a unique experience for visitors, highlighting the maritime history of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the Aegean. Following closely behind in popularity is the Marmaris Museum, which also attracts a significant number of visitors each year.

A driving force behind the increase in visitor numbers has been the Heritage for the Future project, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This project has expanded the excavation seasons at select sites, allowing excavation activities to take place year-round, rather than being limited to just a few months during the summer. In total, twelve excavation sites in Mugla now operate continuously, providing a more immersive experience for visitors who are keen to witness ongoing discoveries and historical insights.

The shift to year-round excavations has not only provided a deeper connection to the region’s ancient past but also supported local economies. The continuous excavation efforts have led to increased employment opportunities for the local population, from archaeologists and laborers to guides and hospitality workers, further boosting the region’s economy. The extended excavation seasons have also helped enhance the visibility of Mugla’s cultural assets on the international stage, making it an attractive destination for international tourists.

The increased international visibility has been further bolstered by the region’s broader tourism promotion efforts. Mugla’s tourism authorities have actively marketed the province’s archaeological and cultural sites to global audiences, contributing to the rise in visitor numbers. This has helped attract a diverse range of tourists from various countries, eager to explore the historical treasures that Mugla has to offer.

The most popular sites in 2025 included Stratonikeia and Lagina in Yatagan, two ancient cities that have long been known for their well-preserved ruins and impressive historical significance. Other popular sites include Becan, Labranda, Euromos, and Herakleia, all located in the Milas district, as well as Kaunos in Koycegiz. These sites showcase a rich mix of civilizations, including remnants from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Visitors to these sites can explore the diverse historical layers that make up the fabric of Mugla’s past.

The success of Mugla’s cultural tourism is not only measured in the number of visitors but also in the quality of the experiences it offers. With each site representing a different period of history, visitors can experience the full breadth of Anatolian history without ever leaving the province. Whether it’s the ancient ruins of Knidos, the haunting atmosphere of Kayakoy, or the rich artifacts displayed in the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum, Mugla provides a truly immersive and educational experience for all who visit.

In 2025, Mugla became a premier cultural tourism destination, attracting over one million travelers to its historic sites and hidden gems, thanks to increased excavation efforts and enhanced international promotion. This rise reflects the region’s growing appeal for those seeking rich cultural and historical experiences.

Looking ahead, the continued promotion of Mugla’s cultural and historical assets, combined with ongoing excavation work, is expected to further solidify its status as a cultural tourism hub. With the global interest in ancient history and heritage tourism growing, Mugla is well-positioned to attract more international tourists, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past while supporting the local economy and creating new opportunities for growth in the tourism sector.

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