Milas Guide

Milas, a district of Muğla, boasts many touristic features with its well-organized town center, ancient ruins, historical artifacts and houses, lively bazaar, and world-famous Milas carpets. It is located approximately 70 kilometers from the provincial center. The name Milas is believed to have originated from the Carian city of Mylasa, which in turn is said to be named after Mylasos, the son of Chrysaor, grandson of Sisyphus and Aeolus. According to the historian Strabo, Mylasa was one of the three major cities in inland Caria. Founded in the 5th century BC, the city later came under Persian rule after the Carians, and in the 13th century, it became the capital of the Menteşe Beylik. The Ottomans also valued this city highly.

Today, Milas is the second largest settlement in Muğla. You can see traces of thousands of years of history throughout the district. Therefore, Milas stands out not only for its touristic appeal and natural beauty but also for its historical heritage. The town has a typical Mediterranean climate. The local economy mainly depends on agriculture and animal husbandry, along with carpet weaving and tourism.

Milas carpets, which are renowned worldwide, are still highly sought after. Centuries ago, carpets used in Ottoman palaces were also brought from Milas. These carpets feature unique designs heavily influenced by Turkish motifs and boast vibrant colors created using natural dyes.

Another important cultural feature of Milas is its old houses. In the city center, you can find many homes dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Milas houses have a distinct, original architectural style. They are generally two stories high and have a courtyard at the entrance. In addition to these traditional Milas houses, you can also find older residences in the district center that reflect European architecture built by Hungarians and Italians who came to the region during the early years of the Republic.

Muğla Milas also offers beautiful seas and magnificent beaches. The scent of the sea spreads all the way through streets adorned with colorful flowers. Milas welcomes many local and international tourists throughout the year. Visitors often find it hard to leave once they experience the charm of the district.

Being close to other popular vacation spots such as Bodrum and Güllük, Milas offers a wide variety of accommodation options for guests. Whether by the sea or slightly inland, Milas hotels are spread throughout the district. You can choose to stay in a large resort hotel or opt for a smaller boutique hotel, depending on your preference.