Stops along the way
Stops between İstanbul and Muğla
777 km, roughly 8 hours of driving. The stops below are ordered as you pass them — the same road in both directions.
In short
The drive between İstanbul and Muğla is 777 km and takes roughly 8 hours. There are 840 described places within 20 km of this route; it crosses 9 provinces, and the densest stretch is in Bursa (248 places).
There are 840 places within 20 km of this corridor; the 54 below are spread evenly along the drive.
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1
Arnavutköy Yeniköy Halk Plajı
Arnavutköy, İstanbul
Arnavutköy Yeniköy Public Beach is a public beach candidate included in the official 2025 Blue Flag list.
2
Miniatürk
Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Miniatürk is Turkey's first miniature park, showcasing 120 fixed models of significant cultural artifacts. The park aims to promote cultural heritage with representations from Istanbul and Anatolia.
3
Jale Kuşhan Balmumu Heykel Müzesi
Kağıthane, İstanbul
The Jale Kuşhan Wax Sculpture Museum is established to promote wax sculpture art in Turkey. The museum showcases wax figures of significant figures from Turkish and world history.
4
Galatasaray Müzesi
Sarıyer, İstanbul
Galatasaray Museum, established in 1915 by Ali Sami Yen, is Turkey's first sports museum. It showcases the history and achievements of Galatasaray Sports Club.
5
Sadberk Hanim Müzesi
Sarıyer, İstanbul
Sadberk Hanım Museum is located in a 19th-century building and hosts a rich collection of artifacts.
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6
Rumeli Feneri
Sarıyer, İstanbul
Rumeli Feneri is a historic lighthouse located at the point where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea.
7
Beylerbeyi Sarayı
Üsküdar, İstanbul
Beylerbeyi Palace was built as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans and served to host foreign heads of state.
8
Küçüksu Kasri
Beykoz, İstanbul
Küçüksu Pavilion is a historical structure located in the Bosphorus, used as one of the sultans' private gardens during the Ottoman period.
9
Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü Müzesi
Kadıköy, İstanbul
The Fenerbahçe Sports Club Museum showcases the 100 years of achievements and awards of Fenerbahçe, an essential part of Turkish sports.
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10
Polonezköy
Beykoz, İstanbul
Polonezköy is a village located 30 km away from Istanbul, immersed in nature. It is a peaceful getaway with walking paths and cycling trails.
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11
Ballikayalar
Gebze, Kocaeli
Ballıkayalar is a nature park located in Gebze, offering an ideal area for mountaineering.
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12
Çerkeşli Kayalitepe
Dilovası, Kocaeli
This route, which goes from Çerkeşli village to the summit of Kayalıtepe, is the longest of Kocaeli'nin natural hiking routes. In addition to the length of the distance, the steep ascent and descent should be taken into consideration. Çerkeşli Village forms the starting point of this route.
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13
Safiye Başdeğirmen
Karamürsel, Kocaeli
This route, which involves no difficulty, can be walked without any problems in all four seasons. A part of the route consists of a trail, and a very small part consists of a dirt vehicle road. The route, which starts right inside Safiye Köyü, continues on paths parallel to Suludere.
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14
Fulacik Valideköprü
Karamürsel, Kocaeli
From Fulacık to Valide Köprü or vice versa, whichever way you walk, it is a route without difficulty in all four seasons. This route, which goes from Fulacık Köyü toward Valide Köprü Mahallesi, is of a kind that everyone can easily complete.
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15
Deniz Avciliği
Termal, Yalova
Trout can be fished at Sudüşen Waterfall in Termal. There are trout facilities near Elmalık village and Kurtköy. In addition, sea fishing is carried out extensively in our province on the shores of Çınarcık, Esenköy, Armutlu, Kapaklı and Fıstıklı.
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16
Yeşil İmareti
Yıldırım, Bursa
It was built in the 15th century, during the reign of Çelebi Sultan Mehmet, under the supervision of Hacı İvaz. Today, a large part of it is still standing. The imaret and dining hall walls have also survived to the present day. Its roof has completely collapsed. The two-domed kitchen section is quite sound. The main walls were built with stone and brick, and the storage section is also in a collapsed state. On Fridays, Çelebi Sultan Mehmet used to distribute food to the poor from this imaret.
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17
Emir Sultan Külliyesi
Yıldırım, Bursa
Emir Sultan, who lived in Bursa in the first quarter of the 15th century and died in 1429, was born in Bukhara. Because he was descended from Hz. Muhammed, he was called "Emir," and because he won hearts, he was called "Sultan," and he became renowned by the name "Emir Sultan." His real name is Muhammed. He was shown great respect in Bursa. He married Hundi Hatun, the daughter of the Ottoman sultans Yıldırım Beyazıd.
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18
Balabancık ve Gazi Aktimur Hisarı
Yıldırım, Bursa
Gazi Osman Bey planned to turn toward Bursa after Bilecik, İnegöl, Sakarya and Yenişehir. Since the Bursa castle, surrounded by steep rocks, could not be taken easily, Osman Gazi built two observation points that we call havale towers, one on the hill to the east of the city and the other near the hot springs to the west of the city, and blockaded the city by controlling the entrances and exits.
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19
Hünkar Köşkü
Yıldırım, Bursa
Hünkar Köşkü Museum was built in Temenyeri on the slopes of Uludağ during the reign of Abdülmecit to serve as a hunting lodge. The mansion was built in 1859. Abdülaziz and V.
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20
Aladdin Paşa Cami
Osmangazi, Bursa
According to sources describing the early Ottoman period, it was commissioned in 1326 by Alaaddin Bey, one of Osman Gazi’s sons and Orhan Bey’s brother. It is known as the first mosque built in Bursa. In the repair carried out in 1861-62 of the mosque, which was heavily damaged in the 1855 earthquake, some parts were altered, its portico was rebuilt, and a triangular pediment, unsuitable for a Turkish minaret, was made on its facade.
21
Issiz Han
Karacabey, Bursa
It dates from the period of the Ottoman Sultan Yıldırım Bayezid. The inscription above the door of the restored work states that it was built in 1396 "for good deeds and for the sake of Allah." Located on the İstanbul-Susurluk Irmağı-Uluabat Gölü route, Issız Han, which served citizens free of charge as one of the resting and accommodation bases of river transportation in history, is a fine example of an Ottoman Period caravanserai.
22
Kocaçay Deltası
Karacabey, Bursa
The Susurluk River, formed by the confluence of a large part of the rivers of Southern Marmara, meets the Marmara Sea near Yeniköy in Bursa’s Karacabey district. The Kocaçay Delta, formed by the Susurluk River, consists of a lake, marsh, dune and longoz forest. Located on the southern coast of the Marmara Sea, the delta consists of lake, marsh, dune and floodplain forest ecosystems.
23
Tümbüldek
Mustafakemalpaşa, Bursa
It is in Akarca village, 19 km from Mustafakemalpaşa. There are a hotel and baths operated by the municipality. As a bath, it has properties for painful syndromes, regulating peripheral circulation, acting as an astringent on the skin due to the iron it contains, and removing wrinkles on the skin; as a drinking cure, it also has properties that relieve liver, stomach, intestinal, pancreas and gallbladder disorders.
24
Kösehoroz Şelalesi
Mustafakemalpaşa, Bursa
It is on Değirmendere near Mustafakemalpaşa Kösehoroz Village. Its height is approximately 18 meters, and where the water falls it has formed a natural rock pool. Değirmendere then flows into Alev (Kocaçay) Stream, one of the branches of Mustafakemalpaşa Stream. The source of the stream’s name is also the water mill near Devecikonak.
25
Daskyleion Antik Kenti
Bandırma, Balıkesir
The Ancient City of Daskyleion is located near Kuş Cenneti, one of Balıkesir’s natural beauties. In the excavation works carried out in the city, which takes its name from the famous Lydian King Daskylos, who settled here in the 7th century BC, archaeological remains from different periods have been uncovered.
26
Şeyh Lütfullah Camisi
Karesi, Balıkesir
Şeyh Lütfullah Mosque was built in 1429. It is thought to have been commissioned by Şeyh Lütfullah, one of Hacı Bayram Veli’s friends. The mosque, which could not survive to the present day in its original location, was renovated in 1907. It is a rectangular cut-stone structure. The narthex is reached by a three-step staircase. Its facade has a two-storey appearance because of the women’s gallery, which corresponds to the upper part of the narthex.
27
Yıldirim Camii Ve Külliyesi
Karesi, Balıkesir
The mosque, located in Yıldırım Mahallesi, is Balıkesir’s oldest Ottoman structure. There is no construction inscription. However, it is understood from various sources and its endowment deed that it was commissioned by Yıldırım Beyazıt in 1388. Within a rather large courtyard, it forms a külliye together with a madrasa and imaret. It underwent repairs in 1818 and after the 1897 earthquake. The interior of the mosque has a rectangular plan and is divided into three naves by two rows of five columns each.
28
Yeşilli Cami / Hisariçi Camisi
Karesi, Balıkesir
The founder of Hisariçi Camisi is unknown. It is understood only from the inscription on the mosque that it was repaired in 1786 by Külahçızade Hacı Mustafa Efendi. The mosque is a small rectangular-plan structure with a wooden roof. Since it was painted green, it is also known among the public by the name Yeşilli Cami. The mosque, which is slightly elevated from the ground, has a two-winged last congregation area. From a staircase here, one goes up to the women’s gallery on the upper floor.
29
Zağnos Paşa Camisi Ve Külliyesi
Karesi, Balıkesir
Zağnos Paşa Mosque is located in the city center of Balıkesir. It was commissioned in 1461 by Zağnos (Zağanos) Paşa, one of the viziers of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Of the külliye consisting of a mosque, tomb and bath, only the bath has survived to the present day in its original state. The mosque and tomb, which were destroyed in 1897, were rebuilt in 1908 by Balıkesir Mutasarrıfı Ömer Ali Bey. The square-planned mosque was built of smoothly dressed and cut stone.
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30
Zağnos Paşa Camii
Karesi, Balıkesir
It is located in the city center, in Mustafa Fakıh Mahallesi, within the bazaar. It is a külliye consisting of a mosque, tomb and rabbi. It was commissioned in 1461 by Zağnos Mehmed Paşa, one of the viziers of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Of the külliye, only the bath has survived to the present day in its original state. The mosque and tomb, which were demolished in 1897, were rebuilt in 1908 by Balıkesir mutasarrıfı Ömer Ali Bey.
31
Akhisar Müzesi
Akhisar, Manisa
Akhisar Museum is a museum showcasing archaeological and ethnographic artifacts.
32
Thyateira Antik Kenti
Akhisar, Manisa
Thyateira Ancient City, the ancient name of Akhisar, was one of the significant settlements of Lydia and the Kingdom of Pergamon.
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33
Akpinar Mesire Alanı
Şehzadeler, Manisa
Akpınar Recreation Area is a picnic spot located at the foothills of Spil Mountain, 7 kilometers away from Manisa.
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34
Kybele Kaya Kabartması (Papaz Kayası)
Şehzadeler, Manisa
The Kybele Rock Relief is a historical artifact located in the Akpınar picnic area. Dated to the 13th century BC, this relief depicts Kybele, the mother goddess of Anatolia.
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35
Nif Dağı Antik Kazı Alanı
Kemalpaşa, İzmir
The Nif Mountain Archaeological Site, known as Olympos in ancient times, hosts remnants of various cultures.
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36
Çeşnigir Camii
Şehzadeler, Manisa
Çeşnigir Mosque, built in 1474 by Çeşnigir Sinan Bey, who was freed by II. Mehmed, is one of the oldest mosques in the city.
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37
Muradiye Camii ve Külliyesi
Şehzadeler, Manisa
The Muradiye Mosque and Complex was built between 1583-1592 on behalf of Sultan Murad III and is based on a design by Mimar Sinan.
38
Kuvayı Milliye Anıtı
Yunusemre, Manisa
The Kuvayı Milliye Monument is a composition that elevates Atatürk's revolutions and progressive thoughts alongside the people.
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39
Hisar Camii
Konak, İzmir
Hisar Mosque is the largest and most impressive mosque in Izmir, built in 1592. It features typical characteristics of classical Ottoman architecture.
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40
Jeep Ve Atv Safari
Selçuk, İzmir
Jeep and ATV safari services are offered in Selçuk and Menderes districts. It is possible to experience an unforgettable adventure amidst natural beauty.
41
Efes Yamaç Evler
Selçuk, İzmir
The Terrace Houses of Ephesus are a well-preserved settlement of seven houses from the Roman period of the ancient city of Ephesus.
42
Yedi Uyuyanlar Mağarası
Selçuk, İzmir
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers is a tourist site located near the ancient city of Ephesus, significant in both Islam and Christianity.
43
Yamaç Paraşütü - Adnan Menderes Kent Ormanı
Koçarlı, Aydın
Adnan Menderes Kent Forest offers an ideal launch site for paragliding, along with a cafeteria, restaurant, and picnic areas, providing various activities amidst beautiful nature views.
44
Kampçilik - Paşa Yaylası
Efeler, Aydın
Paşa Plateau is a natural wonder located 25 kilometers from Aydın city center at an altitude of 1200 meters. With its clean air and rich vegetation, it is an ideal place for camping and hiking.
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45
Çavuş Köprüsü
Efeler, Aydın
Çavuş Bridge is a historical bridge built with cut stone material, located over the Tabakhane stream.
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46
Süleyman Bey Camii
Efeler, Aydın
Süleyman Bey Mosque is a historical mosque built in the classical Ottoman style.
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47
Eski Yeni (Hasan Çelebi) Cami
Efeler, Aydın
The Eski Yeni Mosque, built before 1585, is a historic place of worship. Its square plan and single dome are notable features.
48
Nasuhpaşa Küllliyesi
Efeler, Aydın
Nasuhpaşa Külliyesi is a historical madrasa located in Aydın. It was restored and opened to visitors in 2010.
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49
Alinda Antik Kenti
Karpuzlu, Aydın
According to Hittite tablets and Egyptian writings, this ancient city was referred to as İalanti in ancient writing and was included in the land of the Seha river (Büyük Menderes). To secure the safety of Arzavva king Uhazitis, who took courage from the Hittite emperor II. Mursillis ascending the throne at a young age, and to carry out attacks comfortably, he first made an agreement with Ahhiawa and gave Miletus to him in return for the military assistance he would provide. This information II.
50
Stratonikeia Antik Kenti
Yatağan, Muğla
Stratonikeia Ancient City is located within the borders of Eskihisar Village on the Yatağan-Milas highway, 6-7 km. west of Muğla's Yatağan District. The city was founded in the 3rd century B.C. Syrian King Seleucus I gave his wife Stratonice to his son Antiochus. Antiochus then founded the city in the name of Stratonice, who was first his stepmother and then his wife. According to the traveler and writer Strabo, the city was adorned with very beautiful structures.
51
Karabağlar Yaylası
Menteşe, Muğla
Karabağlar Yaylası, 3 kilometers from Muğla city center, is a place worth setting aside time to see. With its cold spring water, ancient plane trees, and abundant fruit trees, Karabağlar is a place of escape on hot days. . The plateau’s whitewashed, red-tiled houses share the same characteristics as the protected historic houses of Muğla’s Saburhane Mahallesi. This settlement on the plateau has been placed under protection, and ugly construction has not been allowed.
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52
Muğla Yaylaları
Menteşe, Muğla
Gökçukur plateau is at an altitude of 1700. On the plateau, which is completely covered with forest, there is an auberge-type accommodation unit belonging to the Forestry Directorate. Yerküpü Plateau, 5 kilometers from Menteşe and 15 kilometers from Kavaklıdere, is the most popular plateau in the region.
53
Sedir Adası Örenyeri
Marmaris, Muğla
The ancient city of Kedrai, or by its common name Sedir Adası, is located to the east of Gökova (Keramos, Kerme) Gulf within the borders of Muğla’s Ula district. It is the largest of a group of three islands in the gulf filled with ancient ruins. The ancient name of Sedir Adası was Kedrae or Cedrae. It is thought that the island and its surroundings, which local people refer to as Sedir Adası, were covered with cedar trees (Cedrus) centuries ago, and that for this reason the island was called Cedrae.
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54
Ula Belediyesi Akyaka Halk Plajı
Ula, Muğla
Ula Belediyesi Akyaka Public Beach is a public beach candidate included in the 2025 Blue Flag official list.
Move the stops into your own plan, split them across days, and add places to sleep and eat.
Frequently asked
- How far is it between İstanbul and Muğla, and how long does it take?
- Driving between İstanbul and Muğla is roughly 777 kilometres and takes about 8 hours without stops.
- Where is it worth stopping between İstanbul and Muğla?
- There are 840 described places within 20 km of the road between İstanbul and Muğla. toroti lists 54 of them spread evenly along the drive, in the order you pass them; Arnavutköy Yeniköy Halk Plajı comes early on, and Ula Belediyesi Akyaka Halk Plajı sits near the end.
- Which provinces does the İstanbul to Muğla route cross?
- The route between İstanbul and Muğla crosses İstanbul → Kocaeli → Yalova → Bursa → Balıkesir → Manisa → İzmir → Aydın → Muğla. The stretch richest in places to visit is in Bursa.
- Should I take the toll highway or traditional route between İstanbul and Muğla?
- Toll motorways save driving time between İstanbul and Muğla, whereas traditional state roads pass directly through historic town centers, local culinary stops, and scenic nature viewpoints.
- How should breaks be scheduled between İstanbul and Muğla?
- For a drive of around 8 hours, taking a break every 2 to 2.5 hours is recommended. The catalogued attractions in Bursa and neighboring provinces offer memorable stopovers compared to generic highway rest areas.