Milas is the second largest district of Mugla province, in the Aegean region of Turkey. Located at the foothills of Sodra mountain, the city was first founded around 1st millenia BC with the name of Mylasos or Mylasa. It was an important city of Caria in the 8th century BC, having several temples made of marble all around. Later on it went under the Roman and Byzantine rules, then became the capital of the Principality of Menteseogullari in the 13th century AD, and finally ruled by the Ottomans.
There are the ruins of 27 ancient cities within the borders of Milas district; Iassos, Labranda, Euromos and Heraklia are the most important ones. Other interesting sites and points of interest to visit are: Herakleia - Latmos, Gümüskesen burial monument, Ören - Keramos, Mausoleum & Holly site of Hekatomnos, Bargylia, Uzunyuva, two-storeyed aquaducts, ruins of monasteries and churches at Bafa lake, old Jewish cemetary in the city, city wall gate with a 1st-century Double Axe relief, Haci Ilyas and Ulu (Grand) mosques from 14th century, old mansions and bazaars from 18th and 19th centuries, 18th-century Çöllüoglu Han, and archaeological museum with findings from Stratonikeia and Iassos.
The Hekatomnos Mausoleum and its burial chamber belonging to Mausolus' father was built at an earlier period than the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and in the same dimensions. It's located in the city center today and is the only example of such a Mausoleum that have survived to the present day.
Gümüskesen burial monument in Milas town dates back to the 2nd century AD. It was inspired by the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum, one of the seven wonders of the world, and is a miniature of it. The monument was built of gray-white marble and has a total height of 8.45 meters (28 feet).
The Gulf of Gökova and Mandalya, which are the two important gulfs of the Aegean Sea, are close to Milas. Therefore the town has an important position in terms of yacht tourism with around 200 km (124 miles) of coastal shores here. Especially Ören Pier and Çökertme Bay are popular stops on Blue Cruises. There is an international airport in Milas which also serves for holidayers going to Bodrum.
There are several outdoor adventure activities near Milas, such as paragliding at Ören, Incirliin cave and trekking at Gökçeler canyon.
Milas is also famous for its local cuisine and traditional handmade carpet.