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Assos: A Gem in Turkey's Northern Aegean

 

Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Kaz Mountains, Assos gazes upon the deep blue waters of the Aegean, shaded by century-old olive trees. Located in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, Assos has hosted numerous civilizations over centuries. With its untouched nature, pristine air, and ancient treasures, it stands as one of the most beautiful getaway spots in the Aegean.

 

The ‘Cool’ Destination of the Aegean

 

Assos offers countless coves and beaches perfect for diving into endless blue waters. From the picturesque Kadırga and Sivrice coves to the unspoiled beaches like Sokakağzı and the charming Antique Harbor, the region is filled with authentic and untouched beauty. Kadırga Bay, with its long and wide shoreline, is distinguished by its Blue Flag status. While most Assos beaches are lined with large stones, wooden piers provide popular access to the sea. Due to its geographical location, the waters in Assos warm up a bit later and are cooler compared to the Mediterranean.

 

Another highlight of Assos is its diverse accommodation options, including day-use campsites, small guesthouses, luxurious hotels, and boutique stays.

 

The Majestic Ancient City of Assos

 

What makes Assos’ beautiful coastline even more enchanting is the ancient city of Assos, perched on a dormant volcanic hill offering breathtaking views of the Aegean.

The city’s history dates back to the 6th century BCE. Its impressive walls and extraordinary structures unearthed during archaeological excavations continue to captivate visitors today. In May 2017, the ancient city was included in UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List.

 

One of its most famous residents, the philosopher Aristotle, established a philosophy school here. The Temple of Athena is one of the city's must-see treasures. Located in the Assos Acropolis, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city's protector. With its iconic columns and mesmerizing sea views, it is architecturally significant as the only example of an Archaic-Doric temple in Anatolia. Visiting this temple, especially during sunset, offers an unforgettable experience. After witnessing the sunset, you can explore other parts of the city, including the Agora, Gymnasium, and open-air theater.

 

Behramkale and Beyond

 

Behramkale village, located within the ancient city walls, is a small settlement offering narrow streets adorned with historic houses showcasing exquisite stone masonry. The village women sell handmade goods and locally produced foods at small stalls and shops. From olives and herbs to aromatic spices, homemade tarhana, and hand-crafted lace, you can find a variety of local and natural products here.

 

The village is also home to a mosque and an Ottoman-era bridge. The Hüdavendigar Mosque, built in the 14th century with a square plan and a single dome, stands out with its intricate geometric motifs on its mihrab. Nearby, the Hüdavendigar Bridge over Tuzla Creek captivates with its meticulously crafted arches. This elegant 600-year-old bridge, closed to vehicle traffic, offers a charming walk across.

 

Assos is also worth exploring for its beautiful surrounding villages. The historic and charming Yeşilyurt and Adatepe villages, just a half-hour drive away, are must-visits. In Adatepe, don’t miss the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum. As Turkey’s first olive oil museum, this complex allows you to observe all the stages of olive oil production.

 

Flavors to Savor

 

Famous for its historical and natural beauty, Assos is also a striking gastronomy destination offering an impressive array of local delicacies. From stuffed zucchini blossoms to samphire salad, you can enjoy all the signature dishes of Aegean cuisine here. At the harbor-side restaurants and taverns, you can savor Assos-specific flavors such as grilled octopus salad, swordfish skewers, grilled grouper, scorpionfish soup, grilled calamari, and stuffed calamari.

 

Surrounded by olive-covered hills, Assos is also one of Turkey's top destinations for olive oil. Enjoy vegetable, herb, and olive oil-based mezes, and don’t forget to take home some premium olive oil before leaving. While you're in Assos, cool off with the region’s famous mulberry syrup throughout the day.

 

Note: This article was adapted from GoTürkiye. You can view the original content here.