Nestled at the foot of Mount Ida, Assos is an Aegean jewel that gazes out over deep blue waters beneath the shade of ancient olive trees. Located in the modern-day Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, this historic site has hosted many civilizations over the centuries. With its untouched nature, fresh air, and ancient treasures, Assos is one of the Aegean’s most beautiful getaways. Even though it is not well known, this hidden gem has a lot to offer.
Aegean’s Cool Route
Assos features numerous coves and beaches where visitors can dive into the crystal-clear blue waters. Picturesque coves like Kadırga and Sivrice, pristine beaches such as Sokakağzı, and the Ancient Harbour are among the area’s many unspoiled natural attractions. Kadırga Bay, with its expansive shoreline, has earned a Blue Flag status for its environmental standards. While most of Assos’ shores consist of large stones, many visitors opt to swim from wooden piers. Due to its geographical location, the waters of Assos are cooler than those in the Mediterranean, warming up a bit later in the season.
The area also offers diverse accommodation options, from campsites and small hostels to luxury hotels and boutique accommodations.
The Majestic Ancient City of Assos
The ancient city of Assos, perched on a dormant volcanic hill, offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Its history dates back to the 6th century BCE, and the city is known for its well-preserved walls and structures revealed through archaeological excavations. It was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage tentative list in May 2017.
One of its most notable figures, the philosopher Aristotle, founded a school here. Among the must-see sites is the Temple of Athena, located at the highest point in the Acropolis. This temple, dedicated to the goddess of the same name, is renowned for its columns, stunning sea views, and its unique status as the only Archaic-Doric temple in Anatolia. Visiting the temple at sunset offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Behramkale and Beyond
Within the ancient city walls lies Behramkale, a small village known for its narrow streets and historic stone houses. Village women sell souvenirs and homemade foods, from herbs and olive oil to “tarhana” (a tangy soup made with vegetables, yoghurt, herbs, and spices) and handcrafted lacework.
Behramkale is also home to Ottoman-era landmarks, such as the 14th-century Hüdavendigar Mosque, with its intricate geometric motifs on the mihrab, and the Hüdavendigar Bridge, a meticulously crafted, 600-year-old structure that spans the Tuzla Stream. Closed to vehicles, this bridge provides a picturesque crossing for pedestrians.
Nearby, the charming village of Adatepe offers a chance to explore Türkiye’s first olive oil museum, where visitors can observe every stage of olive oil production.
Flavours to Savour
In addition to its natural and historical beauty, Assos is also a destination for food lovers. The region offers a wide range of Aegean dishes, from stuffed zucchini flowers to sea beans. Restaurants and taverns along the harbour serve signature local dishes, including grilled octopus salad, swordfish skewers, grilled dusky grouper, scorpion fish soup, and stuffed calamari.
Known for its olive oil, Assos is a popular stop for sampling mezes made from vegetables, herbs, and local olive oil. To cool off, try the region’s famous mulberry syrup – a refreshing treat on a hot day in Assos.
