Assos Travel Guide

Assos, a quaint village in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Aegean Region in recent years. In fact, although it has gained importance for us in recent years, the settlement of the town has been going on since ancient times.
Assos is a village worth seeing with its historical texture, streets where you can see traces of history everywhere, deep blue and clean sea, air, lush green forests and olive trees. The center of the village settlement is located within the walls of the ancient city of Assos. It is spread over an area of about 4 kilometers. During the excavations that started in 1981 and are still going on in the region, the Temple of Athena on the top of the village was discovered. This temple, which is a very special artifact and structure, was built approximately in the 6th century BC. Apart from the temple, structures such as agora, amphitheater and necropolis were also found during the excavations. These structures are located within the city walls. After the discovery of the ancient city, the region was declared a protected area and taken under protection. Today, locals live outside the city walls.

Assos, throughout its illustrious history, has been home to many different civilizations. From the Persians to the Romans, Byzantines, and finally under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, Assos has seen the footprints of numerous cultures.

The Assos Ancient City and its surrounding area are so beautiful that it is said the famous philosopher Aristotle couldn't resist its charm and got married here.

In addition to its historical features, Assos is also renowned for its delicious and diverse olives. Olive trees cover every corner of the town. The fame of its olives has spread far and wide, with Assos exporting olives to many places. The local people make a living not only from tourism but also from olive cultivation and wine production. Besides olive trees, you'll also come across vineyards in Assos. The most delicious and beautiful grapes are grown here, producing fine wines.

Besides its history and olives, Assos' nature and sea are also marvelous. The azure sea blends perfectly with the lush green trees. Moreover, don't just associate the sea with summer; Assos is also a tranquil and peaceful destination in autumn and winter.

When you visit the town during autumn and winter, you'll enjoy the tranquility and serenity. Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, Assos doesn't experience extreme cold even in winter. Being conveniently close to major cities like Bursa and Istanbul, Assos is a preferred destination for weekend getaways or holiday breaks like semester breaks. Staying in a charming and small Assos boutique hotel and sipping delicious wines by the fireplace with your loved one can be a delightful experience.

Life in Assos revolves around the ancient harbor throughout the year. One of the most important places you should visit here is the ancient port. Afterward, you can explore historical sites, the ancient city, the Temple of Athena, and many other places throughout the day. Known as Sokakağzı, this area offers a panoramic view of the entire Assos and the azure sea below from a considerable height. Don't forget to admire and photograph the scenery. You can see the fountain where the Ottoman Navy used to take on water before setting sail and the last fortress built by the Ottomans. You can plan a nice walk or bike ride along the seaside. You can go for a run in the forest, have a picnic, or even camp.

After spending time engaging in various fun activities during the day, you can taste fresh seasonal fish by the sea at a nice fish restaurant in the evening. I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said that all the appetizers are delicious. Assos is also famous for its calamari. Don't forget to try it.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Assos. However, my recommendation for a romantic, peaceful, and serene holiday is Assos boutique and small hotels. You can stay in the city center, by the sea, or a bit further into nature. In addition to Assos hotels, guesthouses can also be preferred. There are even facilities for camping if you wish to.

Assos hotels are designed with the guests' comfort in mind, offering all the amenities you may need during your stay. You can choose to spend your time admiring the view from your hotel room or relaxing in the garden. Alternatively, you can create romantic moments by the fireplace or enjoy meals by the sea with shimmering moonlight.

The geography of Assos, adorned with olive trees, vineyards, and lush green forests, boasts clean air and abundant oxygen. Even for a short weekend getaway, the fresh air and organic products, accompanied by delicious olives and olive oil, will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

No matter which season you visit Assos, don't forget to bring your camera and hiking shoes. As you immerse yourself in the village's history, make sure to visit the local markets and stalls where you can find a variety of olives, olive oils, and winter produce. Don't miss out on the wine either. The villagers are very hospitable and friendly, making you feel as warm as if you were one of them.

If you haven't seen Assos yet, this winter might be the perfect time. Moreover, you don't have to wait for just the weekend. You can plan a wonderful holiday for your special occasions and celebrations and experience Assos.

For Assos Hotels Page https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/assos-hotels

Places to Visit in Assos

Assos, situated across from the Gulf of Edremit and the island of Lesbos, harbors many different places to see and explore.

One of the must-see places when you visit Assos is the Assos Ancient City, especially if you have an affinity for history. The ongoing excavations reveal structures such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena, Necropolis, Agora, and the theater. Situated slightly above sea level, Assos, known as one of the most powerful cities of its time, offers remnants that are truly worth seeing.

If you're looking to add an authentic touch to your vacation, you can visit the nearby village of Behramkale. Founded during the Ottoman era, this old village is nestled within the walls of the ancient city and has a small population. The village's historic walls, ancient stone bridge, tombs, and the historical mosque are among the notable structures to see. In recent years, the village's tourism potential has been growing steadily. Due to its protected status, no new buildings are allowed to be constructed. Walking through the narrow, old streets of the village while observing the stone-built houses is quite refreshing. Accommodation facilities in restored old houses are available in Behramkale. Additionally, while strolling through the streets of the village, especially the local women sell their own produced goods.

You can also visit the last fortress built by the Ottomans, the fountain where the Ottoman navy replenished its water before voyages, the Apollo Smintheion Temple, and the Kestanpol Hot Springs.

What to Do in Assos

In recent years, Assos has seen a significant increase in tourism potential due to its history, nature, azure sea, and beaches, offering various activities to engage in.

First and foremost, when you visit Assos, you must take a stroll along the seaside. Taking a morning walk in the clean air while capturing the surroundings can be refreshing.

If you have a car, you don't have to swim in the sea near your hotel. You can explore the hidden coves by car and swim in a different cove every day during your vacation.

You can plan a nature hike in the legendary Ida Mountains. You will feel rejuvenated. You can also visit the village of Yeşilyurt, located at the foothills of Mount Ida. Walking in the village and enjoying a well-deserved coffee in the authentic atmosphere of the historic houses can be very relaxing. You can set a beautiful route through the forest for a hike. You can also plan activities such as jeep safari, cycling tour, camping, or picnic in the area.

You can see Ottoman fountains, castles, Hüdavendigar Mosque, and Behramkale Bridge in Assos or Behramkale, which are close to our recent history.

You can visit Kadırga Cove and swim, sunbathe, or join daily boat tours. You can organize a trip to the waterfall in the area and swim in the stream. It can be a different experience.

You can plan day trips to nearby villages. While spending time with the villagers and witnessing the old neighborhood culture, you can taste and buy many products produced by the locals.

When you come to Assos, you should definitely spend a day exploring the Assos Ancient City. You must see the Temple of Athena, the agora, the necropolis, the theater, and the historical ruins that reflect the unique architectural taste of the period. The breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea and Lesbos from the top is the cherry on top.

In the evenings, you can enjoy a seafood feast at the seaside restaurants or lose yourself in the moonlight while sipping your drink. Or you can enjoy both food and entertainment with live music. You can also go to nightclubs or bars for entertainment.

Where to Eat in Assos

In Assos, where you will spend a calm and peaceful holiday, the cuisine of the region will also give your body health and refresh you. Many things are organic in the resort town right near the Ida Mountains. One of the most famous flavors is olives and olive oil dishes.   
In Assos, a holiday resort famous for olives and olive oil, you should first of all taste the olives for breakfast. You can try local breakfast dishes flavored with olive oil. You can taste the fresh vegetables grown in the region at your breakfast table. During the day or at breakfast, you can also try the tea made from the local herb, which is often preferred in the region.   
During the day, you should taste pancakes and ayran. You can find almost every kind of pancake from potato, herb, cheese and spinach in Assos. Of course, there is a pancake lady here too. You should also taste the bitter pastry and stuffed zucchini blossoms in the restaurants. You can taste meatballs on kiremitte, which you will hear about in many places in the region.    
Fish and fish products are also very famous in Assos.

 Especially fresh fish and calamari. Especially in the evenings, enjoy fresh fish and seafood - especially calamari - in the restaurants by the sea or in the restaurant of the Assos hotel where you are staying, and sip your wine or drink against the moonlight while eating your appetizers with olive oil. In some hotels, you can also enjoy this pleasure at the tables spread out on the seaside. If you want, there are also fish restaurants with live music. In many of the fish restaurants, you can find different and special flavors such as fish pastrami, grouper grilled, sea bass steamed, lakerda, scorpionfish soup.   
In addition, do not return to Assos without tasting thyme water and thyme tea, fresh thyme grown in the region or olive oil dishes flavored with thyme.
Apart from these flavors unique to the region, you can find fast food restaurants, cafes located by the sea or in the center, restaurants serving a variety of toasts, grilled meat and chicken products, kebabs, lahmacun and pita bread.   
One of the things we especially recommend you to eat, which we say you should not return in Yemen, is a special ice cream with clotted cream called "vafil". Be sure to taste it. It will surprise you both with its taste and its shape.
Ivy Roses Restaurant. It is a fish restaurant, and although there is not much variety, the food is delicious! Uzun Ev. It is possible to find the best flavors of the Aegean in the restaurant, which mainly serves seafood. Famous for its calamari, Assos is one of the best places to taste fried calamari. 
Fenerlihan. Located in Assos harbor, the restaurant offers local flavors and seafood.
Hasanaki. Located close to Ayvacık, the beach restaurant serves fresh fish caught by local fishermen, octopus, shrimp, calamari and natural vegetables from neighboring farms.

How to get to Assos 
Today it is quite easy to reach Assos from every city. If you are going from Istanbul via Tekirdag, you can use the TEM highway. Lapseki ferries depart from Gallipoli to Çanakkale every day. If you want, you can also reach by sea by taking the ferry from Istanbul.     
If you want to come to Assos by bus, there is no direct bus service to the region. To go to Assos, you must first reach Çanakkale. You can also go via Balıkesir Bandırma if you want. Then you can reach Assos by minibuses from Çanakkale or Balıkesir. If you have the opportunity, you can also take the bus to Ayvacık or Küçükkuyu, and from there you can go to Assos using the city transportation. There are minibuses departing from Ayvacık to Assos every hour.   
If you want to reach Assos by air, one of the airports close to Assos is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and it is about 290 kilometers away from Assos. You can also use Çanakkale or Edremit Airport. Edremit Airport is the closest one to the region. You can take taxis from here to Assos.   
If you want to travel with your own car, you can choose Banarıma Balıkesir road or Çanakkale road. Balıkesir road is a little shorter. If you choose the Çanakkale road, you reach Assos by following the Biga - Çan- Bayramiç and Ezine route. Some road information for you:

o Balıkesir to Assos is approximately 150 kilometers and takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
o Istanbul to Assos is approximately 540 kilometers and takes approximately 8 hours 15 minutes.
o The distance between Izmir Assos is approximately 265 kilometers and takes approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
o Bursa to Assos is approximately 300 kilometers and takes approximately 4 and a half hours.
o The distance between Çanakkale Assos is approximately 95 kilometers and takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
o The distance between Ankara Assos is approximately 695 kilometers and takes approximately 9 hours 15 minutes.
o The distance between Antalya Assos is approximately 660 kilometers and takes approximately 10 hours and 15 minutes.

Where to Buy Souvenirs in Assos

When you come to Assos, you should definitely buy olives, olive oil, and olive oil soaps produced from locally grown olives. Olive oil soap will also be good for your hair and skin.

Another product you should buy is oregano. You can buy fresh or dried oregano grown on the slopes of Mount Ida, oregano water, or many medicinal herbs.

You can also buy authentic and original textile products from the shops and bazaars located in the center of Assos. You can find region-specific souvenirs, ornaments, or jewelry made of precious or natural stones. You can buy figures reflecting the history of the region such as the Temple of Athena or Medusa heads. Alternatively, you can also buy decorated ceramic plates or wooden carvings. 

You can find organic and fresh fruits and vegetables in weekly neighborhood markets. You can buy homemade products such as jam, marmalade, from the locals. You can also buy handwoven products, covers, or kilims produced by village women.

The region has unique patterns and designs of handwoven carpets and kilims. The quality is really different. You will find weaves that you like in terms of style and pattern.