10 Alternative Activities to Do in Kaz Mountains

It's been a long time since you've seen the stars in the night sky, hasn't it? Or has it been too long since you last walked down a dirt road surrounded by greenery? We don't want to make you feel sad by talking about breathing in the fresh Aegean Sea air between the hills and drinking a real buttermilk, but we can't help it! Because we want to talk about the most beautiful route in the Aegean, Kaz Mountains, and its lovely villages and holiday resorts.

In recent years, the Kaz Mountains, located south of the Edremit Gulf in Balıkesir and Çanakkale provinces, have become more than just a mountain range. It has transformed into a holiday route that we all wonder about with its villages and resorts nestled at its foothills... If you're curious about this legendary beauty, you should definitely check out our list of various holiday programs!

1- Adatepe Village and Ayvacık

 Our first suggestion for you is the increasingly famous Adatepe Village and Ayvacık. Ayvacık, part of Çanakkale, and its charming village Adatepe, with their warm people and unspoiled natural beauty, will add pleasure to your Kaz Mountains holiday. This summer, you could treat yourself and make a trip to this area. For instance, you could make a hotel reservation in Ayvacık and spend a day in Adatepe Village... Known to have been under the dominion of Troy, Leleg, Lesbos, Persian, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman through its history, the village was declared a SIT area in 1989. The village, where Turks and Greeks lived together during the Ottoman period, still has houses that bear the traces of those times. Recently, the area, which has seen a significant decrease in population, is shining once again. The village, now under the spotlight of travelers, hosts the famous Altar of Zeus, which certainly contributes to its fame! If you love mythological stories, during your holiday in Ayvacık and Adatepe, you can visit the famous altar to enjoy the view. As you lose your way in the village streets, you can take wonderful photos and taste the delicious flavors of a cuisine that bears traces of both Turks and Greeks.

Click here for Adatepe Hotels! Our recommendation is the highly praised Hunnaphan Hotel.

2- Yeşilyurt Village and Ayvacık

 Another route you could add to your Ayvacık holiday plan is Yeşilyurt Village... If you have enough time, you can combine it with Adatepe to triple your holiday enjoyment. Yeşilyurt Village and Ayvacık, among the must-see places in Northern Aegean, allow you to enjoy both a beach holiday in the surrounding beaches and exploring the historical traces around the village. Unlike Adatepe, we recommend staying in Yeşilyurt Village because it has many boutique hotels with stunning architecture. Olive oil holds a special place in the village, which still carries traces of Greeks and Turks. Thus, during your time in the village, don't miss out on tasting the olive oil dishes. The village also has a museum. In the Village to City Technology Museum, you can see the technological transformations some objects have undergone.

Click here for Yeşilyurt Village and Kaz Mountains Hotel Recommendations!
3- Edremit and Zeytinli 

Edremit, which gives its name to the gulf, and its most peaceful corner, Zeytinli, are waiting for you this summer! If what you need this summer is unlimited peace and you want to get away from the stress of the city, you can plan a fantastic holiday program in Edremit and Zeytinli. Zeytinli, a small neighborhood between Akçay and Edremit, has become quite popular in recent years. One of the most important factors behind the region's popularity, especially among travelers seeking tranquility, is the Zeytinli Rock Festival, which has been popular in recent years. The festival, which hosts some of the most important names in rock music every year, takes place on the beachfront and offers a real music experience to festival-goers. If you're a hardcore rock music fan, you can align your holiday with the festival and enjoy quality music while sunbathing on quiet beaches.

Click here to check Accommodation Recommendations: Edremit Hotels 

4- Burhaniye and Gömeç

 Burhaniye and Gömeç, two beautiful places located only 18 km apart on the shores of Balıkesir, are delightful spots for a holiday program in the Kaz Mountains. These two holiday resorts, famous for their golden sandy beaches and greenery, are also among the tranquil holiday destinations of the Northern Aegean, just like Edremit. You can find peace in this region, usually preferred by those tired of city life. In Burhaniye and Gömeç, where the beaches are especially beautiful, you can enjoy the cool Aegean Sea to the fullest. It's worth noting that olive oil has a significant place in the local cuisine. In the late afternoon, we recommend choosing a restaurant with a sea view and trying olive oil appetizers and fresh fish before you leave!

5- Küçükkuyu and Assos

 This time, we invite you to Küçükkuyu, one of the places with the highest oxygen levels in the world, and the bohemian Aegean town of Assos. If you haven't seen this duo, which is a must for Kaz Mountains holidays yet, you must respond to this invitation. Thanks to its location, these lands, which host magnificent caves and coves, guarantee you will enjoy the sea! But even more importantly, a healthy cuisine with plenty of oxygen awaits you in this delightful environment. Especially in Küçükkuyu, where olive farming and fishing are the main sources of livelihood, every taste you try will stay in your mind for a long time. Our recommendation is to taste everything with olive oil! Because the best olive oils in Turkey come from here! After saturating yourself with oxygen and delicious flavors in Küçükkuyu, you will encounter many beauties to explore in Assos. Let's note that the Ancient Harbor, Kadırga Cove, Behramkale, and the Ancient City of Assos are among the must-visit places in Assos.

For our Hotel Recommendations in Küçükkuyu: Küçükkuyu Hotels 

For our Hotel Recommendations in Assos: Assos Hotels

6- Ayvalık and Cunda Island

 Next up are our favorites in the Kaz Mountains: Ayvalık and Cunda Island! Both Ayvalık and Cunda Island are among the most beautiful places that those vacationing in the Kaz Mountains must see. You'll agree with us once you visit Ayvalık with its pristine beaches and historic sites, and Cunda Island with its warm people. During your holiday, we recommend swimming on the beaches of Sarımsaklı during the day and heading to Cunda, also known as Alibey Island, in the evening. Because the beaches of Ayvalık and the nightlife of Cunda are both wonderful! Additionally, if you want to explore the most beautiful bays in the area, you can join boat tours from Ayvalık. In Cunda, we recommend eating papalina fish at the restaurants on the harbor and then enjoying a delicious Turkish coffee at Taş Kahve.

For accommodation recommendations, visit this link: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/ayvalik-hotels 

Cunda Hotel Recommendations: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/cunda-island-hotels

7- Edremit and Ören 

Would you like to vacation in lesser-known, quiet, and warm holiday towns? If your answer is "yes," let us take you to the peaceful shores of Northern Aegean, Edremit, and Ören. Situated right across the Kaz Mountains, these places offer warmth and charm! For the early days of your holiday, you can book a lovely hotel in Edremit. Heading southeast from Edremit, you'll be welcomed by the stunning Ören! Both places offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and spend some quiet time with yourself. If you've had a few busy holidays in a row, this might be the perfect opportunity to truly relax, and Edremit and Burhaniye are just the places for it!

For Accommodation Suggestions, visit the link: Edremit Hotels

8- Altınoluk and Güre 

How about being right next to Kaz Mountains National Park? Moreover, you'll be hosting some of the most beautiful beaches in the Kaz Mountains in Altınoluk, which is only about 15 km away! If this idea excites you as much as it does us, consider choosing Altınoluk and Güre for your Kaz Mountains holiday plan. Both places will offer plenty of oxygen and the unique Aegean Sea will always accompany you. In Güre, don't miss visiting the Sarıkız Kaz Dağı Ethnography Museum, Kaz Mountains National Park, and the thermal springs. In Altınoluk, make sure to see the Antandros Ancient City, Hasan Boğuldu Waterfall, Tahta Kuşlar Ethnography Museum, and Narlı Village!

Altınoluk Hotel Recommendation: Click the link!

9- Behramkale and Assos 

One of the best things to do in the Kaz Mountains is to plan a holiday in Behramkale and Assos, and immerse yourself in the unique spirit of Northern Aegean! Assos is perfect if you want to stay in one place and explore the surrounding beauty at your leisure. Book one of the beautiful boutique hotels in Assos and comfortably discover both Assos and its surroundings. Visiting the village of Behramkale, which holds a special place among the attractions of Assos, will be one of the highlights of your holiday! This protected village has only 150 households and the long-standing buildings provide insights into the village's history. The ancient town atop the village, overlooking the island of Lesbos, promises an unforgettable experience for history lovers.

For more recommendations in Assos, click the Assos Hotels link!

10- Güre, Zeytinli, and Akçay 

"Why settle for two destinations when you can have three?" If you're thinking along these lines, combining Güre, Zeytinli, and Akçay in one holiday would be fantastic! Since they are all close to each other, you won't have to worry about transportation. This trio in one trip means you'll have numerous experiences waiting for you. After recharging with oxygen in the Kaz Mountains National Park in Güre, you can dive into the cool Aegean Sea or rejuvenate in the thermal springs. In Zeytinli, you can enjoy the tranquility, blend in with the locals, and forget about the outside world for a few days. In Akçay, you can enjoy both fun and the sea.