Assos Travel Guide

Assos, a charming village in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Aegean Region in recent years. Although it has gained importance in recent years, the settlement has existed since ancient times. Assos is a village worth seeing with its historical texture, streets where you can see traces of history everywhere, its clear blue and clean sea, its air, its lush green forests, and olive trees. The center of the village settlement is located within the walls of the Ancient City of Assos. It covers an area of approximately 4 kilometers. Excavations that began in the region in 1981 and are still ongoing have uncovered the Temple of Athena located at the top of the village. This temple, a very special work of art and architecture, was built around the 6th century BC. Excavations have also uncovered structures such as an agora, an amphitheater, and a necropolis. These structures are located within the walls. After the discovery of the ancient city, the area was declared a protected site. Today, the local population lives outside the walls.

Assos has been home to many different civilizations throughout its long history. From the Persians and Romans to the Byzantines, it was last under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. In a city that has hosted such a long-standing empire, you can see remains belonging to almost every society. The ancient city of Assos and the town itself are so beautiful that it is said that even the famous philosopher Aristotle could not resist this beauty and got married here. In addition to its historical features, Assos is also known for its delicious and varied olives. The town is covered with olive trees everywhere. The fame of the olives has spread far and wide, with many places receiving olives from the town. The people earn their living not only from tourism but also from olive growing and wine production. Alongside the olive trees, you will also find many vineyards. The most delicious and beautiful grapes are grown here, producing wines that are a pleasure to drink. 

Along with its history and olives, Assos' nature and sea are also wonderful. The deep blue sea seems to blend in with the lush green trees. Also, don't think of summer when you think of the sea; Assos is also a destination for a very peaceful and relaxing vacation in the fall and winter months. 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.

Places to Visit in Assos 

Life in Assos revolves around the Ancient Harbor all year round. This is one of the most important places to see when you come here. After that, 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 all of Assos and the deep blue sea from a high vantage point. Don't forget to enjoy the view and take photos. You can see the fountain where the Ottoman Navy used to get water before setting sail and the last castle built by the Ottomans. You can plan a nice walk or bike ride along the coast. You can go for a run in the forest, have a picnic, or set up camp.

Ancient Harbor 

One of the places you must see when you come to Assos is the Ancient City of Assos. Especially if you love being immersed in history... Excavations are still ongoing at the Ancient City of Assos, which includes the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena, the Necropolis, the Agora, and the theater. Located a bit higher up from the sea, Assos, known as one of the most powerful cities of its time, has left behind ruins that are truly worth seeing. 


Assos is the Ancient City

If you want to add a touch of authenticity to your vacation, you can visit the nearby village of Behramkale. Behramkale Village is an old village founded during the Ottoman period. The village lies within the walls of the ancient city and is a small village with a very small population. The ancient city walls, the ancient stone bridge, the tombs, and the historic mosque in the village are among the structures worth seeing. In recent years, the village's tourism potential has been increasing. As it is protected as a site area, new buildings are prohibited. It feels good to breathe in the historical atmosphere of the region while watching the stone-carved houses in the narrow and old streets of the village. There are also accommodation facilities in Behramkale Village. Old houses have been restored and converted into hotels. While walking through the village streets, you can also see the local people, especially the women, selling their own products.

Behramkale Village

Perhaps by venturing a little further from the village center, you can see the last castle built by the Ottomans, the fountain where the Ottoman fleet took water before setting sail, the Temple of Apollo Smintheion, and the Kestanpol Hot Springs.
The village, protected as a site area, truly possesses a unique beauty. As you walk along its narrow cobblestone streets, you are both exploring the pages of history and being enchanted by the architecture of the houses. Most of the houses have been restored to their original state. While walking around, you can still see the remains of the ancient port of Assos. We can say that it is one of the most impressive places in the region.

Temple of Apollo Smintheion

Another place you can visit while in Assos is Kadırga Bay. With its breathtaking view of Lesbos Island and crystal-clear sea, Kadırga Bay is one of the must-see places when you come to Assos. A refreshing sea breeze will welcome you at the bay. 

Kadırga Bay

If you want to have a wonderful day and get plenty of fresh air, you can visit Yeşilyurt Village, located at the foot of the legendary Ida Mountains. Located at the foot of the Kaz Mountains, the village is truly enchanting with its lush green nature and wonderful sea views. It is surrounded by olive and pine trees. No new buildings are being constructed in the area, which is protected as a site. Permission has been granted to restore the old houses. Some of the restored houses have been opened as hotels. The houses in the village were built with stones quarried from the area. Therefore, you can easily find traces of history on the walls of the house you stay in. Don't forget to taste the delicious local products made by the villagers. You can go to Sokakağzı in Assos. The town, which has a beautiful beach, is one of the towns that has managed to preserve its warm and friendly atmosphere to this day.

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.

Hüdavendigar Mosque

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:

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

Accommodation in Assos

There are many options for accommodation in Assos. However, my recommendation for a romantic, peaceful, and relaxing vacation is Assos' boutique and small hotels. You can stay in the center, by the sea, or a little further into nature. In addition to Assos hotels that are open year-round, guesthouses are also an option. There are even opportunities for camping. The facilities at Assos hotels are designed with guests in mind. You can find everything you need on site. Spend time enjoying the view from your hotel or in the garden. Experience romantic moments by the fireplace, or dine by the sea under the moonlight. The air is very clean and rich in oxygen in Assos' geography, covered with olive trees, vineyards, and lush forests. Even for a short weekend getaway, the clean air and organic products, along with breakfast tables laden with delicious olives and olive oils, will make you feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Accommodation Recommendations: Assos ZeytinHan Hotel, +12, Alterna Village House

No matter what season you visit Assos, don't forget to bring your camera and walking shoes. While witnessing the village's history, don't forget to buy various olives, olive oils, and winter products from the markets and stalls set up by the locals. Wine is also among the things you should buy. The villagers are very hospitable and friendly. You can have a warm time as if you were a local. Moreover, you don't have to wait for the weekend. You can plan a nice vacation and see Assos for your special days and celebrations.

For more accommodation suggestions, check out our Assos Hotels page.