How to get to Mount Ida

When you arrive at Yeşilyurt Village, nestled on the slopes of the legendary Mount Ida, you'll find yourself surrounded by a wealth of historical and cultural activities. To reach the Zeus Altar, located on the peaks of Mount Ida, you must first get to Küçükkuyu. Today, the altar is nothing more than a piece of rock, but it has become a place of wishes, adorned with colorful cloths tied to a tree by visitors. Nevertheless, as you visit, remember that this is the realm of Zeus, the god of gods, and the location of the world's first beauty contest, which played a role in the events leading to the Trojan War.

If you wish, you can explore Assos, Ayvacık, Küçükkuyu Harbor, and Edremit Center. Depending on the season, you can swim, shop, or just stroll around these areas.

Within Yeşilyurt Village, you can take a pleasant walk through the cobbled streets, capturing photos of the century-old plane trees and traditional stone houses while mingling with the locals. You can also plan a nature walk in the Kaz Mountains. Along your route, you can explore Kaz Dağları National Park and Mıhlı Stream, with its Roman-era arched bridge, lush greenery, pond, and the stunning Mıhlı Waterfall. There are numerous small and large waterfalls worth visiting.

If you're seeking adventure, consider a jeep safari tour in the Kaz Mountains. You can visit the Zeus Altar at the entrance of Adatepe Village, and if you wish, you can take the approximately 1 km path to the altar on horseback. You can also explore Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum, Turkey's first ethnography museum, or visit the famed Hasan Boğuldu Waterfall and Sütüven Waterfall, both steeped in legend.

For a memorable evening, head to Edremit or Assos for a delightful fish dinner at sunset. With the majestic Mount Ida behind you and the vast Aegean Sea before you, it's a fantastic way to end the day. Enjoy fresh seasonal fish, seafood, and a variety of olive oil-based mezes. Additionally, Narlı, Devil's Table, Ayazma, Şahindere Canyon, the National Park, and the Midilli (Lesbos) ferry trips are now available. You can hop over to Midilli for just 15 euros!

A visit to the Olive Oil Museum, housed in a restored historic soap factory, is also recommended. Here, you can observe traditional cold-press olive oil production and see tools and artifacts related to olive oil and soap production. Don't miss visiting Nusratlı Village to see its traditional houses built with the region's unique Nusratlı stone. Just near Yeşilyurt (Büyük Çetmi) Village, you can find the Afrodit Hot Springs in the vicinity of Küçük Çetmi Village, which have been known since ancient times. Hiking to the 1,574-meter-high Sarıkız Hill will leave you in awe of the region's natural beauty.

Other Recommendations: Paleo Gargara Ancient City, Arıklı, Behram Village, Assos Ancient Harbor, and the Glass Terrace in Altınoluk.

Editor's Special Note: For entertainment, you can visit:

Tren (Club) in Altınoluk,
Köprü Beach Club in Zeytinli,
Firuze (New Generation Tavern) in Güre,
Kuzey Ege Kafası (New Generation Tavern) in Edremit,
Manuka Beach Club in Altınoluk, which are popular spots in Kazdağları's nightlife scene.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Kazdağları Hotels page.