Ancient City of Assos

Assos is a city founded in the 6th century BC on an extinct volcanic hill. It was built using andesite stone; although the stone is difficult to process, its durability has allowed the walls and temple to survive to this day. The city's history includes periods of Mytileneans, Persians, Alexander the Great, Roman, and Byzantine rule, and it came under Ottoman rule in 1330. Aristotle lived here for three years and founded a school of philosophy. For this reason, the city holds a special place in the history of philosophy.

Those coming by car from Istanbul cross the Çanakkale Strait with GESTAŞ ferries (Gelibolu-Lapseki, Eceabat-Çanakkale, or Kilitbahir-Çanakkale lines). After crossing the strait, Assos is reached via Ezine-Ayvacık with approximately a 1-hour drive. The total travel time is about 7 hours from Istanbul and about 4 hours from Izmir. Using the Istanbul-Bandırma fast ferry line and then taking the Bandırma-Balıkesir-Edremit-Akçay-Altınoluk-Küçükkuyu route also shortens the travel time. There are no direct bus services. Minibuses departing hourly from Küçükkuyu, Ayvacık, or Altınoluk can take you to Behramkale. Those arriving by air can aim for Çanakkale or Edremit airports and continue by minibus from there.

In summer, the sea breeze cools the air, but there is no shade around the temple in the midday heat. Entering the archaeological site 1-2 hours before sunset is the most preferred timing; the light best illuminates the columns of the Temple of Athena and the view of the Gulf of Edremit at this hour. Spring and autumn are periods when the heat is less and crowds decrease.

Exploring the archaeological site takes about 1.5 hours. If you include Behramkale village, the ancient harbor, and the surrounding coves, half a day is needed. For those who want to see the coves around Küçükkuyu and Assos, an overnight stay is logical; boutique hotels around the harbor are suitable for this.

After entering the archaeological site, you first encounter the city walls and the necropolis area, then ascend uphill to the Temple of Athena. Immediately around the temple are the ruins of the ancient theater and agora. After finishing the archaeological site tour, descending to Behramkale village and then to the ancient harbor below is a classic route. Around the harbor, there are fish restaurants and boutique hotels converted from old acorn warehouses.

The view of the Gulf of Edremit and Lesbos Island through the columns of the Temple of Athena is the most photographed shot. The angle looking at the city walls from the stone rows of the ancient theater is also preferred. On the harbor side, stone buildings and boat views stand out. Sunset hours are recommended for photography as the light is softer.

The path is stony and the ascent to the temple is uphill; comfortable shoes are important. The area is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, the ground is uneven. In summer, during midday, shade is scarce, so it is necessary to bring a hat and water. Artifacts found at the archaeological site are exhibited in the Çanakkale Archaeology Museum, meaning the originals of finds like sarcophagi are not in Assos.

Around Assos Harbor, there are boutique hotels converted from old acorn warehouses; their location by the sea and proximity to the archaeological site are preferred. There are also small guesthouses in Behramkale village. More accommodation options are available in Küçükkuyu and Altınoluk, from where you can reach Assos by minibus.