Assos: A tourism center famous for its historical and natural beauty in the Aegean region

Assos is believed to have been founded in the 10th century BC. This powerful and wealthy city of the Troas region first came under the rule of the Lydians around 560 BC and later the Persians. The city was governed by Persian governors and then fell into the hands of Hermias.

After gaining its independence during Alexander the Great’s Asian campaign, the city passed to the Kingdom of Pergamon following his death. Although the city came under the control of the Great Roman Empire in 331 BC, it later became part of Byzantium during the period of fragmentation and became a center for the bishopric. Assos suffered significant damage during the Crusades.

Assos is located in the village of Behramkale in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, overlooking the Aegean Sea from a hill 238 meters above sea level. At the highest point of Assos, you can find the famous Temple of Athena.Assos hosts visitors from the Aegean and Marmara regions as it is on the Çanakkale-Izmir road,. In addition to its clean air, sea, history, peaceful and quiet atmosphere, and seafood, Assos offers a suitable holiday environment with its tourist facilities.

The city had 3 kilometers of walls reaching up to 20 meters high, two main entrance gates from the east and west, and 8 towers. With its necropolises, gymnasium, agora foundations, temple converted into a church, administrative buildings, council house, cisterns, and horseshoe-shaped amphitheater, Assos has managed to survive to the present day, albeit in ruins.

What to do in Assos?

Colorful life in Behramkale and Assos, where history oozes from every corner, takes place around the small harbor. Visitors arriving by car park on the side of the road after descending a steep, cobblestone-covered hill and then walk down to the beach. Walking on the breakwater of Assos Harbor, which has a different atmosphere day and night, sitting in seaside cafes, and enjoying meals at restaurants almost in the sea are delightful experiences.

In Assos, where there is no long sandy beach for swimming and a shortage of beaches, tourist establishments have found a solution with wooden piers built into the sea. Those who lie on colorful beach cushions placed on sunbathing terraces on both sides, generally used by hotel guests, meet their sea and sun needs without getting sandy and cool down with drink services.

Places to Visit

The Temple of Athena is undoubtedly the most important place to visit here.