Altar of Zeus
Homer speaks in the epic poem 'Iliad' about the gods living on Mount Ida and overseeing and directing the Trojan War from there. The God of Gods, Zeus, is also mentioned in this epic as residing here and overseeing the war. Researchers working in the region believe that the structure built on a high hill overlooking the sea and the Gulf of Edremit belongs to the chief god Zeus. The area identified as the Altar of Zeus, located on Dede Tepe, is created by carving the rock mass. Access to this rock mass is achieved through a staircase consisting of carved steps. The altar has niche chambers, seating platforms, and a cistern space created by carving its interior. The room-sized cistern under the altar, containing water, is referred to as Zeus Cave.
Ayvalik
Ayvalik is a charming town located on the coast of Balikesir. It is one of the towns that welcomes hundreds of tourists from all around the world with its lush green forests, authentic stone houses, and pristine beaches.It's highly probable that you'll have a memorable vacation in Ayvalık, situated directly across from the island of Lesvos. Ayvalik, an old Greek settlement, is a paradise-like town where you can recharge your energy with its peaceful atmosphere, away from the noise of the city, and heal your soul.
Cunda Island
Cunda Island is an island located in the Ayvalık Bay. The island eagerly awaits to greet you with its azure and crystal-clear sea, where both the sunrise and sunset are watched with a special satisfaction. As you walk along its pristine beach and explore its backstreets, the natural beauties you encounter will leave you in awe. When you take a break from your exploration, the famous restaurants with their delightful cuisines, as well as the tranquil and beautiful sea, are ready to refresh you. If you prefer a peaceful and calm vacation, Cunda Island is the perfect location for you.
Assos
Assos is one of the most important port cities of the Ancient Age and is also among the few ancient cities in the world. Excavations in this ancient city have been ongoing since the 1800s. Assos is a living example of history with its stone-paved streets, centuries-old stone houses, and remnants from ancient times. Dating back to around 2000 BC, the Ancient City of Assos gained fame when the renowned philosopher Aristotle led a philosophy school there. Assos, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Northern Aegean, is situated on a dominant hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. With its breathtaking view of Lesbos and its surrounding historical ruins, ancient port, charming boutique hotels, clean air, and magnificent architectural structures built with stone, Assos is worth exploring.
Yesilyurt Village
Yeşilyurt Village, located in Mount Ida with diverse vegetation, is a place where both sea and mountain tourism coexist, and it is just 3 km away from the coastline. The village houses represent some of the finest examples of stone architecture. These stone houses have become favorites among families opting for a natural lifestyle, including those coming from Istanbul and Izmir, and even foreigners in recent years. Additionally, vibrant blooming geraniums adorn the fronts of the houses. The village's dirt paths create an ideal trail for those who enjoy walking. Lined with almond trees, featuring medicinal herbs, and adorned with flowers and plants Yesilyurt Village is a true source of healing, especially for asthma and heart patients. If you decide to stay in Yesilyurt Village, authentic hotels constructed with stone architecture and guesthouses decorated without losing their architectural uniqueness await you.
SUTUVEN WATERFALL/HASAN BOGULDU VALLEY LAKE
This charming picnic area, situated at the foothills of Mount Ida, can be reached by passing through Beyoba Village. At an elevation of 798 meters, the town and its surroundings, renowned for olives and olives. This place is among the favorites of nature enthusiasts. Just beyond the Sutuven Waterfall, Hasan Boguldu Valley Lake, where a natural rock transforms into a pool, is gaining increasing attention with its magnificent scenery and the growing popularity of the Hasan Boguldu legend.
Ida Mountains National Park
The Ida Mountains National Park and its surroundings have been used as a habitat for thousands of years due to their fertile soils, wetlands, above-ground and underground riches, and delightful climatic conditions. Mount Ida has generously provided its wealth to every community it has hosted throughout history. The oldest written source related to the region comes from Homer. The area, symbolized by the epic poem "Iliad," one of the most important works of Greek mythology, is known as the birthplace of Zeus and the site where he directed the Trojan War according to legend. Following Kucukkuyu and Alps, the most significant centers of the Ida Mountains, Altınoluk boasts the world's second-highest oxygen level and the second-cleanest air, making it a symbol of purity.
Mytilene / Lesvos
The island, very close to Ayvalik and Burhaniye districts of Turkiye rather than the mainland of Greece. It is the third largest island in Greece after Crete and Euboea. Due to its lush greenery, Lesvos is also referred to as the "emerald island." Even Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseas couldn't remain indifferent to the peaceful atmosphere of the island. He stated, "Nowhere else in the world do the Sun and Moon set with such harmony, sharing their powers so equally nowhere else." Known by the Greeks as Orea Mitilini or Beautiful Lesbos, this island is lush green, azure, and each town has its own unique charm. With a history dating back to ancient times, the island gains worldwide recognition for its production of olives, olive oil, and ouzo, attracting hundreds of tourists every year. You can easily reach Lesvos from Ayvalık and Kucukkuyu with a pleasant ferry journey that takes about one and a half hours.
Bozcaada
Bozcaada, Turkey's third-largest island, is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, right at the entrance of the Dardanelles. Bozcaada's turquoise sea and fine golden beaches are captivating in their beauty. The sea is very clean, free of algae, sandy, and calm. In the streets where you can see the most beautiful examples of Greek and Turkish architecture, there are tourist spots, cafes, taverns, and guesthouses. Bozcaada is famous for its wines. The wineries on the island organize tours on specific days and hours. Don't leave without tasting the wines on these tours. It is not possible to reach Bozcaada by road. You can reach this beautiful island by ferries departing from Geyikli and sea buses departing from Çanakkale.
