UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Assos Ancient City

Meet the wisdom of Aristotle and the glory of Athena at the volcanic summit of the Aegean.

In the Footsteps of Aristotle: The Peak of Philosophy and History

Located in the Ayvacik district of Canakkale, right next to the village of Behramkale, Assos is one of the most impressive ancient port cities of the Aegean, with roots dating back to the 7th century BC. Its greatest honor in world history is that the famous philosopher Aristotle lived here for three years and founded one of the first philosophy schools in history.

Built on an extinct volcanic andesite hill, 238 meters above sea level, this ancient city fascinates with its architectural genius. The andesite stones used in the construction of Assos, known as "flesh-eating stone," form both the city's massive walls and its world-famous sarcophagi.

"Assos is not just an ancient city; it is a living legend with its Behramkale streets decorated with bougainvillea, its thousands-of-years-old ancient theater, and its historic port that now houses boutique hotels."

Assos Ancient City View

5 Legendary Spots to Discover in Assos

Temple of Athena

Built in 530 BC for the daughter of Zeus, this is the only Doric temple in Anatolia. It offers the best sunset view over Lesbos.

Ancient Port

Historic acorn warehouses and customs buildings have been restored into chic boutique hotels at the edge of crystal waters.

Behramkale Village

A living open-air museum with steep stone streets where local women sell handmade oils and herbs.

Ancient Theater

Built on the southern slope with a capacity of 5,000, offering one of the most aesthetic acoustics in the ancient world.

Great Necropolis

Home to the famous "flesh-eating" sarcophagi. Discover some of the most magnificent carvings of antiquity.

Assos Visit & Transportation Guide

How to Get There?

Izmir Transfer: 285 km from ADB Airport. We offer 3.5 - 4 hours of comfortable VIP travel.

Where to Stay?

Choose from luxury boutique hotels in the Ancient Port or authentic stone pensions in the village.

What to Eat?

Try fresh squid and octopus at the port, and the famous cold "Blackberry Juice" in the village.

Best Time?

April-May for nature and philosophy; June-September for swimming in Kadirga Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions about Assos Tours

How long is the VIP transfer from Izmir Airport to Assos? ▼
The distance is about 285 km. With our professional VIP vehicles, it takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours depending on traffic.
Can we combine the Assos tour with Ancient Troy? ▼
Absolutely! Our "Ancient World Tour" covers Troy in the morning and Assos in the afternoon. We recommend a full day (10-12 hours) for this.
Why is the Temple of Athena in Assos so important? ▼
The Temple of Athena, built in 530 BC, is the only Doric-style temple in Anatolia and offers the most famous sunset view overlooking the Aegean Sea.
How do I get from Assos Ancient City to the Ancient Harbor? ▼
The harbor is located at the foot of the hill. You can reach it by a steep, winding road either by a 15-minute walk or a short 5-minute drive.
Did Aristotle really live in Assos? ▼
Yes, Aristotle lived in Assos for three years and founded a philosophy school here before moving on to tutor Alexander the Great.
What is the entrance fee for Assos, and is the MuseumPass Turkey valid? ▼
There is an entrance fee for the Acropolis area, and the MuseumPass Turkey is generally accepted for entry.
Is Assos a good day trip from Çanakkale or Edremit? ▼
Absolutely. It is about 90 minutes from Çanakkale and 1 hour from Edremit, making it an ideal destination for a private day tour.

Assos Ancient City: The Summit of Philosophy and History

Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Assos Ancient City, overlooking the deep blue waters of the Aegean in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale. In our video, we explore the city's significant place in the history of philosophy starting with Aristotle, the Temple of Athena—the only Doric order temple in Anatolia—and the unique charm of the historic Behramkale harbor.

What to Expect in This Video?

  • The Birth of Philosophy: Aristotle's first academy founded in Assos and its philosophical heritage.
  • Temple of Athena: Architectural secrets of the first Doric structure in Anatolia and the Lesbos island view.
  • Behramkale Village: Traditional andesite stone houses and the historic Ottoman-era Hüdavendigar Mosque.
  • Ancient Theater: A 5,000-capacity structure built facing the sea with magnificent acoustics.
  • Ancient Harbor: The transformation of old acorn warehouses into today's boutique and serene tourism spots.
  • Assos Transportation Guide: VIP transfer details and comfortable travel options from Izmir and Çanakkale to Assos.

To follow in the footsteps of Aristotle and witness the sunset at the Temple of Athena, book your Assos tour now through our VIP transfer services.