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If you want to relax in a beautiful setting, this modern condo just minutes from the ancient city of Assos is for you. Nestled in a private development with a private beach and surrounding olive groves, this two-story condo offers tranquility and pristine vistas across the Bay of Edremit to the Greek Isle of Lesbos. The three bedroom condo comfortably sleeps five, with one master bedroom, two smaller bedrooms, and a spacious living room with a pull- out couch. The master bedroom offers a cozy double bed and French doors that open to an ocean view balcony, while each of the smaller bedrooms come with a twin bed and private balconies with hillside views.
Surrounded by dramatic rock cliffs, the private beach is less than a five minute walk from the condo. The beach offers free lounge chairs and umbrellas, changing rooms and showers, a dock, a roped-off swimming area for swimming and snorkeling, and a small concession stand from which food and drinks can be purchased during the day. Snorkeling equipment is available free from the condo. Fishermen visit the dock daily during the summer, offering their catch of the day to patrons craving a dinner of grilled fish.
The property is a 15-minute drive from Assos, one hour from Troy, and two hours from the historic World War I battle site of Gallipoli. Assos is an ancient Aeolian city built on the rocky hillside above the charming fishing village of Behramkale. The acropolis dates from the Bronze Age, with the city dating as far back as the 7th century B.C. Plato's most famous student, Aristotle, was invited to Assos where he spent over three years living and teaching. The Temple of Athena was constructed on the site sometime during the 6th century B.C., and the ruins are currently being restored to their former glory. Sunsets from the temple site are famous for their stunning pageantry of colors and provide an ideal backdrop for the professional or amateur photographer. The Assos Harbor is serene and picturesque, with a small cluster of hotels, pansiyons and restaurants offering delicious meals of fresh seafood and local Turkish cuisine for a reasonable price. Another archaeological site, located just ten kilometers west of the property in the village of Gulpinar, is the ancient city of Chryse, where the 2nd-century B.C. Temple of Apollon Smintheus is located. The historic site is well worth a short day trip.
From the property, you can also visit the popular North Aegean seaside resort of Akcay, with its natural springs that offer treatments for a variety of ailments. The resort has an assortment of shops from which local olive oil, honey, and traditional Turkish goods are sold. Another nearby resort is Ayvalik, which offers ferries to and from the Greek Isle of Lesbos. This breezy seaside town boasts numerous open-air waterfront restaurants, or you can take a quick ferry across the bay to Alibey Island, which also offers an abundance of waterfront shops, restaurants and taverns.
For those who prefer nature, hiking is available in the Kaz Dagi National Park, which is approximately a 1 to 1 1/2-hour drive from Assos. Kaz Dagi is reportedly one of the most beautiful national parks in Turkey and boasts Karatas Tepesi (Goose Mountain), a peak reaching 1774 meters (5820 feet) high. According to mythology, the first beauty contest between Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena was held on this mountain. Paris, the Trojan king's son renowned his appreciation of beauty, is said to have headed the jury, which awarded Aphrodite with the highly coveted prize of first place. The park offers numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, natural springs, indigenous fir trees, and a uniquely-preserved flora. Some of the canyons and cliffs require special equipment or experience, so eco-tourism guides are available to accompany outdoor enthusiasts. Permission from the Akçay National Park Engineering Centre near the coast is essential.
Assos is approximately a seven-hour drive from Istanbul by car and a little longer by bus. From Assos, you can take a taxi to the property. The property can also be accessed from Canakkale, which can be reached via a short flight from Istanbul. Visitors can rent a car in Canakkale and drive approximately one hour to the property. Although taxis are available from Assos to the property, renting a car is highly recommended for easy access to the region's unique countryside, abundant archaeological sites, and nearby wilderness areas. It would also provide access to nearby shopping and grocers. |
