"Assos/Behramkale" Assos by WulfstanTraveller

The village of Assos, also know as Behramkale, is a scenic and charming place that epitomises one of my favourite qualities about Turkey: a variety of totally different attractions all in one spot. It combines, all in the same location, natural and scenic beauty, an attractive small town, swimming on a beach, stunning ancient Greek ruins, an old Ottoman bridge, and great food.

Although it has been given the name Behramkale, many people still call it Assos, from the name of the ancient Greek city that was located here. Significant ruins remain, primarily of the acropolis area, including temple, and the theatre down below. There are also some large remains of walls. The ruins are at the top of the hill overlooking the sea and from it one has a great view across the Gulf of Edremit to Lesbos.

The modern village consists of basically two parts. The upper part, Assos proper, is on the hill with the ruins and essentially blends right into them. The lower part, also called "Iskele," or "the Harbour/Dock," is at the base of the hill right on the water. The whole place is made of stone buildings, some old and some new but still being built the same way. This is true for the houses, hotels, etc.

The harbour area has a number of hotels, etc. all crammed together in a picturesuqe little spot at the base of the cliff, below the ruins. There are restaurants all along the waterfront, attached to the hotels, a couple bars, dondurma, etc.

Just north of Assos itself, in the valley below the village, is an old arched Ottoman bridge, still in typically excellent condition (the Ottomans built things very well), although now just used for foot traffic and livestock.

The area is thick with olive orchards, like much of this part of Turkey.

For those familiar with California, the area between Assos and Ayvacik contains oak-covered hills reminiscent of the Sonoma Valley or parts of the Sierra-Nevada foothills (although a little more humid).

• Pros:Beautiful, characterful town with a nice setting, swimming, ruins