An Oasis in the Desert: Northern Aegean

The Aegean is synonymous with a deep blue sea, lush green forests, pristine beaches, delicious seafood, and the fragrant scent of olive oil. It's one of the regions that suits the summer season best. While every inch of the Aegean is worth exploring, this time, we wanted to focus on the beauties hidden in the north, especially given the extreme heat. Just imagining the coolness makes one feel good, and the Northern Aegean stands out as a cool escape even on the hottest summer days.

Ayvalık

At the top of the list of places to escape to in the Northern Aegean is Ayvalık. Surrounded by the clear waters of the Aegean Sea and famous for its historic stone houses and narrow streets, Ayvalık, once mainly a holiday destination for people from Istanbul and its surroundings, is now recognized worldwide as a vacation spot.rak İstanbul ve çevresinden tatilcilerin radarındayken artık dünyaca ünlü bir tatil beldesi olarak kabul ediliyor.

The most touristic spot in Ayvalık is undoubtedly the Devil's Table, where people flock to watch the sunset over a stunning Ayvalık view. According to legend, the large rock here bears the devil's footprint, hence its intriguing name.

Another beloved spot in Ayvalık is Sarımsaklı Beach. With its wide sandy beach and crystal-clear sea, it’s a favorite among families with children and a staple for summer vacations.

With its historical texture, old Greek houses, and lively atmosphere, Ayvalık Bazaar takes visitors on a journey through time, offering local products and handmade souvenirs.

Ayvalık's most popular culinary delight is undoubtedly seafood, but when you visit, be sure to try the olive oil dishes, mastic cookies, curd dessert, and Ayvalık toast.

Assos (Behramkale)

Let's also talk about Assos, a rare place in the Northern Aegean where you can meet both history and nature, with its rich historical heritage and magnificent natural beauty dating back to ancient times. Located within the borders of Behramkale in Çanakkale, Assos is a special spot for those who love historical tours. So, what should you see in Assos?

The Temple of Athena is one of the most important historical structures in Assos. Situated at the highest point of the ancient city, the temple offers a fantastic backdrop to feel the atmosphere of the ancient world, along with an amazing view. The ancient city of Assos, with its walls, agora, theater, and necropolis, is also extremely impressive with its sea-view location.

To get to know the historical and cultural texture of Assos up close, it’s enough to stroll through the streets of Behramkale, as the village's authentic atmosphere offers a very special experience for visitors. It’s also ideal for tasting local flavors and buying handmade products. When you go, don't miss cooling off in Kadırga Bay and tasting calamari at the restaurants in the Harbor area.

Bozcaada

Bozcaada, one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the Northern Aegean, ranks high on many people’s lists, but for those who haven’t discovered it yet, let's take a look at what awaits you in Bozcaada.

This charming island, connected to Çanakkale, is a special spot where you can meet both history and nature. The central area, with its historical Greek houses and narrow streets, has a captivating atmosphere. Bozcaada Castle, built by the Venetians and one of the most touristic places on the island with its panoramic view, Polente Lighthouse, hosting one of the island’s most iconic views, and, of course, the windmills that give the island a romantic silhouette, are among the places you’ll most enjoy visiting in Bozcaada.

The Grape Harvest Festival, held every September in Bozcaada, which is famous for its vineyards, is a great opportunity to get to know the island’s cultural richness and local life up close.

Fresh seafood, stuffed zucchini flowers, seafood pasta, and the famous tomato jam are among the delicacies you must try in Bozcaada.

Foça

Foça, a holiday resort in İzmir known for its historical and natural beauties, has been an important city in the region since ancient times. Today, Foça is a very charming town where you can enjoy the sea and history. What can you do and where can you visit in Foça? Let’s take a look.

The town is divided into Old Foça and New Foça. Old Foça offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere where you can feel traces of the past at every step with its historical stone houses and streets. In contrast, New Foça, with its more modern structure, wide beaches, and summer houses, catches the eye.

Among the symbols of Foça are the Genoese-built Foça Castle, the Phokaia Ancient City, which is one of Foça's main historical riches, the Siren Rocks, named after the mythological Sirens and one of the most interesting natural formations in the area, and Foça Islands, known for their numerous diving spots. Foça Beaches, with their clean seas, are also favorites of holidaymakers during the summer months, offering everything you need for a great summer.

Dikili

Let’s end our article by introducing Dikili, one of İzmir’s lesser-known treasures. We believe this place is an underappreciated holiday paradise, as it promises unforgettable summers with its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.

One of the most charming villages of Dikili is Bademli, an ideal destination for walking under olive trees and chatting with the friendly locals.

If you want to discover Dikili's historical riches, you must visit the ancient city of Atarneus, where you can follow the traces of history with its theater, agora, and walls.

As for natural beauties... Just off the coast of Dikili, Kalem Island, with its turquoise sea and white sandy beach, offers a tropical paradise-like environment, providing a safe place for families with children. Hayıtlı Bay and Pissa Bay offer peaceful days surrounded by nature's sounds, and Nebiler Waterfall, with its thermal waters and charming Candarlı district, are all great reasons to visit Dikili.