• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • About
  • World Map
  • Work With Us
  • Disclosure/Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Budget Travel Talk

Road Trips Caravan Camping Australia & World on a Budget

  • Home
  • Our Blog
  • Destinations
    • Australia Travel Blog
      • New South Wales
      • Queensland
        • Cairns
        • Sunshine Coast
        • Townsville
      • Tasmania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Americas
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Europe
      • Bosnia and Hercegovina
      • Croatia
      • Italy
      • Montenegro
      • Portugal
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Turkey
        • Istanbul
    • Africa
      • Morocco
    • New Zealand / Pacific
  • Journey
    • Road Trips
    • Trains
    • Boat Trips
  • Travel Tips
    • Reviews
    • Destination Guides
    • Itineraries
    • Self Guided Walking Tours
    • Travel Resources
    • Budget Tips
    • Buying Guides
    • Interviews
  • Accommodation
    • Airbnb
    • Caravan Parks
    • Free Camping
    • Hotels
    • Housesitting
  • Experience
    • Food to Love
    • Festivals
    • Markets
    • Palaces and Castles
    • Ruins
    • Short Walks
    • Street Art
    • Bike Rides
  • Search
  • Home
  • Our Blog
  • Destinations
    • Australia Travel Blog
      • New South Wales
      • Queensland
        • Cairns
        • Sunshine Coast
        • Townsville
      • Tasmania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Americas
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Europe
      • Bosnia and Hercegovina
      • Croatia
      • Italy
      • Montenegro
      • Portugal
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Turkey
        • Istanbul
    • Africa
      • Morocco
    • New Zealand / Pacific
  • Journey
    • Road Trips
    • Trains
    • Boat Trips
  • Travel Tips
    • Reviews
    • Destination Guides
    • Itineraries
    • Self Guided Walking Tours
    • Travel Resources
    • Budget Tips
    • Buying Guides
    • Interviews
  • Accommodation
    • Airbnb
    • Caravan Parks
    • Free Camping
    • Hotels
    • Housesitting
  • Experience
    • Food to Love
    • Festivals
    • Markets
    • Palaces and Castles
    • Ruins
    • Short Walks
    • Street Art
    • Bike Rides
  • Search
Tempe of Athena

Assos and Iskele a Turkish Greek City and Port

September 21, 2014 By Jan Robinson 28 Comments

This post may contain compensated links. We may earn a small percentage if you book through a compensated link, but it won’t cost you any more by doing so. You can read our full disclaimer here.


On the southern side of Ancient Troad or the modern Biga Peninsula in North Eastern Turkey, is the once Greek Settlement of Assos.  The Temple to Athena built in 530BC presides over the hilltop, while downhill beneath the 2nd Century BC Theatre, lies the old port.

Old stone warehouses, reborn as hotels and restaurants, cluster charmingly around an intimate port.  They say that any week-end April to August is crowded here, yet in early September it was anything but.

There are several names thrown around when referring to the town and port at Assos.

Assos/Behramkale/Behram/Iskele?

Confused? I know I was.  Time for a little research.

Lonely Planet guidebook:

“The Twin villages of Behramkale and Assos are a breathtaking double Act.”

It goes on to describe the ancient Greek Temple of Athena at the top of the hill (Behramkale) and the stone buildings of the port at the bottom of the hill (Assos).

But this was at odds with Widipedia.

Wikipedia – Assos – paraphrased:

The town on top of the hill is called Assos/Behramkale/Behram and the port below is called Iskele meaning port.

They went on to say that the ancient town was called Assos then renamed Behramkale.

Hmmm.  We need a third opinion.

Turkish Travel Planner – Assos – paraphrased:

The Town is officially called Behramkale but most people call it by it’s original name of Assos, and the port below is officially called Behram but most call it Iskele.

Let me introduce.

Iskele – the Port below the town of Assos (otherwise known as Behramkale or Behram for short).

Assos Iskele

Arriving late in the day meant bypassing the hilltop town of Assos and taking the dramatically steep road to down to Iskele.  If I was braver you would now be looking at a video of that descent.  Thank heavens it wasn’t as long as it was steep and that even at my age closing my eyes works well.

Dr. No’s Pansiyon was a budget affair tucked away behind the smarter waterfront hotels… we did however have one tiny window with it’s own tiny sea view. The stone courtyard that filled the gap between room and hill was lined with white boxes growing herbs, while overhead hung sturdy bunches of grapes. A stone staircase led down through a profusion of flower boxes and more vines to port level.

Iskele Collage

Walking port side through the restaurant and bar strip, we came to several timber swimming platforms.

Assos Iskele Restaurant

Having no idea what platforms belonged to what hotels, we slid uneasily onto the first sun lounges we saw and nonchalantly applied sunscreen.  No Problemo.

Time for a swim.

Out of frame on the left where the water was very deep was the place to enter.  Marty dive bombed and I climbed the ladder down a bit before jumping.  That water was deliciously refreshing – not cold – and very buoyant.

Assos Iskele Swim Platform

Iskele Swimming Platforms

Assos Harbour Iskele

Assos Iskele Buildings

Leaving Iskele early the next morning we stopped at the entrance to the Theatre which lay further down the hill to the south, away from the Temple of Athena.

The Roman Theatre viewed from below.  Late 2nd Century BC. Can you find me?

 

Assos Theatre

The View from my vantage point was all stone and blue and Marty.

Theatre at Assos Turkey

The entrance to the Temple of Athena is reached via the township of Assos further up the hill, where stalls selling local handicrafts lined the way.

Say hello to the Turkeys.

Turkeys in Assos Turkey

I will never forget the ethereal quality of that summit view. The early morning blues of Sea and Sky provided an amazing backdrop and I bet sunset would be equally as stunning.

Assos View from Temple of Athena

I remember thinking what an amazing sight the intact temple would have made on it’s hilltop.

Assos Temple of Athena Model

238m above sea level the Doric Temple to Athena presides over Assos (Behramkale or Behram) and the Agean.  Six of the original 38 columns remain.

Temple of Athena Turkey

Turkey could be thought of as a giant open air Museum and the variety of sites in different stages of ruin and restoration is amazing.  This site was the first we came across on a week’s self drive journey from Izmir to Gallipoli, and it did not disappoint.  Like Pamukkale and Hierapolis inland from Izmir, Assos and Iskele make a tantalising combination.  The old town and antiquities spread over the hill and below the relaxing ambience and playground of Iskele.

Budget Talk

Temple of Athena – 8tl Entrance Fee

Dr. No Antik Pansiyon – 80tl/double for very simple room – phone 0286 721 7397

This week I have linked to:

CORINNE AND JIM FROM REFLECTIONS ENROUTE Which is all about Turkey this week.

 

More from my site

  • Self Guided Walking Tour Zagreb OR GYG Zagreb Walking ToursSelf Guided Walking Tour Zagreb OR GYG Zagreb Walking Tours
  • Road Trip New Zealands South Island Part 2Road Trip New Zealands South Island Part 2
  • Views from the Alhambra in Granada SpainViews from the Alhambra in Granada Spain
  • Tuesday in Townsville at the Perc Tucker GalleryTuesday in Townsville at the Perc Tucker Gallery
  • Caravan Gift Ideas and Camping Gift Ideas for WomenCaravan Gift Ideas and Camping Gift Ideas for Women
  • Trinity Beach Cairns and Beyond in Tropical North QueenslandTrinity Beach Cairns and Beyond in Tropical North Queensland

Filed Under: Destination, Ruins, Turkey

About Jan Robinson

Jan Robinson writes about travel on her Budget Travel Talk blog. A solo traveller in her teens, for the last 40 years Jan has travelled through Australia, Asia, Europe, Turkey and New Zealand with her husband. They specialise in road trips, caravanning and Independent travel without spending a fortune. Her favourite destination is Turkey and she is currently dreaming of Myanmar and Mexico.

Previous Post: «Wongaling Beach Seat Short Breaks like a Wongaling Beach Mini-Break can be a life saver
Next Post: Bozcaada the Barren Bozcaada Fortress over rooftops»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Corinne

    September 21, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    Jan, Oh, your photos are making me miss Turkey, especially the waterside restaurants! Beautiful. And thanks for linking up with Weekend Travel Inspiration!

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 21, 2014 at 9:05 pm

      Your posts always make me wish I was back in Turkey. You were so lucky to live there for four years. You saw a much different Turkey to what we saw in 6 weeks.

      Reply
  2. Kathy Marris

    September 21, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    I am feeling an overwhelming desire to return to this amazing country after seeing this. I was there in 2012 and visited nearby Bergama and the ruins of Pergamum which were perched on top of a hill overlooking the town. Your beautiful photos and narrative bought it all back to me. with those magnificent turquoise blue waters and waterfront cafes. Just beautiful!

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 21, 2014 at 9:05 pm

      Hi Kathy. Every time I do a post on Turkey I want to go back!

      Reply
  3. Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats

    September 22, 2014 at 2:34 am

    Looks like such a wonderful seaside town to visit. Love all the old crumbling ruins!

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 22, 2014 at 12:02 pm

      Yes I loved the combination of seaside holiday town and ancient ruins. Turkey does that so well.

      Reply
  4. Elaine

    September 22, 2014 at 7:04 am

    Seaside retreats and well preserved Greek ruins … what isn’t there to love about coastal Turkey?

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 22, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      Yep, Turkey is lovely allover 🙂

      Reply
  5. noel

    September 22, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    I would love to explore that area, only did Celcuk, Ephesis and Kusadasi in October and most of those areas outside of the ruins were fairly quiet but wonderful to visit…looks like you had the entire place to yourselves

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 22, 2014 at 6:20 pm

      It was very quiet Noel. We met a couple from New Zealand both on the swimming platform and then at the Temple of Athena. October is lovely in Turkey isn’t it?

      Reply
  6. Muza-chan

    September 22, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    Beautiful photos…

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 22, 2014 at 6:20 pm

      Thanks Lily.

      Reply
  7. Agness

    September 22, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    This place is absolutely magical!!

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 23, 2014 at 9:39 am

      I agree totally Agness. You could do it the other way to us and get hot and dusty at the ruins then head down for a swim in that gorgeous blue water. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Anna | slightly astray

    September 22, 2014 at 10:12 pm

    I love this! I saw the ancient Ephesus ruins 2 days ago and it reminds of me of that. The restaurant right on the water looks divine… I would love to dive into that blue water!

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 23, 2014 at 9:40 am

      Ephesus is amazing isn’t it Anna. I wonder what else they would find at Assos if they delved a little further 🙂

      Reply
  9. Johanna

    September 22, 2014 at 11:49 pm

    Love the photo of the table laid for lunch and then the thought of a swim. Hmmm, Turkey – when!

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 23, 2014 at 9:46 am

      Next?

      Reply
  10. Krista

    September 23, 2014 at 7:09 am

    What stunning views!! I’ve never lounged on a seaside platform before. 🙂 I love all the little pots of herbs making a garden where there couldn’t possibly be one.

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 23, 2014 at 9:47 am

      It was a first seaside platform for me too Krista. I see why they have them there though – or we would all be clinging to the rocks 🙂

      Reply
  11. Johanna Bradley

    September 23, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    Such a beautiful part of the world! It’s many years since i was there.

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 23, 2014 at 7:59 pm

      I can’t believe it is already a year since we were there Johanna. Quick I must pack my bags!

      Reply
  12. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

    September 24, 2014 at 2:52 am

    So there actually are turkeys in Turkey. This town, whatever it’s called, is so pretty. That photo with the lone tree in the center is so peaceful. I cannot believe that the water isn’t cold, but perhaps you have a different definition of cold than I do. I like it bathwater temp. Most of all, I think it’s interesting that I have a tendency to lump everything together under the “old” category. Both the theatre and the temple seem old to me, so it’s incredible that they are centuries apart in age.

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 24, 2014 at 8:15 pm

      It is hard to imagine the age of these antiquities. I’m with you – old is old.:)

      Reply
  13. Sarah E. Albom

    September 24, 2014 at 8:38 am

    Confusing names 🙂 Those pictures and so nice! Really make me want to go back to Turkey.

    Reply
    • Jan

      September 24, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      I am always wanting to return also Sarah.

      Reply
  14. Brooke Abroad

    March 11, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    Great find and fantastic photos. Funny how a ton of Greek history turns out to actually be located next door in Turkey. We only made it to Espheus on our trip to Turkey which of course is amazing but next time we are penciling in these two beauties and probably Pammukkale.

    Reply
    • Jan

      March 12, 2015 at 4:42 am

      Go for it Brooke, Turkey is full of ruins and places to see. Cappadocia is great too and don’t get me started on Eastern Turkey, lol.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Australia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Townsville Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Bosnia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Cambodia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Canada Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Croatia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Italy Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Laos Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Montenegro Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Morocco Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to New Zealand Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Slovenia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Spain Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Turkey Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to the United States of America Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Vietnam

Pinterest

Visit Budgettraveltalk's profile on Pinterest.

Top Australian and New Zealand Blogger for 2017

Im-a-Top-Australian-and-New-Zealand-Travel-Blogger-for-2017-Medium-Rectangle-300x250px (1)

Mature Bloggers Australia

Mature Bloggers Australia

Footer

Most Popular Posts

Whitsundays on a Budget – How to Get to Whitehaven Beach

Romantic Things for Couples to do in Rome including Valentines Day

Things to Do in Huskisson and Jervis Bay

Hobart to Bruny Island: Tours from Hobart or Self Drive Bruny Island?

Ferry to Eyup Istanbul for Pierre Loti views and Eyup Sultan Istanbul Mosque 2018

About Jan & Marty

We are Jan and Marty and we love travel.

The best thing about being in our 60’s is that our travel budget is flexible, allowing us to enjoy great experiences, good food and fun people. As with most things in life, it’s all about priorities.

Copyright © 2023 Budget Travel Talk - Journey. Destination. Experience.