What would your reaction be if we said there is a place where they would give you a certificate for just visiting? No, it’s not a dangerous place that requires great courage. We are only talking about the western most border of Asia in Türkiye. Come on, let’s go on a journey of discovery to the Babakale Village in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale!
Türkiye’s Babakale is the endpoint of the western part of the Asian continent. Of course, it is not surprising that a location with such a unique characteristic would attract attention. There are only two locations in the world where certificates are offered for visiting, it is a source of pride to have one of them in our own country! You too can go to Babakale Castle and get a certificate stating you have been in the westernmost part of Asia by paying only a symbolic fee! Well, do you think that’s all there is to know about Babakale? Of course not. If you are ready, our Babakale travel guide begins!
1. Where is Babakale?
Babakale Village, located in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale is only thirty kilometres away from Assos and Behramkale. It is part of a unique geography that runs along both the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara. This is a region with a historical and unique beach different from typical beach destinations. As such, it should not be surprising that there are many summer houses in Babakale, which offers a very pleasant holiday experience.
The village is a natural harbour where the ruins of the ancient city of Hamaxitos are located, although excavations have not yet been conducted here. Many visitors come throughout the year to visit its historic Babakale Castle.
2. How to get to Babakale?
There is no single public transportation method that goes directly to Babakale. For this reason, travellers who will take a bus must first buy a ticket to Çanakkale Ezine, and after reaching that point, with need to take a shuttle from the bus station to reach Babakale. Drivers using their own vehicles are recommended to follow the Gürpınar route after arriving in Ezine. In this way, it is possible to reach both the Assos and the Babakale locations without wasting time. It takes only a half an hour to reach the village by car from Assos.
3. When to go to Babakale?
There is not a bad time to go to Babakale. You can determine the date you want to go according to your tastes, preferences and types of activities that interest you. However, you should not forget that this location is not only in the westernmost part of Asia but also in the north-western part of Türkiye. Therefore, if you are going to the region for beach vacation, you should know that the water is cold until the middle of July.
4. What to do in Babakale?
You will find a relaxed life in Babakale, with swimming, sunbathing, and sightseeing. The beach is covered with unique sand called “zero miles”. The alkaline sand has no soil in the content, and because of this, it offers an ecosystem devoid of living things such as algae and sea urchins. It is also said that if Babakale’s special sand is applied to the skin the effect on the body is similar to a soak in a thermal hot spring.
Babakale is not just swimming and beach life, however. The village broadens minds while shedding light on history with its examples of historic architecture. Many Ottoman structures located within the borders of the village are also open for sightseeing. Babakale Mosque and Babakale Lighthouse are prominent tourist attractions in the town. Finally, Babakale is also very popular for camping. If you wish, you can spend your time here in a peaceful camp environment with your loved ones.
5. What to eat in Babakale?
The first thing that comes to mind when considering Aegean coastal villages, is savoury seafood, and Babakale is no exception. In restaurants with sea views, you can watch the beautiful sunset over the water. You can enjoy the peaceful scenery while tasting delicious Aegean seafood at one of the fish restaurants dotted along the coastline. Afterwards you can have a freshly brewed tea in one of the local tea gardens.
6. Where to stay in Babakale?
Due to its location, Babakale does not yet have many accommodation options For this reason, it is best to stay in Assos as it is closest to the village. You can stay in Assos and drive to Babakale each day, as is only around thirty minutes in each direction.
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