Mount Ida and It’s Beautiful Villages
One of the most beautiful gifts of nature to the earth, Mount Ida is a magnificent place where natural wonders come together with historical texture. The skirts of the Mount Ida, which cover different regions of Canakkale and Balikesir, is a geography that fascinates as you explore and where you will not want to leave. We take a short tour among these beautiful villages where the myths of Mount Ida are spread from mouth to mouth.
Adatepe Village
Adatepe village in Canakkale’s Ayvacik district is a peaceful place on the Aegean shores. It’s like a fairy-tale land with its streets that are redolent of history and beautiful houses. In general, there are Turkish-style mansions with traces of Ottomans on the streets where Greek-style stone houses can be seen. Different styles of architectural structures continue to exist in harmony, just like the people of that period. While strolling around the glistering Adatepe streets, you will come across a very nice village coffeehouse. Do not forget to rest a little in the shade of the trees. Next to the village coffeehouse, there are places where you can taste the famous ice-cream of this region. Since you’re in Adatepe, do not leave here without eating herb ice-cream.
Altar of Zeus
Once you come to Adatepe Village, it’s a must to climb the hill where Altar of Zeus is located. Altar of Zeus is a 14-minute walk from the village centre by moving 1 km in the south direction. One of the most beautiful views of Mount Ida can be seen from this hill. According to the mythology, this is where Zeus watched the Trojan War. Along with the magnificent sea view, Lesbos, Kucukkuyu and Edremit Gulf are suddenly laid under your feet. You should also come here for a stunning sunset after a wonderful day in Adatepe.
Yesilyurt Village
You can reach Yesilyurt village, which is located very close to Adatepe, in a short time of 15 minutes by driving. This is a slightly more touristy place. Magnificent structures where you can see the traces of Greek stonemasonry and architecture await you in Yesilyurt Village. You must make your way here to soak up the nostalgic atmosphere of the village and take spectacular pictures. While strolling through the narrow streets of the village, you will see beautiful stone houses. You can also find Mount Ida hotels where you can stay, which reflect the texture of the region. There is also a Technology Museum in the village.
Tahtakuslar Village
The village of Edremit district is an important historical and cultural point on the skirts of Mount Ida. It’s known that Turkmens have lived since the 13th century and left many traces here. It takes its name from the Turkmen who have mastered woodworking. Tahtakuslar Ethnography Museum, one of the must-see places in the village, is the first private ethnography museum in Turkey. Items such as clothing, carpets, tents and pieces of art belonging to Turkic tribes can be seen in the museum.
Mehmetalan
Mehmetalan, a district of Edremit, is one of the oldest villages of Mount Ida with its deep-rooted history of 200 years. One of the quietest, little-known corners on the skirts of the mountain. Streets adorned with stone houses are also found here. You can buy natural products such as olives, village eggs and olive oil produced in the region from the stalls set up by the village people in front of their houses. The village also features hiking and cycling trails.
There are wonderful camping sites very close to the village which is in touch with forest. The best thing about these camping sites is that they are close to the creek and suitable for swimming. Next to the tented camp, tree houses near the cool creeks are also a very nice option. You need to add camping option to your list to be in touch with the magnificent nature of Mount Ida.
Hasanboguldu Waterfall
Hasanboguldu, which is located within the borders of Zeytinli, is a picnic area that can be reached through Beyoba Village. There is also Sutuven Waterfall 300 meters away. These two waterfalls, among the most beautiful natural wonders of the Mount Ida, are also a natural habitat in terms of plant and animal diversity. When you are exploring around the affluent waterfalls with nature walks, you may run into aqueducts known to remain from the Roman era. While wandering around this region, you can also visit the market where you can find organic products of the people of the nearby village.
Nusratli
Located on the southern slopes of the Mount Ida in Ayvalik district, Nusratli Village is an extremely serene place. Established in the 15th century, the village stands out historically with its archaeological remains. While soaking up the village atmosphere in the streets with stone houses in touch with lush nature, you can buy the organic products of the region such as olives, medicinal herbs, etc. There are also places reserved for accommodation among these stone houses. Let us remind you that it is also suitable for those who are interested in outdoor sports, especially mountaineering.
