Villages To Visit in Mount Ida
Kaz Dağları, also known as Mount Ida, is a breathtaking mountain range. It located in the northwestern part of Turkey near the Aegean Sea. Mountain Ida is famous for its rich biodiversity, historical significance, and stunning natural landscapes. It is often referred to as the “lungs of Turkey” due to its lush forests and clean air.
Mythology and Mountain Ida
Mountain Ida holds a prominent place in both Greek and Roman mythology. It is believed to be the mountain mentioned in Homer’s Iliad, where the gods watched the Trojan War.
The mountain is also the site of the mythological contest between the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, known as the Judgement of Paris, which led to the events of the Trojan War.
Things to Do in Mountain Ida
Kaz Dağı National Park is a protected area, renowned for its pristine forests, diverse flora, and fauna. The park is home to hundreds of plant species, some of which are endemic to the region. The dense forests, consisting of pine, oak, and chestnut trees, provide a serene and refreshing atmosphere. Kaz Dağları offers excellent opportunities for hiking, trekking, and camping. Numerous trails lead through scenic valleys, waterfalls, and mountain peaks, offering hikers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the Aegean Sea in the distance.
There are many villages in the Kaz Mountains (Kaz Dağları), and it’s possible to see a village sign at almost every turn along the main road. The Aegean Region has finally realized that it can attract tourists not only through sea tourism but also through its villages. Nowadays, nearly all tours, and even travel programs on television, include these villages in their itineraries.
It is said that after the Alps, the Kaz Mountains have the second-highest oxygen levels in the world. In recent years, Kaz Dağları has become a hub for eco-tourism and wellness retreats. Visitors can stay in eco-friendly accommodations, participate in yoga and meditation retreats, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area while engaging in sustainable travel practices.
During our trip from Burhaniye to Assos, we visited Zeytinli and Adatepe. Apart from that, I remember going on a jeep safari through the Kaz Mountains about 18 years ago during a North Aegean tour. Of course, I don’t remember much from that long-ago trip, except for the lush greenery, the icy waters we swam in, and my sore legs the next day 🙂 But would I want to do it again? The answer is definitely yes!
Zeytinli Village
At the entrance to the village, you’re greeted by a tree-lined road, making you feel warmly welcomed even before you enter. As in many villages, there’s a village café in the center, but this one is quite spacious, and everyone seems to gather here. You can buy simit or pastries from the bakery or the corner shop and enjoy breakfast at the café.
In the square, there is also a statue of Atatürk and a monument to Kazak İsmail, a local hero from the Zeytinli Kuva-yi Milliye. Surrounding the square are several shops where you can buy olive oil and olives. Some parts of the village are quite old, filled with houses that are practically in ruins.
There’s also Zeytinli Camp and Picnic Area, which we didn’t visit. Very close to Zeytinli Village is Hasan Boğuldu Picnic Area within the National Park. If you choose to go there, you can also visit the Hasan Boğuldu and Sütüven Waterfalls. Visitors often take nature walks to these waterfalls, swim in the cold waters of the waterfalls, enjoy the tranquil environment and fresh air. There are also camping sites near those places.
On the coast of Zeytinli, a Rock Festival is held annually.
Adatepe Village
Adatepe is truly beautiful. Stone houses adorned with flowers and colors… and the view as you approach the village is stunning. Since we visited in the morning, we were able to enjoy everything peacefully. But in the afternoon, it got so crowded, with cars and tour minibusses filling the streets. If you don’t arrive early, it will be difficult to find a place for parking. Alternatively, you might visit in the spring to enjoy the tranquility throughout the day.
The best thing to do in Adatepe is to wander the streets, climb to the top for a panoramic view, and photograph the houses. Then, you can relax at one of the cafes in the square and enjoy a coffee to rest. We sat at Zeus Café-Restaurant, which seemed to be the most popular place for breakfast, and it appeared they were quite good at it.
Before reaching the village square, there’s Zeus Altar, which is about a 10-15 minute walk. Although the path is shaded by trees, I wouldn’t recommend going during the midday heat. The view from the altar is spectacular—you can see the Edremit Bay and Lesbos Island. You’ll also find trees adorned with wish ribbons and napkins. After walking there and back, you’ll be pretty tired, so a refreshing herbal ice cream would be just the thing. The most popular flavors are thyme and mint, which have a fresh taste and are worth trying.
There’s also the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum, but it’s not inside the village. Instead, there’s the Olive Oil House within the village. The museum is located on the Çanakkale-İzmir highway, near the entrance to Küçükkuyu.
There are also places to stay in the village, the most famous being Ida Blue.
Of course, Adatepe and Zeytinli are just two of the villages nestled on the slopes of the Kaz Mountains. Other popular villages include Yeşilyurt and Tahtakuşlar, the latter being home to Turkey’s first village museum, the Ethnography Museum.
Best Time to Visit Mountain Ida
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal times to visit Kaz Dağları, as the weather is mild, and the landscapes are vibrant with greenery. These seasons are perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Summer is also popular, especially for those looking to combine a visit to the mountains with a trip to the nearby Aegean beaches, although it can get quite hot.
