Aristotle lived here and St. Paul visited, but today visitors go to Assos as a tranquil Aegean-coast seaside retreat amid ancient ruins.
Atop a hill surrounded by olive groves are the ruins of Doric-style Temple of Athena (530 BC) surrounded by crumbling city walls and an ancient necropolis (cemetery). Nearby is the 14th-century Ottoman Murad Hudavendigar Mosque. The hill offers spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby Greek island of Lesvos.
Down the steep seaward side of the hill at the water's edge is the hamlet called Iskele (Dock, Wharf), with old stone houses now serving as inns, pensions and restaurants. It's hopelessly charming and picturesque. The small pebbly beach is less of an attraction than the boat tours and the picturesqueness of the hamlet itself.
Though officially named Behramkale (BEHH-rahm-kah-leh), most people still call the town by its ancient name of Assos. It was founded in the 700s BC by colonists from Lesvos. Artistotle came here and married King Hermeia's niece, Pythia, before sailing over to Lesvos. - Tom Brosnahan
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