Çandarlı
Travel Point Overview
Where History Meets the Aegean Sea
🏰 Çandarlı – İzmir
Where History Meets the Aegean Sea
Located on the northern coast of İzmir, along the İzmir–Bergama highway, Çandarlı is one of the region’s oldest settlements. This charming coastal town is a hidden gem that combines rich historical heritage with the serene beauty of the Aegean Sea — an ideal destination for both history lovers and beach seekers.
🏰 Çandarlı Castle: A Fortress Through the Ages
The most iconic structure in Çandarlı is undoubtedly the Çandarlı Castle, originally built by the Genoese knights. It stands today as one of the best-preserved castles in Türkiye. Some of the stones used in its construction date back to the Hellenistic period, giving the castle a truly layered historical identity.
🔹 In the 13th–14th centuries, the famous Ottoman Grand Vizier Çandarlı Halil Pasha restored the old Genoese fortress of the ancient city Pitane.
🔹 He reinforced the walls with stone blocks and support buttresses to withstand newly developed cannon fire, turning it into a solid and secure fortress.
🔹 Over time, the town came to be known as Çandarlı, replacing its former name Pitane — making Halil Pasha the "godfather" of its name.
🔹 Today, the castle stands proudly with its five towers, arrow slits, main gate, and sturdy stone walls.
🌊 A Peaceful Coastal Retreat
Çandarlı offers more than just history. It’s a peaceful town with clear waters, calm beaches, local seafood restaurants, and scenic walking routes. After exploring the castle, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll by the sea or sip Turkish tea while watching the sunset.
📍 How to Get There
🚍 Getting to Çandarlı is easy from İstanbul, Ankara, and Bursa via bus companies offering direct or connecting services along the Edremit–Ayvalık–Dikili–Çandarlı route.
🚐 Many travel agencies also provide free or paid shuttle services from Dikili to Çandarlı.
🚌 From İzmir, frequent express buses run hourly to Aliağa with connections to Çandarlı, or take a direct bus to Çandarlı from İzmir.
📲 Plan Your Visit with Advisormapp
Use the Advisormapp app or website to make the most of your trip:
- 🗺️ Easy navigation and route suggestions
- 🎧 Multilingual audio guides
- 📍 Recommendations for restaurants, shops, activities, and accommodations nearby
🌐 Explore more at www.advisormapp.com
📌 Feel the History, Embrace the Aegean – Çandarlı Awaits!
Walk in the shadow of ancient walls, breathe in the sea air, and enjoy the calm of a timeless town.
History, nature, and the Aegean breeze all come together — only in Çandarlı.
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