“Green Nest” Population: 175
On the slopes of Kazdağ (Mt İda) above Küçükkuyu on the Gulf of Edremit, Yeşilyurt is surely one of Turkey’s prettiest villages, its stone houses clustering around a picturesque main square, then tumbling down tree-lined cobbled streets to the river and uphill to the views.
There’s nothing much to do here except chill out and go for walks in the lovely surrounding countryside although the Erguvanlı Ev hotel does advertise yoga courses for those in need of something more.
Sleeping
Yeşilyurt’s many boutique hotels make hugely popular weekend escapes for moneyed İstanbullus, a fact reflected in their premium prices.
Manici Kasrı Tel: 0286-752 1731
Çetmi Han Tel: 0286-752 6169
Erguvanlı Ev Tel: 0286-752 5676
Öngen Country Hotel Tel: 0286-752 2434
Transport info
In summer there are flights from İstanbul to Edremit airport. Otherwise the best way to reach the Kazdağ area from İstanbul is to take the İDO fast ferry (www.ido.com.tr/en) from Yenikapı to Bandırma and then drive south through Balıkesir.
There’s no public transport to get from Küçükkuyu but taxi drivers will happily run you to the village.
Day trip destinations
