When we want to get away from the big city life we live in, the first thing that comes to mind is small coastal towns.. When we want to calm down a little, distract ourselves and get away from the chaos, new travel plans are usually formed on the Aegean coasts.. Ayvalık, one of the most loved seaside towns of the Aegean, is exactly such a place.. With its nostalgic cobbled streets, the colorful Cunda Island right next to it, its delicious venues and beaches to laze around all day, Ayvalık is a break from life for everyone.
Moreover, it is not a newly popular place; because the warmth and sincerity of Ayvalık, which was a Greek settlement in the past, is always the same.. The reason why it is one of the towns that every generation loves is undoubtedly the pleasant conversations that revolve around the tables with plenty of appetizers! Our password is raki – fish – Ayvalık; If you are ready, we start our Ayvalık Travel Guide!
Where is Ayvalık, How to Go to Ayvalık, When to Go to Ayvalık, Places to Visit in Ayvalık, Places to Visit Near Ayvalık, in Ayvalık Travel Guide We told about Places to Go to the Sea, Where to Stay in Ayvalık and Suggestions for Eating and Drinking in Ayvalık
WHERE IS AYVALIK
Ayvalik; the district of Balıkesir, which is actually a province of the Marmara Region, which is included in the Aegean Region.. It borders Burhaniye in the north, Dikili in the south, and the Greek island of Lesbos in the west.
AYVALIK’ A HOW TO GET THROUGH
The most logical way to go to Ayvalık is to use your own car or to rent a car from the airport after flying to and from big cities such as İzmir and Balıkesir.. Apart from these options, you can also reach Ayvalık by bus; however, you will still need a car to travel comfortably and quickly both in the center and on Cunda Island and its surroundings. It takes about 6 hours to reach a by walking around the bay without using any toll bridges or toll roads, 5 hours by ferry departing from Topçular pier, and 4 hours by the newly opened toll road to İzmir over Osmangazi Bridge.. Let’s not forget to add that the waiting time for those who will go by ferry may vary according to the density.
WHEN TO GO TO AYVALIK
We said that to listen, to rest, to breathe; we will not say go to Ayvalık in summer. In our opinion, Ayvalık and Cunda enjoy themselves when they are relatively quiet.. For this reason; The answer to the questions of when to go to Ayvalık for us just before the closing of the schools and right after the opening of the schools. During these periods, all places are open, and you have the chance to visit with less crowds.. Summer is the most active and crowded time, it is very pleasant in autumn and spring, but most of the places can be closed as the winter season approaches. it’s not crowded. Those who want to escape from the crowd of Bayram should stay in the center of Ayvalık instead of Cunda Island.. Whenever you come, remember that Ayvalık is very windy! While this is good on summer evenings, it means you will have a breezy trip in late spring and early autumn.
IN AYVALIK PLACES TO VISIT
Places to visit in Ayvalık, one of the relaxing Aegean routes, are some points near the center of Ayvalık, Cunda Island and Ayvalık.. We have listed the places you can see on your 3-day trip to Ayvalık.
#1 Ayvalık Sokakları:
Wandering around the streets of Ayvalık is one of the top things to do here; because it is a must here to photograph the ancient houses with bay windows of these narrow cobblestone streets, to teleport to the old times and to pose from pose to pose in the corners we like!
The streets of Ayvalık are like a small sample of the old town streets in European cities.. In fact, if the houses were a little more colorful, you might even feel like you came to a Greek island! Another nice part of the street tour is to discover the sweet places, art galleries and antique shops of Ayvalık.. Barbaros Street, 13 Nisan Street and Macaron Street are among the places you should visit to see all these.. Of course, do not neglect the parallel streets that cut the streets.
#2 Ayvalık Taksiyarhis Church:
Ayvalık, 16. It was established as a Greek settlement at the end of the century.. Taksiyarhis Church is the first church of Ayvalık.. This church, which was enlarged with additions over time and rebuilt in 1844, was used as a monopoly warehouse in the 1920s and abandoned.. Fortunately, it was restored by the Ministry of Culture in 2012 and opened to visitors in 2013, and we can see it now.. Entry is free for those under the age of 18 and those with a Müzekart, otherwise 7 TL. Its interior decoration is quite magnificent, we say see it while you’re here.
#3 Holy Spring Church:
In the past, it was probably shining as a Greek architecture on a large land, but now it is stuck. When you come across among the buildings where he stayed, it will make you wonder where we came from.. You will immediately realize that the Faneromeni Church, with its former name, resembles an ancient Greek temple with its triangular pediment on its exterior.. We didn’t know what reason to serve, but this place was used as an olive oil factory for a while; Therefore, it has lost many details in its interior architecture.. It was opened as a museum in 2018 after it was restored by the Ministry of Culture.. It is closed on Mondays and closes at 17.00 on weekdays.. We couldn’t visit it because we couldn’t reach it.
#4 Çınarlı Mosque:
Constructed as a church by the Greeks in the 19th century, minarets were added after the proclamation of the Republic. This building, which was converted into a mosque, takes its name from the plane trees around it.. When you look from the outside, it is obvious that it has an architecture that has already been converted from a church; but its main beauty is its interior decoration and embroidery.
#5 Devil’s Table:
When you say you are going to Ayvalık, most of the suggestions you will receive will include the sunset at the Devil’s Table.. Nor are they unjust; because the Devil’s Table is the place where you can see the science islands of Ayvalık from above and watch a magnificent sunset as the beauty of the air that cools quickly.. Yes, it gets very, very crowded, especially when the sun starts to set, there is a heap of tours and it is not easy to move around; however, let’s add that we don’t know of a better place to enjoy with two glasses from the bag against the sunset while we’ve come this far.
There are many rumors about the Devil’s Table and where it got its name.. The most common is the footprint at the top of the hill, which is believed to have been left by the devil while escaping.. Frankly, we didn’t pay much attention to this part and preferred to focus on the sunset.. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the Devil’s Table view hill from the center of Ayvalık.
The two can be planned back-to-back as it is very close to Yeniçarohori village, formerly known as Yeniçarohori.. It is a good idea to go a little earlier than these hours, as it gets really crowded near sunset and the cars are now switched off.. As for our public service announcement; landscape aside, it’s a place that has been hit hard by overtourism. Unfortunately, every corner is swarming with garbage! So, if you see someone throwing garbage during your trip, please don’t hesitate to warn them! Nature is all of us.
#6 Yeniçarohori / Küçükköy:
Yeniçarohori, which we have wanted to see for a long time, is one of the smart villages of our country.. We seem to hear you say what’s going on with the smart village, you’re right! We will explain the details in another article, but we wanted to summarize it briefly here.. Yeniçarohori, actually the old name of Küçükköy. Yeniçarohori, which means the place of the Janissaries, is a name given by the Greeks as a result of the temporary placement of the Janissaries here in order to suppress the rebellions that broke out after the capture of the island of Lesbos during the Ottoman Period. turned into his village; However, after a while, Bosnians left this village for various reasons, some of them went to various parts of Ayvalık, and some of them returned to their hometowns.. The abandoned village has also turned into a lost area where there are people who are empty, without a rope.
Making Yeniçarohori one of the must-see places in our country today; The return of the locals who moved from Ayvalık to the big cities with the smart village project and their settled life here. With the smart village project, Yeniçarohori has been transformed and regained from its bad days, and the artistic works, the biggest pillar of the project, have added a completely different value to the village.
Yeniçarohori; now hosts many art galleries, craftsmen, authentic venues, events combining art and technology, and a market set up by local women producers.. The historical houses of Yeniçarohori from the Greek period are another subject that will surprise you on your tour of the village.
#7 Cunda Island:
An Ayvalık that does not include Cunda Island trip is unthinkable; even plans are made to include both. After all, Ayvalık, Cunda; Cunda also means Ayvalık.. As we explained above; Greeks constitute a large part of Ayvalık’s past community.. Likewise, Cunda Island is an island where very few Turks lived until the population exchange period and almost all of them were Greeks.. Its change begins with the migration of Greeks from here during the population exchange period and the bringing of Turks living in nearby Greek islands to the island.. With its architecture, food, appetizers and even lifestyle, Cunda Island is probably one of the most special places you can see in Turkey.. If you ask us, the beauty of the island comes from its past, its unhurriedness and cheerful table culture.. There is nothing you cannot solve by sitting at one of Cunda’s beautiful tables.. Maybe its texture is a little distorted, it may be too built up; but there is definitely a surprise waiting for you on the streets, and an appetizer on the table that will make you happy.
#8 Cunda Taksiyarhis Church:
19. Cunda Taksiyarhis Church, a Greek Orthodox Church built in the 19th century, has the same name as the first church of Ayvalık.. The church, which was abandoned with the end of the Greek period on the island, was later used as a mosque for a while, with all its depictions painted white.. However, the use of the church as a mosque did not last long and after it was damaged in the earthquake in 1944, it was completely abandoned.. Although Ayvalık was declared a natural and historical site in 1976, unfortunately the preservation work of the church could not be started for many years.
The church has a long history; Its restoration is the church, but with the decision of the board Rahmi M.. It can start when it is transferred to the Koç Museum and Culture Foundation.. Thank God we have such foundations, but architectures with history can be brought back to the region and therefore to tourism.. As a result of the works initiated by the foundation, the Cunda Taksiyarhis Church was completely restored and converted into a museum, and opened to visitors in 2014.
The museum hosts a similar collection with Rahmi Koç’s other museums in Istanbul and Ankara.. The collection includes objects and tools from certain periods such as toys, model cars, steam models, measuring instruments.. Entrance fee is 7 TL for adults, 3 TL for those with Müzekart.
#9 Cunda Sevim and Necdet Kent Library:
Rahmi Koç’s Cunda’ Sevim and Necdet City Library. The library is actually located in the Church of Agios Yannis. This church, which is the first architecture that welcomes you when you enter the island from Ayvalık, is famous for its medieval architecture and the mill next to it.. Agios Yannis Church, which was abandoned with the population exchange period and was badly damaged by the 1944 earthquake just like the Taksiyarhis Church, is one of the values brought to the island with the support of Rahmi Koç.
While the church was being restored, its mill was rebuilt in accordance with its original form, regained its current appearance. In the library inside the church, there is a collection of 1,300 books by one of our important diplomats, Necdet Kent, who is also the father of Muhtar Kent.. Muhtar Kent himself donated these books to the museum.. Don’t forget to take a break at the small cafe on the terrace of the church, open until 17.30. The mill is currently used as the kitchen of this cafe.
#10 Cunda Panaya Church:
When you walk down from Agios Yannis Church, you can see the Panaya Greek Church. you can see. Unfortunately, it has not been preserved until today and it only has three walls at the moment.. The church was built with the technique of knitting with garlic stone and granite stone specific to this region.. If it could be preserved, it would certainly be one of the important points of the island with its location and architectural style.
Especially, what was written on the walls with spray paint, brutally and ignorantly, collapsed inside us and we were devastated by the sight we saw.. However, such structures can be restored from their current state and restored with detailed restoration work.. We do not know the value of anything; It’s really a pity.
#11 Despot House:
If you’re wondering where this name came from, let me tell you right away.. Despot, name given to Greek Orthodox clergy. This mansion, which was built by a Greek despot in 1862, was taken by the Ottoman Empire after the unfortunate death of the despot and used as the Government Building.. In the 1920s, it was first used as an orphanage, and until the 1980s, it was used as both a dormitory and a school by the Turks. meanwhile it has been destroyed and turned into a deserted place. It could be visited in its damaged state until 2015, and thus, over time, it became one of the touristic photo spots of Cunda.. You will probably come across Despot Evi while researching Cunda; however, let us state that after a long restoration process since 2015, this place has now started to serve as a boutique hotel.
IN AYVALIK PLACES TO VISIT
You can extend the trip by adding some points around the 2-3 days you will spend in Ayvalık.. Let’s list our favorites below.
#1 Dikili:
Dikili, which you can reach in half an hour from Ayvalık, is one of the quietest coastal settlements in İzmir.. Although there is not much to see and do in the center of Dikili, we strongly recommend that it be added to Ayvalık excursions as its bays are among the best we have seen so far..
DIKILI BAY AND SEWING BOAT TOUR
#2 Bergama:
From Ayvalık to Bergama It takes about 50 minutes to reach. If you like ancient city tours, you can include Bergama in your list.. In particular, the Roman ruins of the ancient city of Bergama, the ancient theater and the old Greek quarters of Bergama make this trip even more beautiful.
#3 Lesbos Island:
One of the biggest islands of Greece, Lesbos, which you will reach in 45 minutes from Ayvalık, is one of the routes that can be added to this trip.. In our opinion, Lesvos Island goes a lot over the Greek influences of Ayvalık and Cunda.. Lesbos, with its villages and beaches of different characters, is one of the most loved Greek islands from Turkey.. Let’s add that the transition is very crowded on holidays and public holidays and the best time is in the quieter seasons.. There were also those who went to Lesbos for a day; The island is so big that you can never enjoy it in a single day.. We say at least 2 or even 3 days for Lesvos Island.
#4 Foça & Old Foça:
Our love for Old Foça is now known by everyone. Since it takes 1.5 hours to go from Ayvalık to Foça, we couldn’t help but include it on the list.. Old Foça, once a favorite summer spot for Izmir residents. Especially Old Foça’s nostalgic streets full of stone houses, places to relax and sparkling beaches are some of the reasons we love this place.. We leave the article we wrote before turning Ayvalık travel guide into Eski Foça travel guide.
FOÇA TRAVEL GUIDE: PLACES TO VISIT FOÇA IN 2 DAYS
THE PLACE TO SWEAT THE SEA IN AYVALIK
The best thing to do in Ayvalık during the daytime, especially in summer, is definitely to go to the sea. Since we went in the summer, we spent our time exploring the beaches of Ayvalık until the weather got cooler in the evening.. Our favorites were Şirinkent Sports Club and Ortunç Bay, but we’ve gathered all our suggestions in the article below.
AYVALIK BEACHES AND AYVALIK PLACES TO SEE THE SEA
WHERE TO STAY IN AYVALIK
The majority of those who come to visit Ayvalık prefer to stay on Cunda Island. Cunda Island’s Alaçatı-like boutique hotels are really nice to stay in; however, it means that you pay higher prices for accommodation, especially during the season and during the holidays.
If you are going to Ayvalık by car, we recommend you to stay in the center of Ayvalık instead of Cunda Island.. The streets of Ayvalık are just as beautiful as the streets of Cunda Island, and the hotels are more affordable than the alternatives on the island.. We could not find a place on Cunda Island because we coincided our trip to Ayvalık & Cunda with the holiday holiday.
While we were looking for an economical place in Ayvalık center under holiday conditions, we saw Stairway pension on Airbnb and made our room reservation there.. After the 4 nights we spent, I can say very clearly that with Monika, the owner of Stairway, and Mr. Sedat, people’s lifespan will be longer.. Our trip became even better with their conversations and suggestions; If we go again, we will definitely stay at Stairway again.. Having parking facilities nearby is also very advantageous for those who will come by car.
We leave our membership link here, which provides 130 TL discount for those who will stay with Airbnb for the first time. When you book with a discount, we earn credits, so we can travel economically together.
AYVALIK FOOD AND DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS
In our opinion, one of the factors that make Ayvalık trips beautiful is definitely the issue of eating and drinking here.. There are so many places to try that after a while, you start to draw a route after cafes, patisseries and restaurants to visit rather than places to visit.. Don’t forget to read our article below for our Ayvalık & Cunda food and beverage recommendations with weight gain guaranteed!
WHERE TO EAT IN AYVALIK AND WHAT TO EAT IN AYVALIK
We have come to the end of our Ayvalık travel guide. You can reach our travel notes and photos about Ayvalık and its surroundings on Instagram at @nesemcelikkkaya. Follow us, let’s travel together!
