Cunda is beautiful and impressive in every season

The first place that comes to my mind when I think of the Aegean Sea and the island is Cunda Island with its nature, cobblestone streets, bay windows, sea, history and delicious fish.

Whether it's summer, winter or spring, Cunda is beautiful and impressive in every season. 
When you arrive in Ayvalık and travel for ten more minutes, you feel as if you have left the chaos and noise and arrived in a completely different place. Especially in the fall and winter months, it is almost like an address of peace and serenity.
Cunda Island was called Moshos, or Scented Island, in Ottoman times. In Piri Reis' work Kitab-ı Bahriye, it is mentioned as  Greek Islands. Alibey was named after Lieutenant Colonel Ali, who started the first resistance during the War of Independence. Today, we use the name both as Cunda and Alibey Island.
Cunda is one of the places where you can enjoy the raki-fish-Ayvalık trilogy the best. It is a holiday destination where you can enjoy the sea and the sun during the day, have fun with boat trips and stroll through the stone streets, and then listen to the sounds of taverns and fish restaurants in the evening, accompanied by the sea view and the lightning. With its nature and sea, it is like a gift of nature to people. 

Cunda Island, also known as Alibey Island, is just one of approximately 22 islands, large and small, known as the Ayvalık Islands. Among these islands, only Cunda Island is open to settlement. It is also the 4th largest island in the Aegean Sea. Cunda Island is connected to the mainland by Turkey's first strait bridge, built in the 1970s, which is approximately 1 km long.

You can come to Cunda at any time of the year. While the island is quite crowded in the summer months, it is more peaceful and serene, especially in the spring and winter months. In fact, the islanders say that the best time to enjoy the sea and the island is after September. The sea apparently becomes even more beautiful in the autumn. In the winter months, cold days are rare on the island, as its climate already has the characteristics of a mild Mediterranean climate. Autumn and winter months can also be a great opportunity to relax and get to know Cunda better. So, Cunda is not just a holiday destination where you can have fun during the season, but a place where you can enjoy yourself every season.

Autumn offers the red colors of nature, while spring offers the awakening of nature, making Cunda one of the best places to experience these changes. In the winter months, sitting by the fireplace in your hotel, listening to the sound of the waves, and sipping wine with your loved one... What more could you want?

When you come to Cunda, there are places you must see and visit regardless of the season. These places are among the most prominent locations that make Cunda what it is. First, take your loved one and go to Âşıklar Tepesi (Lovers Hill). It's one of the rare places on the island where you can enjoy the view of the island. You can also see the windmill here, which was restored in 2006. The Monastery of the Moonlight is also among the historical places you must see on the island. You can also visit the Sevim and Necdet Kent Library, which was originally an old and ruined church and windmill but has been restored and is now open to visitors. This place is currently operating under the Rahmi Koç Museology and Culture Foundation. It opens its doors to visitors who want to see the traces of history.

When you come to the island, you can take day trips and boat tours to explore the surrounding bays and islands. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy the sea and the sun. In the center of the island, there is a market set up day and night where local people sell many handmade products. You can buy unique souvenirs and gifts here. You can find many jewelry and accessories at very reasonable prices.

Şeytan Sofrası (Devil's Table), which is said to be the footprint of the devil and is very close to Cunda, is worth a visit. You can have a nice meal there and enjoy the view. You can also visit Cennet Koyu (Heaven Cove). You can visit the Cunda Despot House, which is one of the oldest and most magnificent buildings on the island, built by the Greeks. And don't forget to take a break with a foamy Turkish coffee at Taş Kahve (Stone Coffee), especially if you come to the island in summer and spring. Also, don't forget to try ice cream in almonds and melon while on the island. And if you're on a diet, please take a break from your diet in Cunda. Because you shouldn't leave the island without trying lokma dessert and Ayvalık toast. There are flavors that will linger on your palate in the tea gardens by the sea, accompanied by the sound of waves.

In the evening, don't forget to taste seasonal fish in the fish restaurants by the sea. You can find seasonal fish grilled or prepared in different ways. Papalina fish is quite famous on the island. The mezes are also plentiful, in a manner befitting the Aegean cuisine's reputation. I don't want to exaggerate, but I suggest trying every meze. They are all delicious, and the mezes made with Ayvalık olive oil are also light in taste.

Accommodation options in Cunda are plentiful throughout the year. They mainly consist of boutique and small hotels. There are also facilities that have been converted into hotels by restoring old Greek houses. The room decoration of these facilities is in harmony with the authentic and historical texture of the island. You can even stay in a room with lace covers. Most of the operators are also locals living on the island. Therefore, they provide very friendly and quality service. Cunda hotels have everything you need. So, you can choose with peace of mind.

The prices of Cunda hotels vary according to the season. However, since there are many accommodation options, it is possible for everyone to find a suitable facility according to their taste and budget.

Access to Cunda is also very easy. You can easily come from major cities like Istanbul and Bursa by road, even for weekend getaways. If you haven't been to Cunda yet, you should hurry. Because you've missed a lot. Cunda Island is waiting to offer all its beauty to you. Oh, and don't forget to bring your camera. Have a great holiday.

For Cunda Island hotels, click here: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/cunda-island-hotels