Small and Boutique Hotels in Ayvalik

It is also a great option to visit a popular neighborhood like Küçükköy, you can stay here and visit the surrounding areas whenever you want to enjoy the village for a long time and have a peaceful time away from the crowds. As for food and drink, the Bosnian pastry shop in the village square is a great place to relax in the shade of the trees, we loved their minced meat and eggplant pies. For dinner, you can go to Kafanaki Kitchen with its colorful details, heartwarming decor and rich appetizers. When you come to Ayvalık, I do not recommend you to return without buying the famous olives and olive oil, watching the sunset on the Devil's table, swimming in the Sarımsaklı beaches in summer, visiting the island of Cunda and buying small gifts for your loved ones, tasting the famous gummy ice cream and Turkish delight of the island and eating Ayvalık toast from my childhood (Avşar toast shop).The facility, where the public beaches in the immediate vicinity are used for swimming, is 10 minutes away from the blue flag beach of Sarımsaklı.

When is the Best Time to Visit Ayvalık?

The best times to visit Ayvalık are typically during the spring and summer months. During this period, the weather is still warm, but the summer crowds have thinned out. The sea temperature is usually perfect for swimming, and the town has a more relaxed atmosphere. June, July, and August are the most popular months to visit Ayvalık, with warm weather and ideal sea conditions.

How to Get to Ayvalık?

Ayvalık is easily accessible from many cities due to its proximity to major metropolitan areas. You can reach Ayvalık from almost any city by bus, plane, or even by sea. To get to Ayvalık, you first need to reach Balıkesir, and from there, you can take a minibus or local transportation to Ayvalık. The distance from Balıkesir to Ayvalık is about a 2-hour drive.

If you're flying, you can fly into Edremit Airport, which is located 48 km from Ayvalık, or you can arrive in İzmir and take a road trip to Ayvalık. There are also shuttle services available from Edremit Airport to Ayvalık, depending on flight times.

Driving Directions to Ayvalık:

• Balıkesir to Ayvalık: 125 km, approximately 1.5 hours.
• Bursa to Ayvalık: 270 km, approximately 3.5 hours.
• Eskişehir to Ayvalık: 440 km, approximately 5 hours.
• Kocaeli to Ayvalık: 400 km, approximately 5 hours.
• Sakarya to Ayvalık: 400 km, approximately 6 hours.

Must-See Places in Ayvalık

Upon arriving in Ayvalık, the first place you should explore is the Ayvalık town center and its charming streets. You can also take a day-trip boat tour to discover some of the untouched coves. Walking through Ayvalık's narrow cobblestone streets, taking photos, and admiring the town’s historic houses is a great way to start your visit. Many of these houses are former Greek homes, and their original architecture remains intact.

If you're into history, you can visit the Taksiyarhis Church, along with other historical buildings such as the Aya Athanasiu Church, Ayvalık Ayazma Church, Profit Iliyas Church, and Agia Paraskevi Monastery.

For those interested in more recent history, the town features several Ottoman-era mosques, including the Saatli Mosque, Hacı Bayram Mosque, and Ayvalık Hamidiye Mosque.

You should also plan a day trip to Cunda Island and visit the famous Şeytan Sofrası (Devil's Table). Cunda Island is one of the most popular spots in Ayvalık, with its historic homes, fish restaurants, the famous Taş Kahvesi (Stone Coffeehouse), Aşıklar Tepesi (Lovers Hill), and Cennet Ada Cove. You can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee at Taş Kahvesi, which is a must-visit spot.

Şeytan Sofrası is known for its legend, where the devil’s footprint is said to be left, and it offers one of the best sunset views in the region. Located just 2 kilometers from the Ayvalık town center, it's a place you must not miss.

Another highlight is Sarımsaklı Beach, known for its pristine, soft sands. The sea is shallow, clear, and perfect for swimming. The long beach and surrounding small cafés make it a lovely spot to relax.

Shopping Suggestions in Ayvalık

One of the top things to buy in Ayvalık is olive products. The town is famous for its high-quality olives, making it a paradise for olive lovers. After buying olives, you can also pick up some olive oil or olive oil soap.

In addition to olives, Ayvalık’s famous toasted sandwiches, Ayvalık toast, are a must-try. You can even purchase Ayvalık toast bread to enjoy at home for breakfast.

For souvenirs, Ayvalık offers a variety of shops selling unique items. You can find jewelry, accessories, antique items, or handmade textiles. The town’s markets, including those in Sarımsaklı and Cunda, are great places to buy handwoven fabrics, trinkets, and other local handicrafts. Miniature figures dressed in traditional Ayvalık costumes are a popular souvenir.

The local market in Ayvalık also offers fresh vegetables, fruits, organic foods, and various cheeses. You can also buy healing herbs and enjoy some of Ayvalık’s famous pastries, like lor cookies, from the town's bakeries.

Ayvalık Flea Market

The Ayvalık Flea Market, open on Saturdays, is one of the best flea markets in Turkey, where you can experience the scent of history. The market mainly features antiques from the Aegean region, including pieces from the nearby islands of Midilli and Girit. At Antik Sapa, you can find Ottoman-era clothing, accessories, and ceramics.

At Fidan El Sanatları, you can discover handcrafted dolls inspired by traditional Ege village clothing. Aristaios, located in Cunda, is a shop that sells high-quality olive oils and various kinds of olives from the Gemlik region.

In Ayvalık, there are endless options to explore and enjoy, from its stunning beaches and rich history to its vibrant local markets. It’s a perfect destination to experience both relaxation and adventure.

Entertainment Suggestions in Ayvalık

Boat Tours & Island Exploration: Ayvalık is famous for its nearby islands like Cunda Island, Lale Island, and Maden Island. You can join boat tours to explore these islands and enjoy the turquoise waters.
Historical and Cultural Tours: Ayvalık and its surroundings boast a rich historical and cultural heritage. Stroll through the historic streets in the city center, visit the Ayvalık Greek Houses, and explore the Ayvalık Mosque.
Water Sports: If you're an adventure enthusiast, Ayvalık offers plenty of water sports activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking at its beaches.

Culture & Art:

Theatre: Watch performances of various plays throughout the year, and you can also participate in workshops.
Amphitheater: Attend open-air concerts and shows at the Amphitheater in Ayvalık during the summer.
Ayvalık Film Festival: If you're visiting in September or October, attend the Ayvalık Film Festival to watch films with creative teams and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

History of Ayvalık

Ayvalık has a long history, dating back to ancient times. Known by different names throughout history such as Kydonia, Taliani, and Cisthna, Ayvalık was first inhabited by the Mysians. Various nations from the Greek islands established colonies on the islands of the Edremit Bay. Between 330 BC and 30 BC, Ayvalık was under the rule of the Macedonians, and later, from 30 BC to 395 AD, it was part of the Roman Empire. Afterward, Ayvalık came under Byzantine control until 1453. The area was frequently attacked by pirates, and the population lived on nearby islands before the region was secured by Fatih Sultan Mehmet following the capture of Midilli.

What is Ayvalık Famous For?

Olive Oil Production: Ayvalık is renowned for its high-quality olive oil, made from the fertile olive trees in the region. Olive groves and olive oil factories play an important role in the area's economy and culture.
Historical Architecture & Greek Houses: The town is also known for its historical Greek houses, especially in the town center and Cunda Island. These houses, made from stone and wood, reflect the region’s historical and cultural heritage.
Aegean Cuisine: Ayvalık is famous for its rich Aegean cuisine, featuring seafood, olive oil dishes, herb-based meals, and local specialties. Many restaurants offer a taste of the region’s delicious cuisine.

Where to Swim in Ayvalık?

Sarımsaklı Beach: One of Ayvalık's most famous beaches, Sarımsaklı Beach, is known for its long sandy shore and clean waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports.

Cunda Island Beaches: Cunda Island is a popular tourist destination with several beautiful beaches such as Aşıklar Beach, Büyük Sazlık Beach, and Küçük Sazlık Beach. These beaches offer a relaxing atmosphere and crystal-clear waters.

Badavut Beach: Located in the east of Ayvalık, Badavut Beach is quieter and surrounded by nature. It offers a more tranquil swimming experience.

Cennet Island (Şeytan Sofrası): Famous for its legend and beautiful sunset views, this area offers peaceful beaches for swimming.

Other Notable Beaches:

Altınova Beach: Sandy and shallow, perfect for families with children.

Patriça Bay: Shallow and sandy, ideal for families.

Çataltepe Beach: Clear and shallow waters.

Duba Beach: Clean and reasonably priced, with shallow waters.

Paşa Bay: Surrounded by pine trees, offering a more secluded environment.

Şirinket Beach: Warmer water compared to other areas in Ayvalık.

81 Kite Club: A great spot for kitesurfing with rental equipment and certified instructors.

Alternative Beaches Near Ayvalık

Güvercin Bay - Gömeç: A beautiful, blue-flag beach.

Gemiyatağı Bay - Gömeç: Known for its calm, turquoise waters, and is a perfect spot for relaxing.

Things to Do in Ayvalık

Take a walk through Ayvalık's historic streets and take photos of the old Greek houses.
Dive into Ayvalık’s underwater world there are about 60 diving spots for enthusiasts.
Spend a day at Sarımsaklı Beach and enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
Join a boat tour to explore nearby islands, or head to Cunda Island to visit the Sevim-Necdet Kent Library, Taksiyarhis Church, and Aşıklar Hill.
Visit Şeytan Sofrası (Devil's Table) and see the legendary footprint said to belong to the devil.
Take a day trip to Midilli Island by ferry for a different experience.

Eating & Drinking in Ayvalık

Begin your day with Ayvalık’s famous olives and olive oil at breakfast don’t miss the delicious flavors.
Throughout the day, you’ll find Ayvalık Toast everywhere, filled with rich ingredients.
For dinner, enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while sipping wine or raki, and don't forget to try "Papalina," a local fish.

Other regional specialties to try:

Zeytinyağlı dishes (olive oil-based dishes), fried calamari, octopus, and various seafood.
Olive oil-based appetizers like salads with wild herbs, and dishes with zucchini blossoms.
Taste local sweets like Lor pastry, lor cookies, and lokma.
Special drinks include Koruk (unripe grape juice) at Şeytan’s Coffee.
Some recommended restaurants:

Güler Tatlıhanesi: Known for its delicious lor dessert.
Çamlık Yelken Cafe: Offers beautiful views and delicious food.
Ada Restaurant: With panoramic views and exceptional food.
Zeytindalı: A quiet retreat with a lovely garden and delightful desserts like mastic-flavored pudding.

Other food recommendations include:

Fresh fish like Papalina, a local fish in Ayvalık.
The famous Ayvalık Toast made with a special bread and plenty of fillings.
Try the local herbs like Akkız, İzvinya, and others in spring and fall, and taste new harvest olive oil in October.