Cunda Island 2025 Guide: Beaches, Events, Attractions

We are here with the 2025 Cunda Island guide that we have prepared specially for those who want to plan a vacation in the romantic atmosphere of Cunda smelling of history!

As soon as you arrive at Cunda Island, you feel that special atmosphere enveloping you. When a light salty breeze touches your skin, the smell of history rising from the heat-warmed walls of old stone houses mingles with your nose. As you stroll along the cobblestone streets, you get a warm greeting from the windows covered with bougainvillea and the islanders sipping their coffee in front of narrow doorways. The fishing boats lining the coast sway gently and the smell of iodine rising from the sea whets the appetite. At sunset, it is inevitable to sit at a tavern table and have a long conversation with the best appetizers of the Aegean. With its historical texture, unique nature and friendly people, Cunda is not just a sightseeing route; it is a special world where you will enjoy getting lost and find a piece of yourself in every corner.

What are the must-see places to visit on Cunda Island?

1. Cunda Harbor
2. Stone Coffee
3. Cunda Beaches
4. Sevim and Necdet Kent Library
5. Cunda Rahmi M. Koç Museum
6. Lovers Hill
7. Streets of Cunda
8. Windmills
9. Analemmatic Sundial
10. Cunda Historical Market
11. Clock Mosque
12. Panaya Church

Cunda Harbor

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the heart of Cunda beats in the harbor. During the day, you can take a walk by the sea, watch the gentle swaying of the fishing boats or try the best of Aegean cuisine in the quaint restaurants along the coast. Evenings are a different beauty here; the reflection of the lights on the sea, the feeling of peace that comes with the gentle breeze...

Stone Coffee

Since 1877, Taş Kahve has been one of the most special spots in Cunda, a place where coffee and conversation are blessed. There are many stories hidden behind the stone walls, and the smell of roasting coffee inside. Sitting at the wooden tables and sipping your coffee while chatting with the islanders, that's the real Cunda experience.

Cunda Beaches

Cunda's sea is beyond description. Beaches like Pateriça Bay and Ortunç Bay take away all the tiredness of the day with their crystal clear waters. It is a completely different pleasure to swim in the early morning; the serenity of the water, combined with the sunrise, turns into a memorable moment.

Sevim and Necdet City Library

This is a wonderful library converted from an old windmill. The smell of books on one side and the view of the deep blue sea on the other... When you go with the excuse of reading a book and sit for minutes in front of the view, you feel like you are in a completely different world.

Cunda Rahmi M. Koç Museum

Built in 1873, Taksiyarhis Church has been carefully restored and this museum is one of the most remarkable stops on the island. There are many interesting pieces on display, from old nautical instruments to nostalgic cars. The perfect harmony of history and space is very much felt here.

Lovers Hill

It takes its name from the words of eternal devotion spoken by the lovers who come here. From up high, the whole island is at your feet! This hill is one of the best spots to watch the sunset, especially in the afternoon when the wind blows gently and makes you feel cool inside.

Cunda Streets

There is nothing like getting lost in Cunda. As you stroll through the narrow stone streets, stone houses surrounded by bougainvillea on your left and historical buildings with colorful shutters on your right... Many buildings have been restored and turned into boutique hotels and cafes, but there are still old stone houses that resist time and keep their memories.

Analemmatic Sundial

This interesting sundial was built in memory of the famous theater actor Ahmet Erol Keskin. If you want to experience a different kind of clock, you can try measuring time by using your shadow.

Cunda Historical Market

One of the most colorful stops on the island is the historical market. You can find souvenirs, handmade jewelry and local delicacies on Mevlana Street along the coast.

Clock Mosque

Built as a church in the 1870s, it was converted into a mosque in 1928. It is popularly known as the “Clock Mosque” because the bell tower is decorated with a clock.

Panaya Church

This 19th-century church is unfortunately partially ruined today. However, the three surviving walls and the frescoes on them still have a fascinating beauty. We can say that it is an impressive stop for those who want to feel the traces of the past.

Cunda Limanı

Where and What to Eat on Cunda Island?

Starting the day in Cunda means taking a coffee break in the historical atmosphere of Taş Kahve, breathing in the smell of the sea. With your freshly brewed tea or a fragrant coffee on your table, you can listen to the conversations filtering through the old stone walls. What better place to start to feel the spirit of Cunda?

If you want to wake up with the smell of the sea and have a nice breakfast, Cunda Bahçecik is the right address. You can enjoy a mixed breakfast in a lush garden like its name. Homemade pastries with curd, fresh pancakes and unlimited tea are a pleasure to start the day here.

Towards noon, you can stop by Dedenin Yeri to fill your belly. This place has been serving Ayvalık toast since 1972. Made with the original recipe, the toast has plenty of toppings and crispy bread that will instantly make you happy. As an alternative, if you like to eat home-cooked food, you can visit Adamis. It is known for its home-cooked dishes with olive oil. You should definitely try their homemade curd pastry and fresh pancakes while you are there.

If you want to enjoy yourself a little more, Cunda Körfez Restaurant is waiting for you. You can enjoy your lunch with fresh appetizers and fish against the sea view. If you are looking for a different flavor, Cleto's Ristorante can be a great alternative. This place offers a fusion of Italian and Turkish cuisine and is quite ambitious with its homemade pastas, bresaola carpaccio and sea bass fillet prepared with aromatic herbs. If you're looking for something a little more shabby but delicious, Son Vapur is the place for you. With light Aegean music playing in the background, you should try the simit, fish delight and octopus with beğendi.

For dinner, you should definitely try Mr. Nihat, one of the most special places in Cunda. It is a place that is almost unique in terms of appetizers. You can try octopus salad, gummy, thyme, wine grilled, salting. The Eggplant Dessert, which is unique to this place, is a different option, just for you if you are looking for different flavors. 

If you want to taste Aegean flavors, you can choose Ayna Restaurant. 

If you are looking for a more romantic atmosphere, Cunda Kekik Restaurant is the place for you. Dining among lavender and olive trees and sipping wine by the fireplace makes it a completely different experience.

If you like historical places, you may prefer Yakamoz Avlu Restaurant. In a Greek house dating back to 1882, having a delicious dinner in a peaceful courtyard is a truly special experience. Don't leave without trying the pickled sardines with orange and shrimp with beğendi. If you're celebrating a special occasion, the Pastor's House Tria Cunda might be the place for you. The former home of the head priest of Taksiyarhis Church, this historic place offers special flavors such as seafood fritters and vinegared sophi accompanied by Greek music.

Cunda Uno Restaurant takes Aegean cuisine one step further with its modern touches. Dining here, especially at sunset, is a completely different experience.

If you love tavern culture, Küçük Yer Semali is definitely a place to discover. Like its name, this small and cozy family-run tavern serves appetizers such as Peraver, Lalaveş and Berduş Güveç that you won't find anywhere else. 

Hasanaki is another small and cozy tavern in Cunda. There are appetizer options such as stuffed zucchini blossoms, pepper borani, sea bass simit, hot herbs, sole with yogurt.

If you're looking for somewhere a little shabbier but cozy, you can choose Cunda Adab Çorbacı. At the end of the night, a warming lentil soup or kibbeh soup is waiting for you here.

As for dessert... You can't leave without stopping by Karadeniz Pastry Shop.  It's where you can try Ayvalık's famous curd cookies and curd dessert with sherbet. The keşkülü with almonds was also very good, so don't pass by without trying it.

Cunda Körfez Restaurant

Cunda Island Beaches: Where to Go to the Sea?

1. Ortunc Bay
2. Patrica Bay
3. Çataltepe Beach
4. Duba Beach
5. Aquarium Bay

One of the most pristine and natural bays of Cunda. This is the only blue flag beach on the island. Ortunç Bay is a natural wonder hidden among lush pine forests. It has a clear and turquoise sea and a stony beach. Ortunç Bay is especially rich in underwater life. If you want to explore the world under the water, grab your snorkel and start sailing offshore.

Patriça Bay

Patriça Bay, located north of Cunda, is an ideal beach for families with children with its shallow and calm sea. This area, which used to be inhabited by Greeks, has a nostalgic atmosphere with its stone houses and peaceful nature. You can lie down on the fine sands of the beach and let yourself be carried away by the gentle rhythm of the waves, or you can walk along the shore and get lost in the historical texture.

Çataltepe Beach

Çataltepe Beach, one of the most intertwined points of the island with nature, is almost a hidden place. Here you can enjoy the sea in the shade of pine trees, away from sun loungers and umbrellas. The water on the beach is quite clear and generally calm, so you won't have to fight big waves when you go swimming.

Duba Beach

Duba Beach, one of the closest beaches to the center of Cunda, is a comfortable option especially for families with children. The beach is sandy and the sea is quite shallow, so it has a safe environment for non-swimmers. After swimming here, you can lay your towel on the beach and read your book or sip ice-cold lemonade in one of the cafes on the shore.

Aquarium Bay

Aquarium Bay, named after its turquoise and glassy clear water, is an indispensable spot for snorkeling and diving lovers. Thanks to its rocky shores, the life under the sea is quite colorful. When you step into the water, you may feel like you are swimming in a giant aquarium. Although it is a bit difficult to get here by land, it is easily accessible by boat tours.

Ortunc Bay

Cunda Island Events

1. Cunda Cycling Festival
2. Ultimate Cunda
3. La Fuga

Cunda Cycling Festival

All you need on this tour is the will to explore. You don't have to bring any equipment with you. You can sleep under the stars with two or three-person tent sets, stay right in nature or enjoy the experience without sacrificing comfort with bungalow and caravan options.Along the route, you will pass through narrow stone streets, overlook the deep blue bays and admire the peace of the Aegean once again at every corner. You will only be left to enjoy the moment as you explore every corner of Cunda, blending into nature with the rhythm of the pedals.

Ultimate Cunda

This event, which will be organized on Ayvalık Cunda Island, brings together sports and nature enthusiasts. The event will be held at Cunda Fora Glamping area.

La Fuga

Take a little break at La Fuga, enjoy the music you listen to while having a drink. Take time for yourself and listen to Cunda. Located in the heart of Cunda Island, La Fuga offers its guests an unforgettable experience with live music performances and special cocktails. La Fuga, which serves with a cocktail bar concept, is also appreciated for its special cocktails prepared with local products.

Since event dates and details may change over time, we recommend that you check the latest information from the relevant sources before your trip.

History of Cunda Island

Cunda Island is a special island that has been home to many civilizations from the past to the present with its stone streets that have stood the test of time, its buildings that smell of history and its texture intertwined with the sea. Known as Moschonisia in ancient times, this settlement means “fragrant islands” and when you set foot here, you immediately understand why it is so named. The smell of iodine carried by the wind, the fragrant island herbs and the sweet breeze of bougainvillea immediately envelop you. During the Ottoman period, it was known as an island inhabited by Greeks and adorned with stone houses, elegant churches and magnificent monasteries. In Piri Reis' famous Kitâb-ı Bahriye, it is referred to as “Yunt Islands”. The name “Yunt”, meaning “wild horse”, reflects the wild nature and unique character of the island. The fate of Cunda changed with the Treaty of Lausanne signed in 1923. After the exchange, the Greek population of the island migrated to Greece, while Turks from Crete and Lesbos settled here. Since then, the island has also been known as Alibey Island; although the name given in memory of Ali Çetinkaya, one of the most important heroes of the War of Independence, is included in official documents, everyone who comes to the island still knows, loves and remembers it as Cunda. Today, Cunda is a place that fascinates not only with its historical heritage but also with its spirit and atmosphere.You can enjoy a cup of roasted coffee in the stone cafes, and you can enjoy the best appetizers of the Aegean in the fish restaurants along the coast. Olives and olive oil are the gold of this place; the sea, sky and wind are the endless blue. This place is like a stage of history: The ruined Panaya Church on one side, the timeless stone mansions on the other, the faint echoes of Greek melodies rising from the streets...Exploring Cunda is like going on a journey through time. As you walk through its narrow streets, you feel the past and present intertwined, and when you sit against the sea, you hear the wind whispering old stories to you. Maybe that's why those who come here leave a part of themselves here and want to return again and again.

Before your Cunda Island vacation, don't forget to check out our articles on How to get to Cunda and Cunda Restaurants and Breakfast Places. Choose the one that appeals to you the most from our beautiful Cunda Island hotels to stay in Cunda Island and plan your vacation now.