Ayvalık, on the north Aegean coast facing the Greek island of Lesbos, is a town of old Greek stone houses, olive oil factories turned into hotels and restaurants, and a famous local food culture. Just across a causeway, Cunda Island (Alibey Adası) has a waterfront of fish restaurants and a hillside of restored houses. Together they make one of the most characterful places to stay on the Turkish coast.
Where to stay
Ayvalık old town
Narrow streets of 19th-century stone houses, churches converted into mosques, a lively Thursday market and the waterfront. Boutique hotels here are often in restored mansions. It feels like a real town rather than a resort.
Cunda Island
The waterfront is lined with meyhanes and fish restaurants, while the streets behind climb past restored houses, some now guesthouses and small hotels. Cunda is quieter at night outside July and August, and its coves on the north side are good for swimming.
Sarımsaklı
A long sandy beach about 7 km south of the town, with larger hotels. Good for a classic beach holiday with children.
What to do
- Watch the sunset from Şeytan Sofrası (Devil’s Table) hill.
- Take a boat trip around the islands of the Ayvalık archipelago.
- Visit olive oil producers and taste the region’s olive oil.
- Try local specialities: Ayvalık toast, fresh fish, mezes with wild greens, and lor (soft cheese) desserts.
- Take a ferry to Lesbos (check passport and visa rules).
Seasons
June and September are the best months; July and August are busy with domestic tourists, and the north Aegean sea is a little cooler than the south. Spring and autumn are good for food and walking; many small hotels in Cunda close in winter.
Getting there
Edremit/Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO) is about 45 minutes away, with flights from Istanbul. İzmir Airport (ADB) is around 2–2.5 hours by car. Buses connect Ayvalık with İzmir and Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions
Ayvalık or Cunda?
Ayvalık for town life and markets, Cunda for waterfront dining and a slower island pace.
Is Ayvalık good for families?
Yes, especially with a hotel near Sarımsaklı beach.
What else is nearby?
The Mount Ida (Kazdağları) villages and Assos to the north; Bergama (Pergamon) and Foça to the south, on the way to İzmir. See İzmir city centre.
