Things To Do
in Ayvalık
Ayvalık is a picturesque Aegean coastal town in northwest Turkey known for its honey‑colored stone houses, narrow cobbled streets and a fragrant landscape of ancient olive groves. The town sits opposite Cunda (Alibey) Island, connected by a causeway, and acts as a gateway to the Ayvalık Archipelago of quiet islets and turquoise bays. Ayvalık’s identity blends Turkish Aegean and Greek island influences visible in its architecture, cuisine and relaxed pace of life.
It’s popular with Turkish holidaymakers and international visitors seeking seafood, olive‑oil cuisine and easy island hopping.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ayvalık and check into your charming seaside hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a view of the Aegean Sea, savoring local pastries and olives. After breakfast, take a stroll along the harbor, admiring the boats and colorful waterfront buildings.
Spend the afternoon exploring the historic streets of Ayvalık, visiting the local shops selling handmade goods. Make sure to stop by the intriguing Taksiyarhis Church, which offers a glimpse into the town's rich history. Wrap up your afternoon with a taste of local cuisine at a cozy restaurant.
As the sun sets, take a relaxing walk along the beach, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet. Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood accompanied by a glass of local wine. End your first day with a nightcap at a bar, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.
Catch a ferry to Cunda Island after a hearty breakfast, known for its charming streets and historic architecture. Explore the island’s narrow streets lined with traditional stone houses and visit the local market for artisanal products. Stop by the Taksiyarhis Church, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture.
Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant, sampling Cunda's famous octopus dishes. Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at one of the island's beaches, or rent a bike to explore more of the scenic coastline. Don't miss a visit to the charming Ayvalık Olive Oil Museum to learn about the region's rich olive oil production history.
Return to Ayvalık for dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the town. Enjoy an array of Turkish mezes and end the meal with a sweet dessert, such as baklava or künefe. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and lively ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $1.5-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-8 |
| 🏨Mid‑range hotel (per night) | $45-120 |
| 🚌Local bus / dolmuş fare | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful Aegean scenery and islands with calm waters and clear light for photography
- Excellent olive‑oil based cuisine and fresh seafood
- Charming historic architecture and relaxed atmosphere
- Good base for island hopping and short nature excursions
- Can get crowded and expensive in peak summer months
- Limited nightlife if you’re after a club scene
- Some tourist amenities are seasonal and close in winter
- Narrow cobbled streets and limited parking can be challenging
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Hesap lütfen" - The bill, please
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Yardım edin" - Help
Places to Visit in Ayvalık
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque dawn and dusk shots of fishing boats, reflections and seafront cafés; the causeway offers classic compositions linking town and island.
A striking historic church with bold stonework and interior frescoes—great for architectural closeups and cultural context.
Panoramic sunset views over the Aegean and scattered islands—ideal for wide landscapes and golden hour photography.
Colorful shutters, carved doorways and bougainvillea create intimate street scenes in both Ayvalık and Cunda.
Drone or boat shots of tiny islets, hidden coves and clear turquoise waters—best on calm days and from small boat tours.
Gnarled trunks and silvery leaves photographed with low sun produce moody textures and pastoral compositions.
Food in Ayvalık
Ayvalık Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A pressed sandwich unique to the area with melted local cheese, tomato and sometimes sausage or special sauce—found at cafés and takeaway stalls around town.
Must-Try!
A variety of vegetables, artichokes (enginar), green beans and dolmas cooked gently in olive oil; widely available in restaurants and meyhane (tavern) menus.
Grilled fish (sardine, bluefish, turbot depending on season), calamari and shrimp—best at harbor‑side fish restaurants on Cunda and Ayvalık.
Chewy mastic gum flavoured ice cream sold in Cunda and summer stalls—refreshing after a day of sightseeing.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Large open market held weekly with fresh produce, local olives, cheeses, spices and street snacks—great for tasting seasonal fruit, simit and local pastries.
Small fish stalls near the port where local catches are sold; nearby restaurants often buy directly and you can pick the fish you want cooked.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, friendly greetings like 'Merhaba' (hello) and 'Teşekkür ederim' (thank you) go a long way. Handshakes are common; use more formal greetings with elders.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; women should cover shoulders and remove hats, and both men and women should remove shoes where requested. Observe quiet and respect inside mosques during prayer times.
Accept offers of tea as a friendly gesture; avoid loud behavior in residential areas at night and be mindful during Ramadan when public eating/drinking is sometimes more discreet.
Safety
Tipping in Ayvalık
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up small bills in cafés, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service isn't included, and tip guides or drivers a small amount. Taxi drivers expect rounded fares; porters and hotel staff appreciate a few lira for help with luggage.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and busy—perfect for swimming, island hopping and long evenings. Expect high season crowds in July–August, book accommodation early and arrive early at popular beaches to secure space.
Pleasant temperatures, blooming wildflowers and quieter streets—ideal for hiking, cycling and tasting fresh seasonal produce. Some services and summer‑season businesses may still be closed early in spring.
Warm sea and mild days with fewer tourists—excellent for olive harvest experiences, photography and boat trips. Late autumn can be a great time for quieter cultural visits.
Cooler, rainy and much quieter—many tourist businesses reduce hours or close, but you’ll find lower prices and an authentic local pace. Snow is rare but inland mountains (Kazdağları) may get snow.
Ayvalık at Night
Hiking in Ayvalık
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short coastal and hill trails leading to the famous viewpoint with panoramic sea views—suitable for sunset walks and short hikes.
Easy walking routes along the island coastline with rocky coves, small beaches and photo stops; mostly gentle terrain.
About an hour’s drive away, Kazdağı offers extensive forested trails, waterfalls and longer day‑hike options among rich biodiversity and cooler mountain air.
Rural tracks and dirt roads winding through ancient olive groves and small villages—ideal for walking, cycling and photography.
Airports
How to reach Ayvalık by plane.
Closest airport (often called Edremit or Koca Seyit) roughly 40–60 km away—45–75 minutes by car depending on route; seasonal domestic flights and transfers by taxi or shuttle are common.
Major international airport about 150–180 km away (around 2–3 hours by car/bus); frequent bus and car connections make İzmir a practical option for international arrivals.
Smaller regional airport across the Dardanelles that can serve as an alternative depending on schedules; reach Ayvalık by road and sometimes ferry links.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding Aegean families, olive farmers and small business owners form the town’s core population.
Heavy influx of domestic Turkish holidaymakers in summer and increasing numbers of international visitors seeking Aegean islands and cuisine.
Ayvalık and Cunda attract retirees and people who own summer homes, contributing to a quieter off‑season community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The calm archipelago and nearby open sea make sailing, yachting and day‑boat trips very popular, especially in summer.
Both recreational and small‑scale commercial fishing are common—locals fish from boats and the shore for seasonal species.
Like most of Turkey, football is widely followed and played locally; you’ll find informal games and community clubs.
Conditions for wind sports are variable but possible in exposed bays—Sarımsaklı and some open areas see enthusiasts when winds are favorable.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ayvalık.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Very manageable: the Aegean zeytinyağlı vegetable dishes, salads, breads and cheeses provide many options. Ask for dishes 'zeytinyağlı' or 'etsiz' (without meat) and confirm no animal stock is used.
Options exist but fewer in traditional restaurants—stick to salads, grilled vegetables, bean dishes and zeytinyağlıs, and check for butter or yogurt in preparations.
Seafood, grilled meats and vegetable dishes are often naturally gluten‑free, but check with staff about breads, sauces and fried items which may use wheat.