Silvery olive groves running down to a sea scattered with islands, streets of faded Greek stone houses, and tables of Aegean meze under the fishermen’s lamps — Ayvalık is the Aegean before the crowds found it.
On Turkey’s northern Aegean coast, where the olive groves seem to run all the way to the water, lies Ayvalık — a town that time treated gently. Its old quarter is a labyrinth of 19th-century Greek stone houses, arched doorways and quiet churches turned mosques. Just across a causeway sits Cunda (Alibey) Island, even more romantic, its waterfront lined with restored mansions now home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.
A Town Built on Olives
Ayvalık is Turkey’s olive-oil capital, and the culture of the olive is everywhere — in the soap shops, the tastings, the golden oil drizzled over everything. Wander the back streets in the morning light, buy olive-oil soap and local honey, and let yourself get lost; that is the whole point.
Cunda Island and the Sunset at Şeytan Sofrası
Cross to Cunda for cobbled lanes, boutique cafés and long seafood dinners with rakı by the harbour. For the finest view on the coast, climb to Şeytan Sofrası (the Devil’s Table) at sunset, where the whole bay and its scattering of islands glows gold and pink. It is one of the Aegean’s great romantic moments.
Beaches and Boat Trips
The long sandy sweep of Sarımsaklı is the main beach, while daily boat trips weave among the 20-plus islands of the bay for swimming and snorkelling in calm, clear water.
Plan Your Northern Aegean Trip
Ayvalık pairs well with Troy and Gallipoli to the north and İzmir and Ephesus to the south. Browse our tours or build a custom Aegean route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ayvalık known for?
Ayvalık is known for its atmospheric old town of Greek-era stone houses, its olive oil production, superb Aegean seafood and meze, and the beautiful nearby Cunda Island. The sunset viewpoint of Şeytan Sofrası is a highlight.
What is there to do on Cunda Island?
Cunda (Alibey) Island is famous for its restored waterfront mansions, cobbled lanes, boutique cafés and some of Turkey’s best seafood restaurants. It is linked to Ayvalık by a causeway.
Where is the best sunset in Ayvalık?
Şeytan Sofrası (the Devil’s Table), a hilltop viewpoint above the bay, offers the most spectacular sunset over Ayvalık’s islands and is a must at the end of the day.
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