48 Hours Ayvalık Travel Guide - Places to Visit in Ayvalık

As spring approaches, the yellow of the sun slowly begins to show itself. With the warming weather, our longing for the Aegean Sea is rekindled. Tables set up in the shade of vine leaves, fresh appetizers, and lively fish dinners filled with conversation bring vacation dreams to life. If you still don't have plans for this summer, meeting the sea in Ayvalık, walking on stone streets, and breathing in the olive-scented breeze could be a wonderful idea. We set out with this spirit in mind and quickly put together a practical guide for those who want to explore Ayvalık. Even if you only have 48 hours, you can explore Ayvalık’s most beautiful spots, savor local flavors, and watch the sun set by the sea.

Briefly About Ayvalık...

 Although located on the Aegean coast, Ayvalık is a town belonging to the Marmara Region in Balıkesir. Situated directly across from the island of Lesbos (Midilli), Ayvalık is home to houses and venues dating back to the Greeks who now reside in Lesbos, particularly in some neighborhoods of Ayvalık and Cunda Island. Even today, traces of those years when most of the Greeks in Turkey lived in Ayvalık and Cunda can be found. The name Ayvalık, which means quince in ancient Greek and was once known as Kidonia in the ancient era, is derived from here. The first settlement in the region is rumored to have been established by those who came from the Kidonias region of Lesbos. Today, Ayvalık is home to approximately 70,000 residents, but this number increases significantly with the arrival of summer vacationers and tourists in the spring months. The region experiences the effects of a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild, rainy winters. The annual temperature average generally does not drop below 15 degrees Celsius. With this characteristic, it is possible to visit Ayvalık throughout all four seasons.

 How to Get to Ayvalık?

 If your vacation plans are ready, it's time to plan your transportation, and there are several alternatives awaiting you. The distance between Istanbul and Ayvalık is only 423 km. Thus, after a journey of 5.5 hours, you'll reach Ayvalık. You can follow the route through Bursa, or you can also take the car ferries to Bandırma, which will reduce the travel time by half an hour, allowing you to reach Ayvalık from Istanbul in 5 hours. For those who prefer to travel by bus, Ayvalık Bus Terminal is conveniently located in the town center, providing easy access for visitors under all circumstances. Throughout the summer, many bus companies operate services from major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir at certain times of the day. Another option for transportation to Ayvalık is by air. You can easily reach Ayvalık via Koca Seyit Airport in Edremit. However, due to the limited number of flights, we recommend checking the day and time details when planning your trip.

Places You Must See in Ayvalık

Ayvalık is an Aegean town worth exploring in every corner with its historical texture, beaches, and streets. You can start your tour from the center. The streets decorated with old Greek houses, Atatürk Boulevard, and Ayvalık Port give you a sense of both the past and the sea air as you walk. One of the first sights that comes to mind when you think of Ayvalık is Şeytan Sofrası (Devil's Table). It is one of the best places to watch the sunset. According to legend, the devil's footprint remains here, which is why it is called by this name. The view is truly breathtaking. Visitors throw coins into this pit to make a wish. If you want to see Şeytan Sofrası, don't forget to prepare your wish and your coins before you go. Cunda adds a special flavor to your Ayvalık vacation and creates memories that will stay with you forever. This island, which you can easily reach by car or boat from the center of Ayvalık, is more than enjoyable even for a short getaway. Even if you come for a day trip, spending an afternoon there may be enough for you. You can start with a cup of coffee at Taş Kahve. Then, jumping into the cool waters at Patariça or Çataltepe will do you good. As the sun sets, climbing up to Aşıklar Tepesi and looking down at the island from above may be your most peaceful moment. Before returning to Ayvalık, eat your fish by the sea, then queue up for some warm lokma. Cunda is a small but powerful island. If you want to go swimming, you can head to Sarımsaklı Beach. This place is quite popular with its 7-kilometer-long coastline. If you are looking for a quieter and more unspoiled place, you should definitely visit Badavut Beach. With its clean sea and peaceful atmosphere, it offers hours of enjoyment. Ayvalık is not only rich in sea but also in history. Ayazma Church attracts attention with its architecture. Saatli Mosque, an old church that was later converted into a mosque, offers a unique experience with its clock tower inside. Çınarlı Mosque and Hamidiye Mosque are also worth seeing for their historical features. Walking through the streets of Ayvalık, you may feel as if you are in another time period. One of the places you must see in the city center of Ayvalık is the Tarkiyarhis Monument Museum. Originally a church, this building attracts attention with its neoclassical style and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the region. Tarkiyarhis, which means “Archangel,” can be found in different churches in both Greece and Cunda Island. The Macaron neighborhood, in particular, will draw you in with its colorful houses, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and nostalgic atmosphere. You can return from this trip with lasting memories by purchasing old books, cups, records, or small souvenirs from antique shops. If you wish to enrich your trip further, Ayvalık Islands Nature Park, Cennet Tepesi, Rahmi Koç Museum, Ortunç Bay, Şirinkent Beach, Ayvalık Campgrounds, and especially the weekly Flea Market are just a few of Ayvalık's hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

So, What to Do in Ayvalık? 

Shopping in Cunda and Ayvalık is something you should definitely add to your list. Colorful jewelry stalls, local souvenirs, and the region's famous olive oils are among the most beautiful souvenirs you can buy here. It should also be noted that the nightlife is more lively here than in Ayvalık. Perhaps you can spend an evening in Cunda and enjoy a different atmosphere.

• A Gastronomic Experience Hidden Among Olive Groves: Karina
  Nestled in a magnificent olive grove, Karina offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a true farm-to-table dining experience as the sun sets, casting beautiful light through the olive trees. @karina_ayvalikArt and
• Coffee in a Historic Venue: Küçük Han
  This beautifully restored historic site in Ayvalık hosts exhibitions, workshops, and charming cafes. Be sure to visit this captivating place when in town. @kucukhanayvalik
• Ayvalık’s Newest Cultural Stop: Rahmi M. Koç Museum
  Located in Sakarya Neighborhood, this museum features a collection similar to its counterparts in Istanbul, Ankara, and Cunda. However, it sets itself apart by also showcasing archaeological artifacts, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
• Breathtaking Sunsets in the Aegean: Trata Ayvalık
  Trata Ayvalık is a traveling restaurant offering unforgettable dining experiences alongside some of the best sunsets in Northern Aegean. For details and reservations: @trata.ayvali
• Cleto’s Ristorante
  This restaurant, with its stunning seaside location, serves some of the finest examples of Italian cuisine. @cletosristorante
• Hanole Guest House
  Set in a historic building, this guesthouse offers a comfortable stay and a rich breakfast experience that’s not to be missed. @hanoleguesthouse
• Moyy Atölye
  Step inside and discover a world filled with linen designs, stylish bags, and elegant ceramics. @moyyatolye
• Küçükköy
  This charming village boasts historic houses, art galleries, cozy cafes, and creative workshops. Take a stroll through its streets and enjoy a relaxing break at one of its cafes.
• Macaron Mahallesi
  Wander through its vibrant streets and enjoy a delightful break at one of its many charming cafes.
• Cunda Island
  No trip to Ayvalık is complete without visiting Cunda. Though it can get quite crowded in the summer, sitting at Taş Kahve and savoring your coffee is a wonderful way to soak in the island's unique atmosphere.

Where and What to Eat in Ayvalık?

Even if you spend just 48 hours in Ayvalık, be prepared to gain a couple of extra pounds and happily so. The local cuisine is rich and irresistible, making it impossible to leave without indulging. One of the town’s most iconic bites is the famous Ayvalık toast, which you can find at many small street food stalls around the area.

Ayvalık’s culinary heritage has been shaped by various cultures over the centuries, with a strong influence from Cretan traditions. Many restaurants serve delicious meze dishes rooted in Greek and Cretan recipes like Cretan paste, radika (wild chicory), stuffed zucchini blossoms, and samphire salad. These mezes are a must-try.

The food culture here is truly a living legacy. Strolling through the streets of Cunda (a small island connected to Ayvalık), you’ll often catch the scent of herbs like thyme drifting from nearby kitchens. In one of the island’s charming stone houses, you’ll find Lal Girit Mutfağı, a tranquil restaurant known for elegant meze plates like zucchini flowers, yogurt-marinated roasted red peppers, and Cretan-style lokum. The simplicity and care in their dishes make this place truly special.

Ayna Restaurant has been offering a modern take on Mediterranean and Cretan cuisine since 2003. Their dishes like pasta with arugula and shrimp or sardines wrapped in vine leaves are not something you’ll come across just anywhere. Also, don’t leave without trying papalina, a small fried fish that’s a local favorite all over Cunda.

Bay Nihat Restaurant is another standout spot with a vast menu of over 100 types of mezes. It’s perfect for those eager to try something different such as fish sausage or fish pastirma. The relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by soft music and slow-served olive oil dishes, makes for a memorable evening.

If you’re a fan of calamari, head straight to Nesos Restaurant. Serving since 1990, they’re known for their consistent quality and variety offering calamari in every form imaginable. Try the foil-baked calamari or the calamari stew, paired with mezes made from over 40 kinds of local herbs.

Papalina fish and octopus are seafood delicacies that have been enjoyed in the region since ancient times. If your vacation falls in August or September, you can enjoy papalina tavern. For dessert, lor tatlısı, lokma, and sakızlı dondurma are among the flavors you should try in Ayvalık. On your way back, it might be a good idea to buy some Cretan chickpeas as a souvenir. This way, your Ayvalık vacation will remain in your memory and in your suitcase.

Ayvalık Markets

Ayvalık Neighborhood Market: Located right in the center of Ayvalık, this market opens early in the morning and entices visitors with the aroma of herbs, olive oil, and tomatoes from the village. Everyone who brings a shopping bag ends up here somehow.

Ayvalık Thursday Market: On Thursday mornings, the atmosphere in Ayvalık becomes a little livelier. From vegetables to clothing, household items to jewelry, you can find anything you're looking for. Once you stop by the stalls and chat a bit, bargaining becomes easier.

Ayvalık Antique and Flea Market: A place where you can trace the footsteps of days gone by. As you browse through lace from someone's trunk, vintage records, and colorful cup sets, you won't even notice how time flies.

Cunda Historical Market: This small market, which you come across while walking through the streets of Cunda, is full of handmade items. Fragrant soaps, homemade jams, colorful stone jewelry... Everything seems to have been carefully prepared by someone from the neighborhood.

Altınova Market: It's a bit outside Ayvalık, but it's worth finding your way there. It's quieter and more laid-back.

For recommendations on hotels in Ayvalık and Cunda, check out this link: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/ayvalik-hotels