48 Hours Ayvalık Travel Guide - Places to Visit in Ayvalık

Spring is on its way... Days filled with the golden sun are just around the corner! With such anticipation, our love for the Aegean begins to stir within us. Imaginations are sparked with visions of tables set under vineyards, endless arrays of mezes and fish, and the warm conversations of the Aegean.

So, which Aegean coast will you head to this summer? If you still don't have a plan, doesn't spending the summer on the shores of Ayvalık sound wonderful to you? We certainly think so! If you agree with us, then the Ayvalık guide we've prepared is just for you! Moreover, this time we've prepared a guide specifically for those who will spend only 48 hours in Ayvalık. Everything you need to explore every corner of this beautiful Aegean town with an accelerated Ayvalık tour is right here in this article! If you're ready, let's get started... 

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 to Visit in Ayvalık 

Despite its small size, Ayvalık offers many places to see and visit. In this town where you can explore every corner in 48 hours, visitors are most interested in the Greek neighborhoods, bays, Devil's Table (Şeytan Sofrası), and Cunda Island. 

Devil's Table (Şeytan Sofrası) 

Of course, Devil's Table is at the top of the list of places to visit in Ayvalık. Devil's Table, which visitors must see, is located on a hill 8 km away from the center of Ayvalık. Devil's Table, which has various legends surrounding it, contains a crater-shaped pit formed by the lava of an extinct volcano. Visitors make wishes by throwing coins into this pit. If you want to see Devil's Table, don't forget to prepare your wish and your coins before you go! What makes Devil's Table so special, of course, is its magnificent view of the Ayvalık islands and Lesbos. However, there is also a fascinating legend as impressive as the view from the hill. According to the legend; in the 1500s, a Greek from this region went against the church and was ostracized by the people. The same year, a woman named Penelope, who was shown as the reason for the drought in the region, went against the church. When those who came to kill Penelope climbed this hill, Penelope set up a magnificent table and invited the people to this rich feast. Those who came to kill her were captivated by the splendor of the table, and Penelope escaped. Since that day, this hill has been known as Devil's Table.

Cunda Island

Streets smelling of sea salt, fishermen settled along the coast, enchanting old Greek houses reminiscent of scenes from a movie, and much more... Cunda awaits to be the most beautiful memory of your Ayvalık vacation! Just a short journey from the center of Ayvalık, you can reach Cunda by both sea and land, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ayvalık. Dedicate a few hours of your 48 here to add some enjoyment to your holiday. If you're wondering "What can I do on the island?", you might start your exploration of Cunda by treating yourself to a delicious coffee at Taş Kahve by the seaside. Then, you can enjoy the sea and sun at Çataltepe or Patariça Bay. As evening approaches, climb to Lovers’ Hill to see Cunda from another perspective. Before heading back to Ayvalık, don't forget to dine at a seaside fish restaurant to taste papalina fish, and then join the queue to savor the fragrant local pastries!

Ayvalık Market 

Another must-see in Ayvalık is undoubtedly the Ayvalık Market... This market reflects the spirit of Ayvalık and offers plenty of shopping opportunities both for yourself and for gifts. It's worth noting that olive oil soaps are quite famous here, and many visitors make sure to pack some in their bags as gifts. At the end of your market visit, a very special surprise awaits you. The market leads to streets lined with distinctive Rum houses built with the regionally specific yellow stone and featuring two or three stories—you're sure to adore these homes. You can get lost in the streets lined with these houses and leave Ayvalık with countless photographs.

Taksiyarhis Monument Museum 

Another must-see in downtown Ayvalık is the Taksiyarhis Monument Museum… Originally a church, Taksiyarhis is built in a neo-classical style and is one of the most beautiful structures in the region. The name 'Taksiyarhis' meaning 'Archangel', you will find different churches with this name both in Greece and in Cunda. If you have an interest in art and architecture, this museum can add a unique experience to your holiday.

After exploring all these places, there are countless activities waiting for you in Ayvalık. For example, you can start a new day at the unique beaches of Sarımsaklı, enjoying the tranquil yet surprisingly quiet beauty despite the crowds. If you can fit it into your 48 hours, we recommend visiting Badavut Beach, where you can dive into the waters of the Aegean from another beautiful beach.

So, What to Do in Ayvalık? 

One of the activities you can do in Ayvalık is to rent a bicycle and explore the natural beauty around the town. The roads lined with olive trees will surely amaze you. Don't forget to add shopping in both Cunda and Ayvalık to your list! From various jewelry stands to souvenirs and olive oils, these are some of the top things you can buy in Ayvalık. And remember, nightlife is more vibrant in Cunda compared to Ayvalık. Maybe you would like to spend one evening in Cunda.

What to Eat in Ayvalık?

 Even if you spend just 48 hours in Ayvalık, you might gain a few extra pounds as there are many delicious dishes to try. At the top of this list is certainly the Ayvalık toast. You can find a great Ayvalık toast in many of the local diners. Ayvalık's cuisine, which has hosted many civilizations over its history, prominently features influences from the Greeks. In many restaurants in Ayvalık, you can taste appetizers whose recipes have been handed down from the Greeks. Girit ezmesi (a type of spicy cheese dip), radika (a type of green salad), stuffed zucchini flowers, and sea fennel are some of the appetizers you must try. Papalina fish and octopus are also flavors inherited from the inhabitants before the population exchange period. If your vacation coincides with August or September, you must enjoy the peak season of papalina fish. Lor dessert, lokma (fried dough balls), and mastic ice cream are other local specialties to taste in Ayvalık. And before you leave, give a try to Girit chickpeas, another famous treat from Ayvalık.

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