Ra Hotel - Altınova

A place where the day begins with the sound of the sea

The most beautiful thing about Ayvalık is that it’s not only about Cunda or its stone streets. Take a slight turn, and Altınova appears. A quieter, wider coastline, beaches stretching for kilometers, and seaside walks where you can slowly follow the sunset. Just one step behind the crowds, yet still very close to everything Ayvalık is known for. In the morning, you can wander through the streets of Cunda, spend the afternoon swimming in the sea of Sarımsaklı, and return in the evening to the calm of Altınova. Perhaps that’s the greatest advantage of this region.

There is a quote by Stefan Zweig:

“Sometimes the human soul needs a quiet shore.”

Altınova in Ayvalık reminded us a little of this.

On this journey, we chose to stay at RA Otel.

A small, comfortable family-run boutique hotel established in 2017. Its name comes from Ra, the Ancient Egyptian Sun God. The concept is present throughout the hotel, but in a subtle way—not overwhelming. Distressed wooden furniture, warm tones, and minimal details… A modern line softened by thoughtful touches. Just like its name, the location also defines its character: the sea is right in front of you, and behind it lies the calm rhythm of Altınova.

📍 The part we liked the most was its location.

Right on the seafront. You step out of your room and within a few steps you are on the beach. During the day, you can spend time on the long stretches of coastline, or drive a short distance to Cunda Island, Sarımsaklı, or central Ayvalık. In the evening, you return again to a quiet shore away from the crowds. In an Ayvalık holiday, this is probably one of the greatest luxuries.

🍽️ Mornings start with a rich Turkish breakfast accompanied by the sea breeze.

In the evenings, the hotel’s à la carte restaurant highlights Aegean cuisine. Around 50 types of meze, hot starters, meat dishes, and seafood are prepared. We especially recommend trying RA’s signature mezes. At sunset, right by the sea, it creates a beautiful setting for a long dinner.

The owner of the hotel is Rıza Akyüz. Since 2017, the entire team has been welcoming guests with the same enthusiasm. In the coming period, they plan to enhance the garden and shared spaces, and organize more events that highlight local flavors and Ayvalık culture.

🐶 A small note for those traveling with pets: small breed animals are welcome.

✨ Depending on occupancy, they also try to offer flexibility for early check-in and late check-out.

Followers of Küçük Oteller receive a 10% discount. It is enough to mention this during reservation. They may also provide flexibility with check-in and check-out times depending on availability.

So what can you do in the area?

📍 Cunda Island… Walk through its stone streets and don’t miss the sunset.

📍 Sarımsaklı & Badavut Beaches… One of the most beloved seas in Ayvalık. Especially peaceful in the morning.

📍 Aşıklar Waterfall… A refreshing short escape during the summer heat.

🥄 Food & drink recommendations:

🥪 Don’t leave Ayvalık without trying its famous toasted sandwich (Ayvalık toast).

🍽️ With nearly 100 years of history, Ege Lokantası remains one of the region’s classics.

🌅 For dinner, RA Lounge / Tuzukuru Restaurant by the sea is a great option. It stands out especially for its mezes and sunset view.

Another beautiful aspect of the region is its long walking coastline. Most beaches are within walking distance of the hotel. Being able to reach the sea without getting into a car is still a real comfort.

If you’ve been to Ayvalık before, what memory stayed with you the most?