Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 12 places to visit in the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir: Cunda Island (Alibey Island), Şeytan Sofrası (Devil's Table) and Ayvalık Old Town. Plan your trip to Ayvalık with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Ayvalık is one of Türkiye’s most important tourism centres. The district’s altitude is 2 metres. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2017.
In antiquity it was known as Kidonia (Kydonies). The Ayvalık Islands were known in antiquity as Hekatonisa (Hundred Islands). There were four ancient cities: Chalkis, Pordoselene, Kydonia and Nesos. The town gained its urban fabric under Ottoman rule in 1430-1440. During the Greek uprising of 1821, the Greek population joined the revolt. It gained the status of a district on 19 May 1928.
It is a district rich in pine forests and olive groves.
The Ayvalık Islands, other than Alibey, were declared a national park in 1995. There are 363 buildings in Ayvalık dating from 1842-1914. Aya Nikola Church was registered as an immovable cultural asset requiring protection in 1989.
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Stone houses bearing traces of 19th-century Greek architecture, olive oil factories and narrow streets make up Ayvalık's historic fabric. After the 1923 population exchange, Turkish migrants from Crete and Mytilene settled in these houses.
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Photo: Osourdounmou (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Built in the 19th century as a Greek Orthodox church, it was converted into a mosque after the population exchange. Now used as a library and cultural centre, the building is notable for its Neoclassical architecture.
View on mapOn Cunda (Alibey) Island, part of Ayvalık, one of the most important historic buildings.
View on mapA mosque in the centre of Ayvalık district, built as a church in the 19th century.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source The largest of the Ayvalık Islands. In antiquity it was known as Nesos. A naval base was established here in the Ottoman period.
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Photo: The original uploader was BIYIKLI at Turkish Wikipedia. (GFDL) · Source This natural rock formation on the hill south of Ayvalık is famous for its sunset views. According to legend, the devil sat here looking towards the island of Lesbos. There is a footprint-shaped hollow in the rock.
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This nature park, made up of 22 islands and rocky outcrops, is home to the Mediterranean monk seal and various seabirds. It can be explored by diving and boat tours, and is known for its clear waters and rich marine life.
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Photo: Erika Praefcke (CC BY 1.0) · Source Stretching south of Ayvalık, Badavut Beach has fine sand and shallow waters, making it an ideal seaside holiday spot for families. Surrounded by pine forests, the beach offers natural shade.
View on mapWhile you are in Ayvalık, you can also see the highlights of Balıkesir province. These places are in other districts.
Ayvalık Kelle Peyniri was registered as a protected geographical indication on 22 November 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1664). Product group: cheeses. Registered by: Ayvalık Municipality.
Ayvalık Lor Tatlısı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 26 December 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1305). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough dishes, desserts. Registered by: Ayvalık Municipality.
Ayvalık Zeytinyağı was registered as a protected designation of origin on 11 June 2007 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 88). Product group: solid and liquid fats, including butter. Registered by: Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce.
This toastie, very famous in Ayvalık, can also be found in large cities. It is made with ingredients such as cheese, sucuk, sausage and pickles.
A fish species specific to Ayvalık and its surroundings, papalina is most often eaten fried.
Following the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, the population exchange settled Ayvalık's Greek population in Greece, while Turks from Crete and Mytilene were settled in Ayvalık. This cultural exchange left deep traces on the city's cuisine, architecture and way of life.
Olive growing in Ayvalık is a tradition maintained for centuries. The olive harvest, held in November and December, becomes a community event. Old olive oil factories have been restored and turned into museums and cultural centres.
The music festival and academy programme held every summer brings international musicians together in Ayvalık. Classical music concerts take place in historic venues.
Ayvalık's economy is based on olive growing, tourism and fishing. The district is one of Türkiye's most important olive oil production centres. Cunda Island and the historic town centre attract hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year. While fishing retains its traditional importance, boutique hotels and gastronomy tourism have developed rapidly in recent years.
Ayvalık is 170 km from Izmir and 115 km from Balıkesir. The nearest airport is Edremit Koca Seyit Airport (50 km). There are regular bus services from Istanbul and Izmir. In summer, ferry services run to Midilli (Lesbos) in Greece.
The 12 highlights of Ayvalık are Cunda Island (Alibey Island), Şeytan Sofrası, Ayvalık Old Town, Ayvalık Islands Nature Park, Taksiyarhis Church (Saatli Mosque), Badavut Beach, Panagia Phaneromeni Holy Spring, Ayışığı Monastery, Saatli Mosque, Aya Nikola Church (Taksiyarhis), Çınarlı Mosque and Alibey (Cunda) Island.
Ayvalık Kelle Peyniri/Ayvalık Sepet Peyniri, Ayvalık Lor Tatlısı and Ayvalık Zeytinyağı are the standout flavours on Ayvalık's tables.
Ayvalık is known for Ayvalık Karadiken and the Population Exchange Culture. A product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.
Ayvalık is 170 km from Izmir and 115 km from Balıkesir. The nearest airport is Edremit Koca Seyit Airport (50 km). There are regular bus services from Istanbul and Izmir. In summer, ferry services run to Midilli (Lesbos) in Greece.
Suggested visit length: 2-3 days. Best time to visit: May-October.