Ayvalık Travel Guide: You Need to Visit This Turkish Aegean Gem


Never heard of Ayvalık, Türkiye before? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! But trust us, by the end of this guide, you’ll definitely want to visit. 😉

Tucked away between the vibrant cities of Çanakkale and İzmir on Türkiye’s Aegean Coast, Ayvalik (spelled Ayvalık in Turkish) offers a sweet escape with its laid-back atmosphere and old-world charm.

Not convinced? Let us transport you there in a few words. 🙂 Imagine a place where twisting cobblestone streets slope down to the sea, past traditional stone houses, tracing the contours of churches and ornate mosques, and wandering through the courtyards of cozy cafes and lively meyhanes (tavernas).

Ayvalık is a quintessential Aegean town that should definitely be on your itinerary. We’re sure its special atmosphere and unique multicultural heritage will enchant you as much as it enchanted us!

If you’re excited to travel to Ayvalık, this guide has everything you need to know, including the top things to do in Ayvalık, what it’s famous for, where to stay, and so much more. 

AYVALIK: The Basics 

Why visit Ayvalık? Is Ayvalık worth a visit?

Do you really need a reason to travel to Ayvalık? 😉 We’ll give you a few anyway. But take our warning: once you visit, you might not want to leave!

Although we hate using this phrase, Ayvalık really is a hidden gem. Practically undiscovered by international tourists, you’ll find mostly local visitors who come to enjoy the town’s peaceful atmosphere, multicultural history, and charmingly colorful streets. 

Like many other destinations along Türkiye’s western coast, Ayvalık is a quintessential Aegean town — think old stone houses, meyhane (tavernas), and winding cobblestone roads all framed by a canopy of colorful bougainvillea flowers.

And of course the people. Ah, the people! Local Ayvalık people are so welcoming and friendly! 

Besides those three reasons, let’s look at a few more in the next section… 

What is Ayvalık known for? 

Ayvalık’s history goes back to ancient times, but it only began to really develop in the 16th century. It was an important Greek settlement thanks to its olive oil and soap production, as well as acres upon acres of fertile land. 

In fact, the Greek name for Ayvalık was ‘kydonia,’ which means quince — the trees of this popular fruit grew all around the region. This name stayed with the city when it became part of Türkiye, as ayva in Turkish also means quince — hence Ayvalık!

📿 Ottoman and Greek influences — Ayvalık’s unique character is shaped by its multiculturalism. This town was a major center of Greek commerce during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, and many remnants of Greek culture, such as food and architecture, can be seen to this day. 

Ayvalık is where you’ll discover Greek Orthodox churches near mosques, Turkish and Greek meze (appetizers) sharing the same menu, and the shores of two countries just a mere 30-kilometer ferry ride apart.

🏛️ (Almost) A UNESCO World Heritage Site! — Did you know that Ayvalık is a contender to be a UNESCO World Heritage site? It was added to the tentative list in 2017 specifically because of its ‘industrial landscape,’ which includes olive groves, soap factories, and traditional houses. Speaking of which… 

🫒 Olives! — Ayvalık has more than 2.5 million olive trees that cover nearly half of the region’s land, so it’s safe to say that olives are in Ayvalık’s DNA!

You’ll find Ayvaliık’s ubiquitous product practically everywhere, being sold in boutique olive oil shops, used as ingredients in regional dishes, and even infused into handmade soaps and other local products.

🌲 Raw nature — Situated between an archipelago on one side and hills on the other, Ayvalık is rich in natural wonders. There are dozens of beaches around the region, as well as 22 islands, pine forests, olive groves, coasts and bays… Ah, we can go on and on! What we’re trying to say is, Ayvalık is an excellent destination if you want to connect with nature. 🙂 

🐟 Papalina fish — A type of sprat fish, papalina is only found between Ayvalık and Cunda Island. You can find this dish in many restaurants in Ayvalık (and Cunda :)), but the best month to eat it is August, during the season.  

🥪 Ayvalık toast — You haven’t been to Ayvalık if you haven’t tried its famous toast! This sandwich is made of grilled cheese, spicy Turkish sausage (sucuk), regular sausage, and Olivier salad, all tucked between slices of crispy toast. 

🥤 Koruk juice — Known as Verjuice in English (there’s even a Wikipedia article!), this tart yet refreshing drink is made by juicing unripe grapes, apples, and other sour fruit. The drink is popular across the Aegean region, and is sold in cafes around Ayvalık (such as Şeytanın Kahvesi).

How many days do you need in Ayvalık?

We recommend two days in Ayvalık — one day for exploring the city center, and another day to visit Cunda Island. Of course, if you’re visiting during the summer, you could easily spend a week relaxing on the beaches and slowly savoring the city’s charms. 

Don’t leave Ayvalık without…

🧿 Walking along the seaside 
🧿 Visiting Cunda island 
🧿 Strolling through the Macaron district
🧿 Seeing the traditional stone houses
🧿 Eating Ayvalık toast 😉 

How to get to Ayvalık 

By Airplane — There is no airport in Ayvalık, but there are a few within a 50-kilometer radius. 

The most viable option is Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (airport code EDO), which is about 40 km away. Although small, the airport serves a handful of regular domestic and international flights. 

AnadoluJet, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and SunExpress have routes to Antalya, Ankara, Adana, Istanbul (SAW), and Istanbul (IST). Likewise, Corendon and SunExpress have seasonal routes to Cologne and Düsseldorf (both in Germany). 

Even better, there are regular shuttles between EDO airport and Ayvalık city center. Click here to be taken to the official shuttle website, where you can input your departure and arrival (Koca Seyit Havalimanı is the official name of the airport), and get the price and timetables. You can even buy a ticket online! 🙂 

The other option would be to arrive at Mytilini Airport (airport code MJT), which is about 53 km away. However, you would need to take a 15-minute taxi from the airport to Mytilini port, and then the ferry from Lesvos to Ayvalık (you can check our ferry guide here). We only recommend doing this option if you’re planning to explore Lesvos before or after your Ayvalık trip (an excellent idea, as the island is awesome in our humble opinion! ;)) 

Click here to search flights and buy your ticket →

By Bus — There are dozens of busses that go to Ayvalık from all over Türkiye, including neighboring cities like İzmir, Bergama, Çanakkale, Kuşadası, Denizli (Pamukkale), as well as far-off destinations like Istanbul, Ankara, Kayseri (Cappadocia), Antalya, Bodrum, and so on. 

Click here to see bus routes and buy your ticket →

By Ferry — As we mentioned above, Ayvalık port serves one route — a ferry between Ayvalık and Mytilene, which is the capital of the Greek island of Lesvos (also known as Lesbos). The ferry crossing takes between 45 to 90 minutes (depending on the ship) and many people do it as a day trip. If you have more time, we recommend visiting Lesvos during your trip — so much so that we’ve even written a Lesvos Travel Guide!

Click here to see ferry timetables buy your ticket →

By Car — Ayvalık’s location along the Aegean Coast makes it an excellent stop as part of your road trip. It’s only a 2-hour drive from İzmir or a 2.5-hour drive from Çanakkale. 

Click here to check prices and reserve your rental car

What to do in Ayvalık

Stroll along Ayvalık’s seaside promenade

One of the best ways to get acquainted with a new city is to meander around its streets and alleys — or, in the case of seaside towns, along their coastal promenade! You can probably tell where we’re going with this… 🙂 

Ayvalık’s coastline stretches for some 10 kilometers (6.2 mi), and that’s without counting Cunda Island. The stretch around the port and center is especially beautiful — don’t forget to take a photo memo with the Ayvalık sign! (see above)

Splash some Healing Waters from Panagia Phaneromeni 

​​Hidden behind the narrow alleys and olive trees is one of Ayvalık’s most historical attractions — the Panagia Phaneromeni. This building was originally used as a holy spring (‘hagiasma’ in Greek) where pilgrims from all over the region would come to drink the water and heal themselves. According to a logbook found during excavations, the hagiasma healed patients with blindness, epilepsy, high fevers, and other ailments. ​​

Besides its alleged miracles, the story of the hagiasma is also interesting. In the 1850s, a teenage girl had recurring dreams of the Virgin Mary, who kept showing her a fountain. After hearing about the girl’s dreams, the city council excavated the area and found a gushing fountain. Some time later, a church was added and the hagiasma began to receive visitors. 

After nearly a century, the building was forgotten and turned into an olive oil factory in the 1940s and abandoned a few years later. Thankfully, a group of scholars restored the entire building in 2018, and it was recently opened to the public once again. 

Panagia Phaneromeni is open from 10am to 5pm every day (except Mondays) and is free to visit. There are two hagiasma fountains (one inside, one outside) where you can wash your hands and face. Whether you believe in the healing properties or not, a splash of this water is an excellent way to cool off on a hot Ayvalık day. 🙂 

Click here for location →

Explore the Macaron Neighborhood

If you’re wondering why there’s a neighborhood named after a French pastry, let us regale you with a short story (and the real answer at the end). 

During our trip on the Lesvos – Ayvalık ferry, we met a lovely local lady with whom we had a nice chat about Ayvalık and some local places to visit. When I asked her about the macaron neighborhood, she chuckled and quickly corrected me — apparently it’s pronounced muh-ja-ron (the Turkish way of pronouncing c as a juh) instead of mah-kuh-run (the French pastry). Now that you know this little lifehack, you’re already more local than us. 😉 

Anyway, back to the neighborhood. What can we say about macaron? It’s such an adorable, enchanting, cozy, [insert your favorite adjective] neighborhood with magnificent old houses and sweet streets that look like they’re something out of a Ghibli film. In fact, you might also see it referred to as ‘Ayvalık Old Town’ in some brochures and travel guides. 

In fact, the architecture reminded us of Balat (in Istanbul), while the atmosphere was similar to Datça. The quiet streets practically invite you to stroll along and look at the colorful buildings, many of them historic gems built in the 1800s. 

Click here for location →

Besides historic homes and cobblestoned streets, the Macaron neighborhood is also characterized by its cute family-run cafes, bougainvillea flowers, and antique stores. Speaking of antiques, let’s go to our next point…

P.S. — If you’re still wondering why this neighborhood is named macaron, it’s actually because a herb called Marjoram grows in the doors and courtyards — hence lending the neighborhood its name.

Find Your Next Treasure at the Ayvalık Flea Market

Although we stumbled upon this market by accident, we consider it a happy coincidence — especially since it’s typically not written in other Ayvalık travel guides! 

The Ayvalık Flea Market is a unique street market unlike any other. Well, technically it reminded us a little of Paris’ Saint-Ouen Flea Market, but we digress. 🙂 

Every Saturday from 9:00 to 19:00, more than 30 local sellers set up their tables and wares along 8th and 9th Barbaros Street (click here for the exact location). Although they could technically sell anything, there’s an emphasis on antiques and small trinkets — the founder of the flea market noted that “Ayvalık is the first choice of antique dealers who want to escape from their bustling metropolis city.” 

The best way to capture the essence of the bazaar is by sharing a review someone left — “Whatever was in the past can be found at this bazaar… Memories, hopes, special pieces acquired with love and excitement are now waiting for their new owner here.” 

See the Clock Mosque

One of the most unique buildings in Ayvalık is the Clock Mosque, which is named thanks to the bell tower. The building was originally constructed as the Ayos Ianni Church in the mid-1850s, but later converted into a mosque in 1928 after the population exchanges of the 1920s. 

What makes this mosque unique is that the structure and design practically didn’t change when it was converted, except for covering the icons. If you’re visiting outside of praying time, be sure to go inside (be sure to take off your shoes, and also cover your hair if you’re a lady) and check out the lovely architecture.

Click here for location → 

Discover the Restored Taksiyarhis Memorial Museum 

Another interesting religious landmark in Ayvalık is this beautifully-restored church. Originally built sometime in the 15th century, it served as the city’s first church and witnessed several additions during the next three centuries. Unfortunately, the building was damaged during various earthquakes, then later used as a tobacco warehouse before being abandoned sometime in the mid-1900s. 

Around 2012, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism undertook the building’s restoration, and reopened it as the Taksiyarhis Anıt Müzesi (Taksiyarhis Memorial Museum) in 2013. 

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with beautiful blue, gray, and gold hues, as well as marble columns and detailed frescos. Be sure to take a good look at the details, especially the ceiling (which depict important moments in Jesus Christ’s life) and the marble carvings.  

Click here for location →

Enjoy the Sunset from Heaven Hill or Devil’s Feast

Or as we like to joke, “pick your poison.” 😉 

Although these two have antonymous names, they also have something in common — amazing views! Let’s talk about each one:

Devil’s Feast (Şeytan Sofrası in Turkish) is located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of Ayvalık center and has quite an interesting local legend. 

During the Ottoman era, there was a local named Penelope who lived in isolation. It was to have a pact with the devil (or be the devil, it’s unclear), which is why it were ostracized and banished to the hill. 

One day, a severe famine struck the region, and in their desperation for food, the villagers decided to confront Penelope because they believed it was the cause of their misfortune. However, when the villagers reached the hilltop, they found Penelope had miraculously prepared a feast. The starving villagers, caught up in the allure of the dinner table, indulged in the delicious food and completely forgot about Penelope. 🙂 

The legend says that this was a trick by the devil (Şeytan) to save Penelope, and the hilltop became known as Şeytan Sofrası, the Devil’s Feast.

Since Devil’s Feast is a bit far from the center, it’s best to take a taxi or car to get here. There’s a cafe terrace at the top, but we don’t recommend it. While you’re at the observation deck, you can also throw a coin into the devil’s footprint. 

Click here for location →

While Devil’s Feast has a clear origin story, the etymology of Heaven Hill (Cennet Tepesi in Turkish) remains a bit of a mystery. Is it because the view of Ayvalık and the surrounding islands are heavenly? Maybe it’s because Heaven Hill is among the tallest hills in the city (and you’re closer to heaven)? Or maybe the atmosphere is so peaceful?

Either way, the views of the Aegean Sea and islands are absolutely gorgeous here. Even better, Heaven Hill is (somewhat) close to the city center, and you can get here via an uphill hike or a dolmuș trip. 

Click here for location →

Eat Ayvalık Toast!

Did you think we would forget Ayvalık’s most famous ‘export’? How could we! 😉 

Ayvalık Toast is a regional delicacy that was created in — shock! — Ayvalık, and spread to practically every corner of Türkiye. The secret to a good Ayvalık Tost is the bread, which is slightly hard and made from special bread. While recipes vary, Ayvalık Tost typically includes mayonnaise, ketchup, sausage, sucuk, cheese, pickles, and Olivier salad. 

There are dozens (if not hundreds) of places that sell Ayvalık Tost in Ayvalık, including a covered market in the center called Tostçular Çarşısı (literally translated to Toast-seller Bazaar). The name doesn’t lie: when you walk inside, there are a bunch of little kiosks selling this famous delicacy!
However, if you don’t enjoy persistant sellers pushing their products, we don’t recommend the Toast Bazaar — we were a bit freaked out when we first walked inside, because practically all the waiters jumped at us and invited us to try their toast. 

We personally liked Eymen Büfe 3, since he has 10+ variations of the Ayvalık Toast (we ordered the Orjinal Ayvalık tostu).

Other Interesting Places

If you have some extra time, check out these other interesting places in Ayvalık:

📍 Antique Paliacis — A beautiful antique store that looks straight out of a French town. There are some really interesting and unique items for sale. 🙂 Location →

📍 Ayvalık Rahmi M. Koç Müzesi — If you didn’t get enough of Cunda Island’s Koç museum, this is another newly-opened museum from the same family. Set in a restored olive oil building, this museum is slightly larger than the one on Cunda and features retro vehicles, antique toys, historical artifacts, and more. The cafe has a lovely view. Location →

📍 Küçükköy (Yeniçahori) — Located 4.5 kilometers (2.8 mi) south of Ayvalık is this interesting destination, which was once practically abandoned before transforming into an ‘art village.’ The village is small enough to be seen in 1 or 2 hours, but packed with art galleries, museums, and börek bakeries. Location →

Visit Cunda Island

Cunda Island is an absolute must-see when in Ayvalık, which is why we gave it its own section. 🙂

As the fourth-biggest Turkish island in the Aegean (after Gökçeada, Bozcaada, and Uzunada), Cunda island is a peaceful and idyllic island with old stone houses and boutique hotels. However, there’s much more to it! 

Note: You might also see Cunda Island being referred to by its official name, Ali Bey Island. After 1922, it was renamed after Ali Çetinkaya, who played a key role in the Greco-Turkish War. 

Although Cunda Island is, well, an island, it is connected to the mainland via two bridges. You can either get here by taxi or take a bus (click here to see the timetables and track your bus). 

One of the best ways to get acquainted with Cunda Island is to just get lost in its streets. Seriously! After you arrive, take your time to wander around, check out the historical houses, chill out at a local cafe, and take in the scenery. Afterwards, let’s move onto the best things to do on Cunda Island…

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

If you recognize the name from somewhere, you’re correct! Rahmi Koç also created a museum in Istanbul (we talked about it on our Unique Istanbul Museums post) and Ankara

His third museum is set inside the Taksiyarhis Church, which was built in 1873 but unfortunately abandoned in the 1940s after a strong earthquake. In 2011, the building was renovated by the Rahmi M. Koç Foundation, and subsequently opened to the public. 

This museum has a similar collection to Koç’s other museums, namely, antique cars and motorcycles, retro children’s toys, cameras, maritime artifacts, and more. While the exhibit is nice, the real reason you should visit this museum is for its amazing restoration! Seriously, we could have spent hours looking at the beautiful frescos on the ceiling, the intricate iconography, the wooden railings… 

The museum is open every day (except for Monday) from 10AM to 7PM. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. The current ticket price is 120 TL for adults. We highly recommend bringing cash, as our foreign card didn’t work. :’) 
Click here for location → 

Sevim and Necdet Library

While we’re on the topic of Rahmi Koç and churches, there’s another place just 10 minutes away that’s also worth a visit. 

Much like the location we previously mentioned, the Sevim and Necdet Library was originally a historic monastery (Agios Yannis) that was built in the 15th century. After being abandoned during the population exchanges of the 1920s, the building was taken over by Rahmi Koç in 2007 and restored into a library. The library has more than 1,300 books that belonged to Ambassador Necdet and his wife, Sevim (hence the name). 

Be sure to take a look inside, as the architecture is quite interesting — the main hall has a detailed icon of Mother Mary and Jesus, as well as original brickwork and antique furniture.
Click here for location → 

Lover’s Hill

Why should mainland Ayvalık have all the fun? If you can’t make it to Heaven Hill or Devil’s Footprint, this is a nice alternative. 🙂 

Lover’s Hill (Aşıklar Tepesi) is located right next to the Sevim and Necdet Library and offers a lovely view of Cunda Island and the sea. There’s also a cute cafe with drinks and a sitting terrace. 
Click here for location →

Where to Stay in Ayvalık

To make it easier to navigate this section, we’ve organized it into two parts — hotels in Ayvalık and hotels on Cunda Island. 

AYVALIK 

Kelebek Pansiyon — We stayed here during our first trip to Ayvalık and it set the mood for our entire trip — it’s such a lovely boutique-style guesthouse run by an adorable local couple (Mr. İsmet and Ms. Ebru). 

The pansiyon is set among the peaceful cobblestone streets and traditional stone houses, yet is just a 5-minute walk down to the main boulevard. The room was spacious, clean, and had a powerful air conditioning unit (important if you’re visiting in the summer 😅). 

However, what we really loved was the homemade breakfast. Each of the dishes are so well-thought out, and the variety changes every morning! As a lovely bonus, it’s served on the rooftop terrace, which has a great view of the Aegean Sea. 

Note: if you’re coming with a car, we recommend parking it near the main avenue (there are a handful of parking lots) and walking up. 

Ivy Ayvalık Butik Otel — This beautifully-designed hotel feels right at home in the Macaron district and also doubles as a cafe and wine bar! 

Lunaria Guest House — This sweet boho-style guesthouse feels like a relaxing oasis from the bustling seaside of Ayvalik.

Besides the Standard and Family rooms, there’s also a private stand-alone Honeymoon Suite (‘Deluxe Room’) nestled in the garden, and the Superior Double Room, which has an amazing terrace overlooking the sea! 

Macaron Konagi — if our description of the Macaron district charmed you enough, why not stay there? Another beautiful Greek-style mansion, the building has been passed down from generations and now serves as a 9-room boutique hotel. The owners are super friendly, and Ms. Serap is also part of the Ayvalık Historical Association, so you can ask her about the area. 🙂 

Kidalyo Hotel — Located right along the central waterfront, this hotel is set inside a historical 120-year old Greek building and still retains many of its charms (like high ceilings, balconies, and a spacious courtyard). There are also amazing views of the sea from the rooms on the upper floors.

That’s not all — the hotel has an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating and nearly 300 reviews on Google Maps. 

CasaLyma Hotel — Ah, where do we even start with this hotel? We’ll let one reviewer do the introduction for us, who said, “This is the most beautiful hotel I have ever visited.” 

She’s not wrong, either. 🙂 The hotel is located right on the water, which means you’ll get jaw-dropping views of the sea (just check out that floor-to-ceiling window in the photo above!)

Bacacan Otel — A luxurious 4-star hotel located right on the seafront. Be sure to book the sea view rooms to enjoy jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets. 🙂 

Ayvalık Sea Long — Chic industrial details, very spacious rooms, beautiful sea views, and a private beach (!) make this a popular choice for travelers looking to relax in Ayvalık. 


CUNDA IS​​LAND

Despot’s House — The most iconic building (turned hotel) on Cunda Island is none other than the Despot’s House (Despot Evi). The building was built in 1862 by a clergyman, who wanted to create a majestic architectural wonder that looked as if it was a Greek temple. He succeeded, as the Despot’s House had long elegant columns, beautiful brickwork, and other elements. 

After the Despot died, the building was subsequently used as a government building, an orphanage, a school, and as a backdrop for Turkish films. In 2015, the building began its restoration and reopened as a hotel in 2019. 

The hotel is everything you would expect from such a classy building, and also includes an on-site restaurant, a beautiful outdoor pool and garden, and even a spa. 

Cunda Ilios Hotel — A beautiful bohemian-style hotel that perfectly matches the carefree atmosphere of the island. Lush green plants, organic materials, and plenty of natural light are a lovely touch. 

Ortunç Hotel —  This is the hotel to book if you want to enjoy a peaceful escape in nature! Located away from the city center and hidden in a natural reserve, Ortunç is the epitome of harmonious living with nature. The hotel uses ingredients from their organic farm, offers hiking paths in the nearby forests, and has a green-certified spa. 

Moshinos Hotel —  Simple yet luxurious rooms, friendly service, and a central location make this a popular hotel for travelers on Cunda Island. 

Cunda Baradiel Hotel — Located on a quiet street, this elegant hotel has all of the hallmarks of a traditional luxury mansion, including wood ceilings, hand painted wall murals, and a huge wrap-around pool. 

La Luna Otel Cunda — Is this not the coziest hotel on Cunda? (We’ll let you answer that question :)). The minimalistic details, natural light, and understated architecture give off Alaçatı vibes.

Other great options:
🧿 Eolos House Cunda
🧿 Nisi Hotel
🧿 Cunda Fora Hotel

Where to Eat in Ayvalık 

Despite its small size, Ayvalık is a foodie’s heaven! Here are our favorite cafes and restaurants in Ayvalık… 

Macaron Muhallebicisi — Practically a local legend! This charming cafe opened in 2017 and has been a symbol of the Macaron neighborhood ever since. They’re known for their muhallebi (a type of Turkish pudding), with the most famous being the Almond Pudding (Bademli muhallebi). The interior decor is also very charming, with little vintage accents and embroidered tablecloths. 🙂 Location → 

Deniz Yildiz — A local favorite, Deniz Yildiz (which translates to Starfish) offers an amazing terrace view and delicious fresh seafood. It’s an excellent option for a fun yet upscale dinner. Location → 

Crow Coffee Roastery — A third-wave coffee shop in Ayvalık? You bet! This super cozy cafe specializes in coffee, with ​​favorites like V60, cold brew, freddo espresso, and more. They also have a cute bakery (Crow Bakery) across town. Location → 

Melin Kahve — Tucked in the alleys of Ayvalık is this sweet oasis where you can come to relax and enjoy the huge garden! Even better, the profits are donated to a local art foundation that offers scholarships for students.  Location →

Şeytanın Kahvesi — Taking its name from the famous Devil’s Table, this cafe is perfect for a quick snack and drink. Try the famous Koruk Suyu, which is made from tart apples, grapes, and other sour fruit. Note: Cash only.  Location →

Kalimera — Kalimera is a cheerful cafe/restaurant that specializes in breakfast — think gluten-free bread, Turkish breakfast spreads, delicious croissants, and so on. The owner is super friendly as well! Location →

Sofia — If you’re looking to enjoy a special lunch or dinner, Sofia is the place. This is a high kitchen / Turkish fusion style restaurant that features unique dishes and an inviting atmosphere. Ah, and the view!  Location →

Paleo Coffee — A cute cafe that specializes in desserts and baked goods. The unique interior adds to its charm. 🙂 Location →

Cafe Melek Kuyusu — Located right in the center of Ayvalık, this cafe is super welcoming (the owner speaks English and loves to play chess with guests!) and has fantastic coffee. Location →

Ares Cafe — A nice spot for casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We ate here during one of our trips and were surprised with the large potions and good price/portion ratio. However, this place only takes Turkish cards or cash (i.e. no foreign cards due to commission).  Location →

CUNDA ISLAND

Taş Kahve — If you ask any Ayvalık local about the most famous cafe on Cunda Island, they’ll point you to Taş Kahve. Housed in a neoclassical stone house (hence the name), the coffeehouse has been operating for 150 years and was passed down from generation to generation. Besides coffee and drinks, it also has a food menu with breakfast, salads, soups, pasta, meat dishes, and more. Location →

Cunda Adab Çorbacı — Although the name implies it’s a soup restaurant (çorbacı), that’s not all that you can find here — they also have a full menu of delicious appetizers and main courses made from local ingredients (with a special focus on Ayvalık olives and olive oil)! And, of course, there are 8 varieties of soup too. 😉 Location →

Dejong — A popular local hangout for drinks — one person we met said they have the best cocktails in Ayvalık. Location →

Nona — A quiet cafe tucked in the side streets of Cunda. The atmosphere, the sweet owners, and the delicious desserts all deserve a mention. Location →

Ela Meyhane — A classic taverna-style restaurant with good prices and fresh meze (appetizers). Location →


Photo credits: Taksiyarhis via Muze.tr | Clock Mosque via Ayhanerçikis | Devil’s Feast via Omer404 | Hotels via respective hotels | Meyhanesi via Meyhankoli

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