AyvalıkTurkey · Ferry Destinations

All About Ayvalık

A town under Greek control until the early 20th century, Ayvalık went through extensive migration when Turkey took over 1922. In the months following the transfer, the local Greek population settled in nearby islands of Lesvos and Crete, whereas Greek Muslims from those isles and elsewhere started living in Ayvalık. No surprise that several of the older generation in the city still speak Greek.

An integral part of the Balıkesir Province, Ayvalık lies on the north-western coast of Turkey, opposite the island of Lesvos, bordering the Aegean Sea. The city’s uniqueness, though, lies in its mixed culture, Mediterranean climate, olive oil production, and diverse topography consisting of hills, beaches, and an archipelago.
 

Routes and Ferries to Ayvalık

In terms of popular modes of transportations, ferries are responsible for bringing thousands of tourists to Ayvalık every summer. Ferry tickets to Ayvalık from Lesvos are readily available for booking using Ferryscanner. The journey from the Greek isle takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Even with up to 20 sailings a week from Mitilini (or Mytilene), ferry tickets to Ayvalık are in demand during tourist season, and it is best to book them in advance.

If coming from farther away, you can fly to Istanbul or Ankara and then take a domestic flight to Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport, situated 45 minutes from the city. For international connections, the closest option is Izmir Airport, two hours away. If arriving from Istanbul, you can either drive to Ayvalık or take a four-hour bus. An alternate route is to take a ferry to Bandirma, from where you can catch a train to Balıkesir.
 

Port of Ayvalık

When arriving with ferry tickets to Ayvalık, you’ll find the city’s port to be a small sheltered harbor just about capable of managing high tourist volumes during the summer months. However, lines outside the customs office are a regular feature on busy days. Centrally located, the port has a duty-free area, café, paid parking, and the ferry company’s office. Ayvalık’s main marina is a short distance away from the ferry terminal.
 

Best Beaches

The beaches of Ayvalık are diamonds in the rough, appreciated only by true connoisseurs of travel for their time-honored beauty. While still off the international tourist’s radar, Ayvalık’s beaches are much-loved by Turks who rush to this seaside town as soon as the weather turns warm.

Belediye Plajı

About midway on the Cunda-Ayvalık road, Belediye is a free-to-use public beach also known as Duba. An outstanding option for families because of shallow waters, this sandy expanse has amenities like beachside cafés, lifeguards, and umbrellas for rent. Only 3km from the city, the beach is usually crowded but is clean and safe. Blue Flag accredited, Belediye does get windy sometimes, and the water is comparatively colder.

Çataltepe plajı

Among the most popular beaches on Cunda, Çataltepe is a 20-minute drive from the town center. While nearby cafés provide refreshments to visitors, sunbathers can rent loungers and umbrellas for €3. The sea adjoining the beach remains calm, is shallow, and has a sandy floor, once you walk over the rocky patch next to the coast. The people managing the area are welcoming and offer facilities like changing rooms and toilets.   

Sarımsaklı Plajı

Sarımsaklı is the most famous seafront in Ayvalık, 20 minutes south of the center. It consists of several hotels and public beaches, with the central strand being free for everyone. You can get your own chairs or rent loungers from the café lining up on the edge of the sand. The entire strip here is among the longest in Turkey. Welcoming sunbathers at the beach are wide-open spaces, clear blue waters, and various activities. The sea stays low near the shore, attracting the young and old in the thousands on warm weekends. Thankfully, there is ample parking nearby.

Halk Plajı

Situated on the western coast of Cunda, Halk offers uninterrupted views of Lesvos on sunny days. A small and pastoral beach with no amenities, trees surround the stony shore on three sides. Known for its sunsets, still waters, and beautiful scenery, the beach is a hotspot with touring yachts. Nestled between a camping area and Cunda’s best hotel, Ortunç, you can watch passengers with ferry tickets to Ayvalık sail towards the city while blissfully lounging under the sun. Just remember to bring a backpack with water and snacks.  

Kleopatra Beach – Badavut

Kleopatra might be close to Sarımsaklı, but it remains uncrowded most days and is a true-blue hidden gem for die-hard beachgoers. A half-hour drive from the city, most people come here to camp, snorkel, splash around in the shallow water, or relax in the rocky surroundings. Boats typically arrive at this spot around noon, so get to the beach early in the morning. Avoid visiting the beach when it’s too windy. On other days, pick up some snacks on the way as there are no facilities here. 
 

Places to Visit

In addition to its coastal location, the fusion of Greek and Ottoman cultures has given Ayvalık an unmatched singularity. As a result, holidaying in the city presents tourists with the rare occasion to appreciate and engage in a wide range of historical, educational, and scenic attractions.

Old Town

With a colorful atmosphere, quaint cobblestone streets, vintage stone houses, pretty Greek Orthodox churches, and beautiful courtyards, time spent traversing around the Old Town of Ayvalık promises fascinating discoveries. Gourmands are especially in for a surprise. Besides the Thursday Street Market, food lovers exploring the neighborhood must stop by the century-old Karamanlar Unlu Mamülleri bakery and the Old Town Coffee situated inside an old olive oil factory.

Cunda

No trip to Ayvalık is complete without a visit to Cunda. You can reach the largest island in the archipelago either by a connecting road or by boat. When on the island, walk around to admire picturesque Greek houses with colorful shutters, olive groves, and nature in their unblemished avatar. Also called Alibey Island, some of the must-stops here are Poroselene Bay, the renovated Taxiarchis Church that now houses a museum and event space, and Ayna restaurant for its rooftop seating and delectable mezze platters.

Devil’s Feast

Offering 360-degree views of the Aegean Sea, Lesvos, and the city, Devil’s Feast is a must-visit touristic vantage point 8km south from Ayvalık. Linking back to mythical origins, this plateau with the ‘devil’s footprint’ is now occupied mainly by a restaurant and a café. You can take a minibus or drive yourself, the latter resulting in a €2 parking fee. Otherwise, park below for free and climb up the somewhat steep hill. When planning a visit, make sure it coincides with the sunset because that’s when you’ll witness the most impressive panoramas.

Ayvalık Bit Pazarı

The town’s bazaar has an eclectic aura that gives insight into the daily lives of the residents. Hardly any shop owners speak English here, and most customers are locals buying everyday goods and food items. The neighborhood becomes even more eventful during its Saturday flea market. There are impromptu auctions, and anyone can put up a bench to peddle their products. However, vendors are only allowed to sell antiques and nothing new. For tourists, the bazaar provides a unique opportunity to purchase rare finds at bargain prices.

Sarımsaklı Lunapark

Sarımsaklı Lunapark is a family-friendly amusement center with a mixture of big and small joyrides. Located 15-minutes from central Ayvalık, the park allows visitors to pay individually for each attraction. Tickets cost less than €1 per ride. There’s something here for all ages, from bumper cars and a giant Ferris wheel to swings and a flea market.
 

Transportation Around Ayvalık

Traveling around Ayvalık is best done by minibus or taxi. As the cheaper option, buses to Cunda and neighboring districts are available throughout the year. The Old Town, though, is ideal for exploring by foot. In summers, tourists arriving with or without ferry tickets to Ayvalık love to take boat tours in the Aegean. Additionally, several ferries sail daily to Cunda and back during this time.