Ayvalık

Ayvalık is famous for its diving, beaches, expansive national parks and stunning architecture. The gorgeous views and quaint town will have you coming back year after year.

In Ayvalık, you can visit Şeytan Sofrası (Devil’s Feast) and enjoy the marvellous sunset.  It is recommended to try "papalina" (a type of sprat) fish whilst on the Cunda Island (Cunda Adası) of Ayvalık and its famous toasted sandwiches “Ayvalık Tostu”.

It is impossible to imagine Ayvalık without its sanctuaries. Saatli Mosque (Saatli Cami) Çınarlı Mosque (Çınarlı Cami) Hamidiye Mosque (Hamidiye Cami), Hayrettin Paşa Mosque (Hayrettin Paşa Cami) Küçükköy Central Mosque (Küçükköy Merkez Cami) Taxiarchis Church (Taksiyaris Kilisesi), Ayazma Church (Ayazma Kilisesi), Hagios Triada (Hagia Triada Kilisesi) Church are just some of them…

The beaches of Ayvalık offer visitors several ways to enjoy a holiday of sea, sun and sand. The most notable beach is the Sarımsaklı Beach (Sarımsaklı Plajı), which is renowned for dry sands that do not stick to the body. 

Bamboo beach bars and coastal restaurants serving fresh juices and the local cuisine let visitors have a nice break from sea and sun. We recommend enjoying the sunset with good food and lively conversation at one of the many seaside meyhane (taverns) in Ayvalık.

The olive harvest season usually occurs at the end of the year, around November. There is an annual festival in Ayvalık to celebrate the olive harvest. Picking the olives is only the first step of the olive harvest, however. After being picked, olives are washed, pickled, and often pressed for oil.