"Turkey's best kept secret" Top 5 Page for this destination Ayvalik by TheTurkishBrit

Ayvalik Travel Guide: 108 reviews and 460 photos

why am I telling you ??

Ayvalik lies on the Aegean coast, half way between Canakkale and Izmir. Whilst it is a popular spot for Turkish holidaymakers it is known mostly by only those travellers heading to the Greek island of Lesbos.
Ayvalik is famous for its olive oil, and for its cuisine, serving the best fish meals in Turkey.
Visitors looking for a beach can head south out of town to the nearby sands of Sarmisakli.

the town

near the market

Off the main street the town is a warren of narrow cobbled streets and old stone houses.
Down by the waterfront you can enjoy a tea and a famous Ayvalik tost, or a fish supper.
Thursdays the town comes alive with Persembe pazari, the Market which fills the streets with locally grown food, clothing and the textiles that the area is also reknowned for.

Cunda/Alibey

just out of town a causeway links to Cunda island. Town buses run there regularly or take a boat from the harbour. Market day is Saturday, and the island is packed with more wonderful old stone houses and cottages.
Cunda comes alive at night, when everyone goes there to eat at the numerous fish restaurants, and then to stroll and enjoy the many craft stalls that appear at nightfall.

Pros and Cons

Pros:great food, great people
Cons:none!
In a nutshell:Turkey as I dreamt it would be

Last visit to Ayvalik: Feb 2005
Intro Updated Aug 19, 2005
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Reviews (6)

Great views Hotels (2)

The hotel is not too impressive from the outside, but the warm welcome makes up for that. The rooms are large and... more travel advice

Sunset Things to Do (1)

just before nightfall, head out of town towards Sarmisakli and then take the right turn to "Seytan Sofrasi", the Devil's... more travel advice

Great Location Hotels (2)

our ground floor room opened straight onto the beach with two empty chairs waiting for us to enjoy a panoramic view of... more travel advice

Town centre dining Restaurants (2)

Sit right on the water's edge and enjoy the food and a fantastic view of Cunda island, with the small passenger boats... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Olive oil

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Comments (2)

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goga4444 Nov 28, 2005 at 10:23 AM

Seytan Sofrasy is just great :)
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thecatsmeow Apr 29, 2005 at 10:11 PM

Thats some hotel there. How nice to have it right on the water. =^oo^=