2026 Ayvalik Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Rakı, balık, Ayvalık is a motto of local people living in Ayvalık. Rakı is a grape based alcoholic drink; balık is fish and Ayvalık is the name of town where can find the other bests of two (: 🏖️☀️👙🌊🍶🐟 Ayvalık is a seaside town which located on the northwestern Aegean coast of Turkey. It is a district of Balıkesir province. Especially it's one of the most preferred Summer location in Turkey. Not only Türkish people but also Greek friends visit this town a lot. 🇹🇷🌍🗺️ What you should do in Ayvalık? - it's worth to see Heaven Hill, Taksiyarhis Memorial Museum, Sevim And Necdet Kent Library 🕍🎑 - to swim, you should go to Sarımsaklı or Badavut beach 🏖️🏖️🏖️ - You should eat toast of Ayvalık, sea products and drink Rakı 🫗, Turkish tea 🫖 and coffee ☕ #Ayvalik #Raki #Balik

Ayvalik has a clean and shallow sea like a swimming pool at all times. Great for the kids or someone like me who’s not good at swimming, as we could go swimming and playing in the sea since it is very shallow for about 100 meters. The down side of the beach is that almost all umbrellas in all of the facilities are made of wattling and they do not really block the sun. Secondly, the showers are scarce in the whole of the beach so during the high season, there is bound to be a queue. It is a great place for swimming but the facilities need to improve a lot. However, this destination is a great place if you wanna escape from mainstream beaches that only foreigners come, because this is more like a local destination in Turkey 🏝🏖⛅️🌿🌊🚗 #roadtrip #urbanexplorer #summervacation #summervacation#beachvacation#urbanexplorer

#hellonewyear Ayvalık is the kind of place that invites you to slow down. With its stone houses, narrow streets, and endless views of the Aegean, it feels peaceful, authentic, and beautifully untouched 🌊🏡 Wander: Walk through old neighborhoods lined with historic Greek-style stone houses and colorful shutters. Every corner feels charming, as if time has gently paused here 🚶♀️✨ Sea & nature: The coastline around Ayvalık is pure magic. From calm beaches to hidden coves and boat trips around the nearby islands, the sea is always calling 🌞⛵ Taste: Ayvalık is famous for its olive oil, and you can taste the difference in every dish 🫒🍽️ Enjoy fresh seafood, local meze, and warm bread dipped in golden olive oil — simple and unforgettable. Evenings: As the sun sets, the town softens. Cafés fill up, the air cools, and the sky turns pastel over the water 🌅☕ It’s peaceful, romantic, and deeply relaxing. Ayvalık isn’t loud or rushed — it’s gentle, soulful, and perfect for travelers who appreciate quiet beauty and slow moments 🤍

🏝️ Turkey's 4th Largest Island Cunda is Turkey's 4th largest island. The island's name has changed many times. In ancient times, the Greeks called it Moschonesia, or "fragrant island," while in Turkish sources it is known as Cunda or Yunda. Today, Cunda is Turkey's fourth largest island. Sandy beaches here gently transition into shrub-covered mountain slopes, and the azure sea combines with romantic narrow streets—all of this has long earned the island a reputation as a tourist paradise. You can get here by boat or, as we did, across two bridges. One of them was built in 1817. Locals are especially proud of this fact and claim it's the first bridge in Turkey 😁 The island also has its own special tradition: when the national anthem plays, everyone freezes for a minute—those standing stop, those sitting stand. Cunda's atmosphere is completely different: small farm stalls selling unique products, hotels with antique furniture, and cozy European-style cafes. Life here moves slowly—everyone knows each other and can chat for hours when they meet. The only caveat: restaurant prices are higher than, for example, in Ayvalik. Helpful travel tips: • It's best to arrive on Cunda early in the morning or late in the afternoon—daytime can be crowded during peak season. • If you want to save money, dine at small family-run cafes away from the waterfront. • Be sure to stop by the local farm stalls—the olive oil, cheeses, and soaps here are excellent quality. • Wear comfortable shoes for walking: the streets are narrow and often cobbled. • If you plan to stay overnight, choose boutique hotels in historic buildings—they're the best way to experience the island's atmosphere. #turkeycities #trip #traveltukey

#falladventures 🌸 Wandering Through the Narrow, Beautiful Streets of Alibey Island 🏘️🌿 The narrow streets of Alibey Island feel like stepping into a preserved chapter of history. Winding paths lined with stone houses, wooden balconies, and colorful shutters create a charming maze that invites slow, curious exploration. Bougainvillea cascades down the walls, adding vibrant splashes of pink and purple to the golden stones. As you walk, you pass small artisan shops, cozy cafés, and restored historic corners that whisper stories of the island’s past. The streets are peaceful, with the occasional sound of footsteps, distant laughter, or a bicycle passing through. Every turn reveals something new—a beautifully aged doorway, a tiny courtyard filled with potted plants, or a sunlit archway leading deeper into the old town. These narrow lanes capture the soul of Alibey Island, blending tradition, beauty, and quiet elegance. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without realizing it, simply enjoying the charm around every corner. 🌼✨

#falladventures 🍁 Autumn Echoes Through Alibey Island – History, Stone Walls & Quiet Streets 🏛️🌾 Alibey Island, with its charming stone houses and timeless architecture, feels like stepping into a living museum. As you wander through its narrow cobblestone streets in the gentle autumn breeze, every corner reveals traces of the island’s layered past. The beautifully restored Taksiyarhis Church—now a museum thanks to the Rahmi Koç Foundation—stands proudly as the cultural heart of the island, inviting visitors to admire its craftsmanship and serene atmosphere. Restored historical windmills crown the hills, adding a poetic touch to the golden landscape and offering peaceful spots to pause and take in the view. Though the coastline may disappoint those hoping for pristine swimming areas, the island’s historical richness and warm village spirit more than make up for it. Many travelers choose to swim at nearby Ayvalık or Sarımsaklı beaches instead. Still, Alibey Island remains a captivating autumn destination filled with heritage, charm, and quiet beauty. 🍂✨

#falladventures 🌅 Alibey Island – Sunset Evenings Filled with Warm Aegean Glow 🌤️🌸 Sunset on Alibey Island is a magical moment when everything slows down into harmony. The sky becomes a canvas of orange, rose, and lavender, painting the sea with shimmering colors. People gather along the waterfront, some sitting on rocks, others walking the pier, all quietly admiring the view. The silhouettes of fishing boats drift across the glowing horizon, and gentle waves reflect the fading light like melted gold. The wind softens, carrying murmurs of laughter and the distant clatter of dinner plates from seaside restaurants. Lanterns begin to shine warmly along the harbor, blending with the last touches of daylight. It feels like the island itself takes a deep breath, inviting you to relax, reflect, and enjoy the peacefulness of the moment. Sunset on Alibey Island isn’t just beautiful—it’s a soul-soothing experience. 🌅💛

#falladventures 🌊 Alibey Island – Seaside Cafés and Slow-Living Magic ☕⚓ Life on Alibey Island moves at a wonderfully relaxed rhythm. Along the waterfront, rows of cafés and small taverns sit just steps from the sea, their tables shaded by olive trees and colorful umbrellas. People linger over long conversations, sipping tea, tasting meze, and watching the sunlight sparkle on the gentle waves. Fishing boats glide in and out of the harbor, adding subtle motion to the peaceful scene. The soft Aegean wind carries the scent of salt, grilled fish, and fresh herbs. It is easy to lose track of time while listening to the water lap against the shore. As evening approaches, lanterns flicker to life, casting golden reflections across the surface of the bay. It’s the perfect place to unwind, breathe deeply, and absorb the simple, serene joy of island living. 🌙✨

#falladventures 🌺 Alibey Island – Aegean Streets Full of Charm and Color 🏘️🌿 Alibey Island invites you into a postcard scene where every corner glows with warm Mediterranean charm. Cobbled streets weave between stone houses wrapped in vines and bright pink bougainvillea. Cats nap on sunlit steps, and the scent of grilled seafood and lavender floats from cozy restaurants. Locals greet visitors with gentle smiles, creating an atmosphere that feels intimate and welcoming. Walking deeper into the alleys, you find artisan shops filled with handmade ceramics, woven textiles, and traditional olive soaps. Every detail feels crafted with love. As the afternoon light softens, shadows stretch over the old walls and the sea breeze brings a cool whisper from the harbor. The island’s fusion of quiet lifestyle, artistic corners, and natural beauty makes it a place you want to explore slowly—letting each hidden lane reveal a new layer of its warm and soulful character. 🎐🌞

#falladventures 🍃 Alibey Island – Tranquil Shores and Timeless Stillness 🌊✨ Alibey Island feels like a gentle pause from the rush of the world. Narrow stone lanes wander between old houses with wooden shutters, each one carrying the quiet elegance of the Aegean spirit. The sea wraps around the island in soft turquoise, brushing lightly against fishing boats that rock lazily in the breeze. Cafés spill onto the waterfront with the aroma of fresh coffee and warm pastries drifting through the air. The sound of clinking teacups, distant seagulls, and waves creates a soothing rhythm that makes you forget time altogether. Sunlight reflects on the water like scattered gold, while the sky stretches wide and clear above the harbor. Whether you stroll with no destination, sit by the shore, or simply watch the boats drift by, Alibey Island offers a peaceful escape that melts fatigue and fills you with quiet, golden calm. 🌅💙

This place has great beaches where you can swim and enjoy the sun so much. This has been a place where I feel most of my childhood memories and felt such a peace so I do definitely recommend to anyone who wants to visit Turkey to come to Ayvalik. Here you can enjoy the Aegean region experience the great food and enjoy the day with the locals. I also love the toast they have and the fish is phenomenal. You can walk around the city, and it’s definitely worth seeing I’ve never seen this place in global travel gurus’ social media but I think it’s worth seeing

📍 Address: Mareşal Fevzi Çakmak Cd. 11 Sk., İsmetpaşa Mahallesi, Ayvalık, Balıkesir, Türkiye 🕒 Opening Hours: • Apr 1 – Oct 20: Tue–Sun 10:00–19:00; • Oct 21 – Mar 31: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:30; closed Mondays; last admission 30 min before closing 🎟 Entry Fee: • Adults: TL 12.50 (~€0.35); free for under‑18s, some students, and seniors 🌟 Why Visit? • Historical Layers: Originally a small 15th-century Orthodox church, expanded in 1753 and redesigned in 1844 in neo-classical basilica style. • Rich Interiors: Experience marble-look secco frescoes, a spiral staircase to the pulpit, ornate marble iconostasis with gold details, and a “U”-shaped upper gallery once reserved for women. • Resilience & Revival: After serving as a warehouse since 1927, it was restored in 2012 and reopened in 2013 as a museum under Balıkesir Kuva-yi Milliye Museum Directorate. • Eclectic Collection: Today, it houses a mix of historical remnants and local exhibits; travelers appreciate its charm, history, and modest admission price. ✅ Visitor Tips • Plan 45–60 minutes to take in architecture, pulpit, iconostasis, and upstairs gallery. • Photography allowed (no flash preferred). • Combine with a stroll through Ayvalık’s Old Town for cafés and historical ambiance. • Best visited weekdays, for a quieter experience . #历史古迹 #historicallandmarks #localguides #trip #博物馆

✨Hotel Highlights ♨️Amenities 🛁Room Environment 🍽️Breakfast 🛎️Hotel Service 💗Guest Experience

#ayvalik 🏖️BAmbiance/Facilities: #familytrip #izmir @izmir Turkey 😇😍💐🦋📍Address:İzmir

The favorite destination of this trip to Turkey is Kunda Island, the romance and passion of the Aegean Sea are all here~ ☀️The town is full of colorful cafes and restaurants on the Aegean seaside, the fairy-tale colors heal the heart, the winding path leads to the port, walking on the cobblestone streets in the town, the street corners are full of bougainvillea and graffiti murals, and the mood will also become cheerful. The tourists sitting outside the cafe, the leisurely cats, the fishermen and boats coming and going by the harbor... Whether it's street scenes or humanities, they have all been frozen into pictures with stories~

#freehotelstay #beachlife #ayvalik #Cunda We had a very entertaining trip from ayvalı city center to Cunda (Alibey) Island. Very entertaining activities during the trip on board. we visit very beautiful islands where nobody lives.