[Angel]

Your Guide to travels in Ayvalik



Ayvalik is first of all known for its pretty beaches and the best fish of the country. You will keep long souvenirs of eaten fish at the harbor with sunset in the background.


Ayvalik is a charming port situated amid beautiful pine woods. Nearby, the Seytan Sofrasi (Devils Table), offers a splendid panorama of the archipelago along the Gulf of Ayvalik and the little Island of Alibey (Cunda), where there are pleasant seafood restaurants. Sarmisakli Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.


Ayvalik is a relatively undiscovered resort, centrally located for many of the historical sights in the region as well as being a very pleasant beach resort. During the summer season there are daily ferry services to the nearby Greek Island of Lesbos.


Ayvalik is a good location to overnight on motoring tours starting or ending in Istanbul.



HISTORY
The antique Kydonia is today a small village opposite the Greek island Lesvos. Ayvalik has been completely destroyed during the Greek Independance War (early XXth century) and lived in 1923, after the Freedom Treaty of Lausanne, the people exchange : half a million Greeks were to leave Asia Minor while Turks left Macedonia, Crete and Lesvos.

Today, the only richness of the village are the remaining of Orthodox churches and monasteries and nice fish restaurants at the harbor.



Around Ayvalik :
Seytan Sofrasi (Devil’s Table) is a hill from where one has a marvelous view on Ayvalik and its bay with countless islands.The Alibey or Cunda island : can be reach by dolmus or in the Summer by boat (recommended). On the way to the main beach area, do not hesitate to stop at the "Seytan Sofrasi" (Devil's Table) and enjoy an unique view on the bay, especially at sunset.

Old Ayvalik has more the aspect of a Greek rather than a Turkish village : winding streets with wooden houses which are unfortunately not being renovated. You will come here for a little walk and visit some of the numerous monasteries, enjoy sunset and eventually have dinner.


Local Sights
Sarimsakli Beach.
Alibey Island (Cunda).
Seytan Sofrasi.
Taksiyarhis Church.
Altinova Beach.


Local Excursions
Boat Tours: To the 23 Islands around Ayvalik.
Midilli: By boat.
Lesbos: Greek Island Day Return Ferry Trip.
Scuba Diving.


Overnight Excursions
Ephesus: Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, two days - one night.

Bergama: Troy, Assos, Dikili, Candarli, Oren, Akcay, by boat and bus.


NIGHT LIFE
Main evening activity in Ayvalik and its area is to enjoy a nice fish restaurant on one of the numerous islands (try the "Popolina" fish) and a walk alongside the harbor or some exiting hours in one of the bars or discos in the city center.


PRACTICAL SHOPPING
Most of the shops, whatever they sell, are open seven days per week from 09:00, do not close during lunch break and are usually open till 22:00. The most successful souvenirs of the area are carpets, gold and leather. The weekly market takes place on Thursday. Two other smaller markets are organized on Sundays and Tuesdays.


PRACTICAL BANKS
Open Monday-Friday, 09:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00. It is possible to withdraw money from the A.T.M.’s yet only in Turkish Liras.

PRACTICAL POST OFFICE
Open Monday-Friday from 08:00 till 11:00 and on Saturday from 08:00 till 13:00. Closed on Sunday. From June 1st till September 30th, open every day from 08:00 till 23:00. Closed on Sunday.

All change operations can be operated in the post office.

Telephones between 22:30 and 08:00 and on Sunday are cheaper but not in hotels.


PRACTICAL TRANSPORTATION
The cheapest way to go from here to there is the dolmus (collective taxi) which stops everywhere to collect and deposit passengers. Daily from 07:00 till 00:00 depending the itinerary. Prices are being fixed by authorities. From city center to the Alibey island (dolmus or boat) or in the direction of Sarimsakli beach (dolmus or coach) every half hour. Another means of transportation is the taxi (all yellow cars with controlled taximeter). More expensive than the dolmus but unique way at night (ware for night tariffs).



If you have visited Ayvalike, please feel free to share comments/reviews of your travels there. The members and visitors of this forum would greatly appreciate your contribution.


Thanks.

[Shannon]

Excellent, thanks for that hon, very good article! Very informative

[Hephaestion]

Yes, thank you for that Angel.
Sounds like a place definately worth visiting.