AYVALIK | Enjoy the things that Ayvalik has to offer   

     Ayvalik is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and where the best fishes of the country came. It is surrounded with olive trees which is the source much of Turkey’s finest olive oils.

You will always take a hold of the memories you can experience in eating fish at its harbor with the beautiful sunset at the background. The old Ayvalik village has a more Greek aspect rather than Turkish characteristics.

Ayvalik has an interesting history. It is located about 50km southwest of Edremit.

After Ottoman’s Empire downfall, the Ottoman Greeks from Ayvalik moved to Greece and Turkish citizens from Greece moved to Ayvalik. And even the Greeks left; there are already Greek spoken residents in Ayvalik although they are Turkish Muslims. Ayvalik is proud of their many old Greek Houses and orthodox churches that were turned into mosques today. Local tourists filled many of the waterside open air restaurants during summer season or they ride a ferry across the bay to Alibey Island which provides a more good waterside restaurants and bars. It was named after Turkish general of the war of liberation. And it is the largest island in the Ayvalik group of island.

The antiquity of the golden age of the Romans remains in this place. Contrary to the Turkish custom fronting the sea, Ayvalik was purely a Christian community just like in 1922. The neo-classical portico of its older houses and alleys of the old town still give distinctive quality in the surroundings of Ayvalik. Taksiyarhis Kilisesi (church) is worth visiting. It is a 19th century building with a very impressive interior located in the northern outskirts of the town. There is also the Taksiyarhis Church which was built in 1873. Its center of attention is its relief showing the life of Jesus Christ. Be sure to also visit the other nearby attraction the Seytan Sofrasi or the Devil’s Table. It is a hill where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Ayvalik and its bay with numerous islands. It also offers the most beautiful sunset you will ever see according to those you have already experienced this magnificent nature view.

The remaining riches of Ayvalik are the Orthodox churches and monasteries and nice seafood restaurants at the harbor which really attracts many local and foreign tourists. Ayvalik also becomes an important point for scuba diving because of its richness in underwater fauna. Today, Ayvalik became one of popular holiday resort of the country and the population of this place had reached over 30,000 residents and much more during summer where there are many tourists. Ayvalik is also close to Bergama which is another significant tourist site with its vestiges going back to ancient times. There are so many things that you can do in Ayvalik. You can enjoy swimming on its clear water, dining on its fine restaurants or relaxing and get the pleasure of its scenic and romantic view. Truly, this place has so much to offer for us to discover and enjoy.