Turkey’s Hidden Gems; Ayvalik and Cunda Island

Written By Steven Interrante

Our Ayvalık & Cunda Adventure: Discovering Turkey's Hidden Aegean Gems on a Budget!

After exploring some of Turkey's more well-known summer spots, we were absolutely blown away by the affordability and charm of the northern Aegean coast, particularly the region around Ayvalık and Cunda Island. If you're looking for a paradise that won't break the bank, you've found it! Join us as we recount our incredible journey through these hidden gems.

Cunda Island: A Blend of Greek Charm and Turkish Hospitality

Our exploration of this beautiful region began on Cunda Island, also known as Ali Bey Island. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by its Greek-infused cobblestone streets and relaxed atmosphere.

  • Sunrise Coffee at Taş Kahve: We started our morning right by the water at Taş Kahve, enjoying the beautiful scenery with a surprisingly affordable Turkish coffee. This historic coffee house, run by a third-generation owner whose grandfather converted it from a Greek coffee house, offered a taste of local history and tradition.

  • Kent Library & Art Gallery: Just a short walk from Taş Kahve, we visited the Kent Library, a former church beautifully renovated into a library, offering the island's best panoramic views. Nearby, another converted church now serves as an art gallery, focusing on art from the mid-1900s. Both are part of the Rahmi Koç Museum complex, and entrance to the gallery is a mere 10 Lira (or free with a museum card!).

  • Junda Boat Tour: The best way to explore the surrounding islands is by boat, and we highly recommend the Junda Tour. For a fantastic price (100 Lira on weekdays, 125 on weekends, including a delicious fish lunch!), we embarked on a 5-hour journey. During our visit, the boats were operating at half capacity due to current circumstances, which made for an even more serene experience. We swam in pristine coves, including one with Turkey's first "blue flag" certification, and even fed seagulls from the boat. Gökçe even bravely jumped off the second floor of the boat – talk about a leap of faith! And as a sweet surprise, they served ice cream and melon – a unique treat we'd never had on a boat before. The Junda Tours team truly made us feel like family.

Ayvalık: Historic Toasts and Devil's Peak Sunsets

Connected to Cunda Island by Turkey's first Bosphorus-style bridge, Ayvalık offers its own distinct charm.

  • The Famous Ayvalık Toast: You simply cannot visit Ayvalık without trying its famous "Ayvalık Toast." We headed to Şençam, one of the most renowned spots, and indulged in this delicious sandwich made with local pumpkin cheese and 100% beef sausage. It was absolutely incredible – a must-try!

  • Satan's Peak (Şeytan Sofrası) Sunset: As sunset approached, we drove up to Şeytan Sofrası, or "Satan's Feast" (also known as "Devil's Peak"). This hilltop offers unparalleled panoramic views of the entire Turkish coast and even glimpses of nearby Greek islands. The legend behind its name, involving a trickster who escaped his would-be killers, adds to its mystique. The sunset here is nothing short of spectacular – a truly unforgettable experience.

  • Casual Dinner & Rakı Culture: Back in Ayvalık town, we enjoyed a casual dinner at Bloom, where we savored two large appetizers and drinks for a very reasonable 180 Lira. Along the Aegean Coast, it's a cherished tradition to enjoy the beautiful sunset with Turkish rakı (an anise-flavored alcoholic drink) and fish, a practice known as "rakı balık."

Our Stay: Karamelia Hotel

We opted for the Karamelia Hotel in Ayvalık, which cost 450 Lira for the night and included breakfast. While there are cheaper options and even camping in the area, we prioritized cleanliness and health for our first hotel stay during these times. It was a comfortable and pleasant base for our explorations.

Our Final Thoughts: Ayvalık & Cunda – Budget-Friendly Paradise!

Our time in Ayvalık and Cunda Island was a delightful discovery. This region proved to be an incredibly affordable paradise, brimming with rich history, stunning natural beauty, delicious local cuisine, and warm hospitality. It's a true hidden gem of Turkey that offers an authentic and memorable travel experience without breaking the bank. We highly recommend adding it to your Turkey itinerary!

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Steven Interrante
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