Ayvalık itinerary
7 days, hour by hour · Balıkesir, TürkiyeOctober–May
- Days
- 7
- Stops
- 35
- Per day
- ≈ 2,650 TL
- First stop
- 09:00
Short answer
The TripWalkers Ayvalık itinerary runs 7 days and lays out 35 stops, hour by hour, for October–May. The first three days:
- Day 1 Ayvalık's signatures: old bazaar, Cunda and Devil's Table
- Day 2 Cunda's quiet side: hills, bays and market
- Day 3 Islands and the flamingo coast: Küçükköy
Staying less? Start with the first days — TripWalkers uses the opening days of this plan for shorter trips too. Day 6 is a day trip out of the city. Food, entry fees and local transport come to about 2,650 TL a day (excluding accommodation and flights).
Day 1 · 10:00–21:00
Ayvalık's signatures: old bazaar, Cunda and Devil's Table
Landmark
Ayvalık Old Bazaar and Greek Quarter
Start on the stone streets off Barbaros Street and look closely at the façade details of the Greek houses. Morning light is best for photos, and weekday mornings are very quiet.
FreeFood
Kepçe Lokantası
A home-style tradesmen's restaurant. Try the lentil soup and the olive-oil stuffed courgette flowers. Go early at lunchtime, as it closes in the evening.
≈ 750 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Cunda Taksiyarhis Church
The wooden iconostasis and the dome frescoes date from the Greek period. Closed on Mondays. It is a 15-minute dolmuş (shared minibus) ride from Ayvalık to Cunda.
≈ 240 TL per personFood
Cunda Taş Kahve
Stop at this historic coffeehouse on the pier for tea or Turkish coffee. Sitting and watching the fishing boats is a classic Cunda moment.
≈ 150 TL per person- 1 h 15 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Devil's Table
Ayvalık's emblematic hill. At sunset, Lesbos and the islands appear in silhouette. Sunset comes early in January, so be on the hilltop between 16:45 and 17:15.
Free- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Deniz Restoran
A classic fish restaurant on the Cunda waterfront. Sea beans and stuffed courgette flowers arrive as meze, so ask about the fish of the season. Booking is recommended.
≈ 1,600 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Açelya CafeA quiet café in central Ayvalık with views of the marina and Cunda. A good alternative at the same time of day if you can't get to Taş Kahve.
- Ortunç BayA quiet Cunda bay ringed with pine trees. There's no swimming in winter, but it's a good alternative to Devil's Table for a coastal walk and photos.
Day 2 · 09:30–21:00
Cunda's quiet side: hills, bays and market
Landmark
Lovers' Hill
Cunda's most romantic spot, with windmills and decorated walking paths. It's not crowded in the morning light.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Shopping
Cunda Saturday Market
Set up on Saturdays, with colourful stalls selling handmade soap, knitwear and antiques. If you're not here on a Saturday, the shops on Antique Dealers' Street are open all week.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Şef Mehmet'in Balık Evi
A small seafood specialist in Cunda. Fried calamari and prawn casserole stand out. Go around 12:30, as in the evening it turns into more of a fish tavern.
≈ 1,000 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Pateriça Bay
A quiet bay at the northern tip of Cunda, reached by a dirt road. The road is narrow and rough, so don't go beyond the second village without a high-clearance vehicle. No swimming in winter, but ideal for photos of an empty cove.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Cennet Hill
One of Cunda's widest panoramic viewpoints. Go close to sunset, when it's less crowded than Lovers' Hill.
Free- 2 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Son Vapur
A Cunda venue with a Greek-island feel, known for fish roe and a generous fish-and-cracker meze. Booking early in the evening is a good idea.
≈ 1,200 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Oli MeraA stone-walled Cunda spot with an Italian touch and homemade pasta. A good alternative if Şef Mehmet'in Balık Evi is full.
- Aquarium BayA Cunda bay known for its clear water. Head here if road conditions aren't right for Pateriça. In winter it's only good for a coastal walk.
Day 3 · 09:00–21:00
Islands and the flamingo coast: Küçükköy
Food
Somun Breakfast Club
A simple, quality breakfast spot on Küçükköy Street. Ideal for an easy start before the boat tour, and quiet very early in the day.
≈ 550 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Ayvalık Islands Boat Tour
Departs from Ayvalık's central pier and cruises the coves of the 12 Islands area, with lunch included in the price. In winter, trips can be cancelled depending on sea conditions, so confirm by phone the day before. There's no swimming stop at this time of year, only a cove tour.
≈ 2,000 TL per personTickets: Viator- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Ayvalık Salt Lake
This shallow lake near Küçükköy is known for flamingo watching. Spring is the busiest period, but small flocks can be seen in winter too. In golden hour the light brings out the flamingos' pink in photos.
Free- 2 h 15 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Müptela Balık
A friendly, affordable local fish restaurant in Ayvalık. Fried sardines and stuffed mussels are the standout dishes. It's a small place, so go early in the evening.
≈ 900 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Bi Küçük MeyhaneA small but welcoming meyhane (tavern) among the stone streets of Küçükköy's historic fabric, known for its olive-oil meze.
- Sarımsaklı Paşa BayA quiet bay 10 to 15 minutes from Sarımsaklı by minibus. As an alternative to the Salt Lake, it offers an easy coastal walk in winter.
Day 4 · 10:00–20:30
Ayvalık's hidden streets: Greek quarter and olive heritage
Culture
Ayvalık Ayazma
Also known as the Panagia Phaneromeni holy spring, it was a healing centre before the population exchange. Closed on Mondays, open 10:00 to 17:00.
FreeShopping
Antique Dealers' Street and Barbaros Street Flea Market
Records, porcelain and black-and-white photographs from old Greek houses are sold here. On Saturdays it's fully set up and can be browsed from 09:00 to 19:00.
FreeFood
Mehmet Usta'nın Yeri
A tradesmen's restaurant combining Antep and Aegean cooking. It's on Eski PTT Aralığı Sokak and is also a spot where local workers drop in.
≈ 800 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Rahmi M. Koç Museum Ayvalık
An industry and transport museum set in a 200-year-old olive oil factory. Closed on Mondays, with last entry 30 minutes before closing.
≈ 500 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Ayvalık Waterfront Promenade
Walk along the shore and watch the sunset. If you catch the hour when the fishing boats return, it's a great time for photos.
Free- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Şeytanın Kahvesi
A neighbourhood café hidden among the Greek houses, run by the same family since 1950. Ask for the verjuice drink (koruk şerbeti) that isn't on the menu, and sit down with a book from the old bookcase in the corner.
≈ 150 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Imren PastanesiA historic pastry shop open since 1954. Its lor (fresh curd cheese) dessert and almond cookies come from Cretan cuisine. Good for a light lunch stop if the main restaurant is full.
- Ayvalık Municipality Historical Olive GalleryA small gallery converted from the old Vakıflar olive oil factory, displaying olive oil and soap-making tools. It is quieter than the Rahmi Koç Museum and close to free.
Day 5 · 09:30–21:00
Villages of the olive groves: Mutluköy and Dereköy
Food
Sural Çiftliği
Serves a spread breakfast in a farm setting. Try their own jams and cheeses, and go early on weekends.
≈ 800 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Ayvada Olive Oil Garden Tasting Tour
A tasting tour in their own groves in the Nalbant/Çardaktepe area, explaining the process from harvest to pressing. The harvest season is November to December, but winter tasting sessions are held. Booking by phone in advance is essential.
≈ 600 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuide- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Dereköy Olive Grove Walk
A quiet village surrounded by olive groves. Take a short walk along the asphalt road to see centuries-old olive trees. It's cool in winter, so bring a coat.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Mutluköy
A small olive-growing village that has kept its traditional stone architecture. Take a break under the old plane tree in the village square.
Free- 2 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Karina Zeytinlik
A venue inside its own olive grove in Cunda, serving dishes made with produce from its own garden. Open only Thursday to Sunday, 17:00 to 23:00. If your day doesn't fall on those days, choose Tamam Meyhane.
≈ 1,300 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Tamam MeyhaneA meyhane (tavern) known for its seaside branch. Barbunya beans with cinnamon and the olive-oil dishes stand out. A good alternative on days when Karina is closed.
- Çamlık VillageA quiet seaside village with boutique guesthouses. Head here if Mutluköy is hard to reach, and take a short walk along the coast.
Day 6 · 09:15–21:30Day trip
An ancient day in Bergama: Pergamon
Culture
Pergamon Acropolis
About 50 minutes from Ayvalık. A cable car takes you up to the hilltop, where you'll find the Altar of Zeus and the steep amphitheatre. A guided tour covers entry and the cable car fare, and early mornings are less crowded.
≈ 950 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuideCulture
Asklepion
One of the first healing centres of the ancient world. Enter on foot along the sacred way and look for the snake-and-staff column, the symbol of modern medicine.
≈ 200 TL per personFood
Bergama Sofrası
A no-frills local restaurant on the road to Hacı Hekim Hamam. Be sure to try the Bergama köfte and çığırtma (baked aubergine).
≈ 700 TL per personCulture
Red Basilica
A huge brick structure, also known as the Temple of Serapis. If you can go down into the tunnels inside, it's a good cool break. The return journey takes about 50 minutes.
≈ 200 TL per person- 4 h 45 min · travel, break, free time
Food
L'Arancia
A venue in Cunda serving Amalfi-inspired Italian food. A good choice for shaking off the tiredness of the Bergama trip with a light, modern menu.
≈ 1,200 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Sarmaşık LokantasıAlso known as Köylümün Yeri. It serves simple, filling examples of traditional Turkish cooking and can be used as an alternative to Bergama Sofrası.
- Bergama Archaeology MuseumAt Zafer Mahallesi, Cumhuriyet Caddesi No:10. It displays statues and ceramics from Pergamon and offers an indoor alternative to the Red Basilica.
Day 7 · 10:00–14:30
Farewell tour: last breakfast and souvenirs
Food
Kahve Altı Ayvalık
A breakfast spot known for its homemade olive oils, village olives and herb omelette. Ideal for a relaxed farewell breakfast, though it can be busy at weekends.
≈ 700 TL per personShopping
Barbaros Street Souvenir Shopping
Buy gifts from local shops selling olive oil, soap and Turkish delight. Don't forget to have bottled olive oil packed so it won't leak in your suitcase.
FreeFood
Ayvalık Fishing Harbour
Take a last walk around the harbour and buy a simit (sesame bread ring) or gözleme (stuffed flatbread) from a kiosk. Watching the boats is the best way to say a quiet goodbye to the town.
≈ 600 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Mor SalkımKnown for its olive-oil dishes and Bosnian börek. If Kahve Altı is full, choose it for a light brunch instead of breakfast.
- Küçükköy (Yeniçarohori) Art VillageThis former Greek settlement is now known for its art and design workshops. Head here if you want a quiet outing for your last day instead of shopping.
Hidden gem: Şeytanın Kahvesi
A small neighbourhood café squeezed between Ayvalık's Greek houses, run since 1950 by the grandchildren of Şeytan Halil from Lesbos. Popular guides treat the Greek quarter only as a photo stop, and most visitors don't know about the 70-year family story inside or the small bookcase.
- How to get in
- Turn off Barbaros Street into the side streets where the Greek houses are. On 13 Nisan Caddesi in Zekibey Mahallesi you'll find a small sign. Open from 09:00 to 21:00, no booking needed, just walk in and sit down.
- Local tip
- Ask for the verjuice drink (koruk şerbeti) that isn't on the menu. You can browse a book from the old bookcase in the corner and sit for hours, and nobody will rush you.
- When
- Open all year. In winter, sitting by the stove inside is a pleasure of its own.
- Contact
- (0266) 312 84 36 — Şeytanın Kahvesi
Getting around: get a Balkart
Cash payment has now been abolished entirely on minibuses between Ayvalık and Cunda and on city buses and minibuses across Balıkesir, so you can only pay with a Balkart or a credit card. Every Cunda crossing and every local trip in the plan is covered by this one card, which is far cheaper and more practical than daily taxi or dolmuş spending.
Good to know: 7 things that make an Ayvalık trip easier
- Cash is preferred in tradesmen's restaurants, markets and village visits. Cards may not work everywhere, so carry some TL.
- Cash payment has been abolished on minibuses between Ayvalık and Cunda. A Balkart or a credit card is required.
- Leaving a 5-10% tip on the bill is common in restaurants and meyhanes. In tradesmen's restaurants, rounding up is enough.
- In January the Aegean wind blows hard and evenings get cold. A waterproof coat, layers and non-slip shoes are essential, as the stone streets get slippery in the rain.
- The sea is cold in winter and it is not swimming season. Boat tours can be cancelled depending on wind and sea conditions, so confirm the day before you go.
- Ayvalık is generally a calm and safe town. Night lighting on the stone streets can be poor, so walk carefully.
- Most Greek houses are still private property, so be respectful when photographing doors and windows. Asking olive producers "how old is the tree?" is a good way to start a conversation.
Spending: ≈ 18,700 TL per person for 7 days
- Food12,400 TL
- Entry and tours4,700 TL
- Local transport1,100 TL
- Other500 TL
Excludes accommodation and flights. 2026 price estimate, per person.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Ayvalık?
This itinerary is built for 7 days. With 3 days, do the first 3 — TripWalkers uses the opening days of the plan for shorter trips too. The day trip is on day 6; skip it on a short stay.
How much does a day in Ayvalık cost?
In this plan, food, entry fees and local transport come to about 2,650 TL per person per day. Accommodation and flights are not included. Figures are 2026 estimates.
What time should you start the day in Ayvalık?
The first stop is at 09:00. Most days start early so you arrive before the crowds, and evenings end with dinner.
Which places in Ayvalık should you book in advance?
In this plan, it's worth booking ahead for: Ayvalık Islands Boat Tour (day 3), Ayvada Olive Oil Garden Tasting Tour (day 5), Pergamon Acropolis (day 6).
Which season is this itinerary for?
This page covers October–May. There is a separate plan for June–September: opening hours, the sea and the weather change the route.