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Ayvalık itinerary

7 days, hour by hour · Balıkesir, TürkiyeJune–September

Days
7
Stops
36
Per day
≈ 2,800 TL
First stop
09:00

By TripWalkers · Updated:

Short answer

The TripWalkers Ayvalık itinerary runs 7 days and lays out 36 stops, hour by hour, for June–September. The first three days:

  1. Day 1 Cunda's stone lanes, a hidden cove and Greek cuisine
  2. Day 2 Ayvalık's iconic sunset rocks and golden beach
  3. Day 3 Stone lanes, olive oil heritage and market bustle

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 2,800 TL a day (excluding accommodation and flights).

Day 1 · 09:30–22:15

Cunda's stone lanes, a hidden cove and Greek cuisine

  1. Landmark

    Cunda Fishing Harbour Morning Market

    Boats return early in the morning with the day's catch, and wandering the harbour shows you Cunda's real morning rhythm. Strike up a chat with the fishermen about the day's bluefish or sea bream, and ask where to buy for dinner.

    ≈ 100 TL per person

  2. Culture

    Taksiyarhis Church

    This 19th-century Greek church now hosts art exhibitions, and entry is by donation. Don't miss the iconostasis remnants and the ceiling frescoes inside.

    ≈ 100 TL per person

  3. Food

    Bay Nihat

    One of the island's longest-established fish restaurants, with a warm, unpretentious table. Ask for the seasonal fish and the olive-oil sea beans (deniz börülcesi); the queue is shorter at lunchtime.

    ≈ 1,300 TL per person
  4. 30 min · travel, break, free time

  5. Nature

    Yeşil Koy

    One of the island's most unspoilt coves, reached by a 40-minute path through olive groves from central Cunda. Bring water and sun protection, as there is no kiosk at the cove; on the way back, ask the fishermen at the pier whether they can take you back by boat.

    ≈ 100 TL per person
  6. 3 h 30 min · travel, break, free time

  7. Food

    Yakamoz Avlu Restaurant

    A family-run restaurant in a Greek house dating from 1882, where dinner in the courtyard is a treat. Ask for a selection of shrimp casserole and seasonal meze; booking is recommended.

    ≈ 1,400 TL per person

  8. Landmark

    Cunda Square

    Take an evening stroll through the stone lanes and pick up mastic ice cream from the shops on the square. On summer evenings the square stays lively until late.

    ≈ 250 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
  • Deniz RestaurantOne of the classic fish restaurants lining the Cunda waterfront, with sea-view tables for a lunchtime catch. The grilled octopus and artichokes in olive oil are recommended.
  • Cunda WindmillsThe remains of historic windmills on the island's hilltop are ideal for photos near sunset. Entry is free, and you can get there on foot or by a short taxi ride.

Day 2 · 10:00–22:00

Ayvalık's iconic sunset rocks and golden beach

  1. Landmark

    Cennet Tepesi

    At the municipal hilltop cafe, enjoy the view over Cunda and the Kaz Mountains with an Ayvalık toast and tea; toast prices are quite reasonable. The morning light is clearer and the crowds are thinner.

    ≈ 300 TL per person
  2. 30 min · travel, break, free time

  3. Landmark

    Devil's Table

    Entry is free, and only those arriving by car pay a parking fee. See the legendary footprint and the views of the islands from the rocks. There is little shade at midday, so bring a hat.

    ≈ 50 TL per person
  4. 30 min · travel, break, free time

  5. Food

    Paşa Çorba

    A local eatery known for its daily olive-oil dishes and home cooking. Depending on the season, try the stuffed okra or stuffed zucchini flowers, and don't miss the soups.

    ≈ 700 TL per person
  6. 30 min · travel, break, free time

  7. Nature

    Sarımsaklı Beach

    Ayvalık's famous 7 km golden beach has shallow, warm water, so you can swim for a long time. Sunbed prices vary by area and you can rent them from the facilities on the shore.

    ≈ 300 TL per person
  8. 1 h · travel, break, free time

  9. Food

    Deniz Yıldızı

    A small local eatery famous for its soup, worth the wait even if there is a queue at the door. In artichoke season, try the artichokes in olive oil and the mastic cookies.

    ≈ 1,000 TL per person

  10. Landmark

    Sarımsaklı Seafront

    Take a lit evening walk along the shore in the cool air; the ice cream shops stay open late. The benches by the sea are an ideal spot to sit and end the day.

    ≈ 150 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
  • Paşşalı Müdavim ÇorbacısıA calm local eatery serving soups and home cooking that its regulars love. Around 13:00 is the most relaxed time to go, and the daily menu is written on a board.
  • Lale Island ViewpointThe small island right next to the bridge between Ayvalık and Cunda is a favourite with photographers for its olive-covered hills and clear sea. It makes a good short stop on the way, and entry is free.

Day 3 · 10:00–22:00

Stone lanes, olive oil heritage and market bustle

  1. Culture

    Ayvalık Historic Greek Streets (Barbaros and Talatpaşa Neighbourhoods)

    A free walking route: in the narrow, honeysuckle-scented lanes, look at the stone and timber houses dating from the 1700s. Morning light shows off the facades best, so take your coffee break in these streets.

    Free

  2. Culture

    Ayvalık Rahmi M. Koç Museum

    A restored 200-year-old olive oil factory that explains the steam engines and the production line. Closed on Mondays; open to visitors 10:00-17:00.

    ≈ 200 TL per person

  3. Food

    Fırat Lokantası

    A small local eatery that has been serving since 1988. Choose one of the daily home-cooked dishes; going around 13:30 makes it easier to find a table.

    ≈ 700 TL per person
  4. 30 min · travel, break, free time

  5. Culture

    Ayvalık Olive Oil Tasting Tour

    A guided tasting tour in a boutique producer's workshop, following the olive's journey from harvest to bottle. You taste oils from different harvest periods, and advance booking is required.

    ≈ 850 TL per personTickets: Viator
  6. 2 h · travel, break, free time

  7. Shopping

    Ayvalık Central Neighbourhood Market

    The central Ayvalık market is held every Thursday, and if you land on that day you will be amazed by the variety of olives, cheese and local herbs. A smile helps when you haggle.

    ≈ 250 TL per person

  8. Food

    Papaz'ın Evi

    Right next to the Rahmi Koç Museum, it offers the atmosphere of a Greek meyhane (tavern) with a garden. Starting with fava and sea beans and moving on to the seasonal fish is the classic route.

    ≈ 1,400 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
  • Tik Mustafa'nın YeriOpen all year round, it is one of the best-loved addresses for rakı and local meze culture. You can choose from nearly 30 meze, and going early in the late afternoon improves your chances of a table.
  • Ayvalık Ayazma (Panagia Phaneromeni)A little-known Greek holy spring with a calm, shaded courtyard. It rarely appears in guidebooks, and it is a good alternative for those who want to explore the historic fabric quietly.

Day 4 · 10:00–22:00

Küçükköy's art lanes and a quiet local beach

  1. Culture

    Küçükköy Art Galleries (Artura Gallery, KıraARThane)

    In Küçükköy, a former Bosnian village, restored stone houses have become 32 art galleries. Walking along the cobbled lanes, you come across a different ceramics or painting studio at every corner, and entry is mostly free.

    Free

  2. Food

    Majka

    A calm cafe serving an Aegean breakfast alongside Bosnian pastry (börek) with olive oil. It is most enjoyable at the point where late breakfast meets early lunch.

    ≈ 600 TL per person
  3. 45 min · travel, break, free time

  4. Nature

    Badavut Beach

    West of Sarımsaklı, a quiet beach about 2 km long, away from the crowds. Sunbed options are not as plentiful as at Sarımsaklı, so it is best to arrive early and claim a spot.

    ≈ 300 TL per person
  5. 2 h 30 min · travel, break, free time

  6. Food

    Zeljanik

    One of Küçükköy's small restaurants with a Bosnian-Balkan flavour, known for its homemade pies. It is usually best to order whatever is on the evening menu.

    ≈ 900 TL per person

  7. Landmark

    Küçükköy Square

    Have one last coffee at the cafes on the square, the village's social centre. The night lighting gives the stone houses a different atmosphere.

    ≈ 200 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
  • Kürşat Zeytin Evi RestaurantAn olive-themed local eatery on the Izmir-Çanakkale road. Try the olive paste and the stuffed vine leaves in olive oil; it has a quiet garden.
  • Patriça BayA historic cove north of Cunda, known for its shallow, clear water. You reach it from Küçükköy by small boat, and you need to agree a daily price with local boat owners.

Day 5 · 09:00–22:00

Boat trip around Ayvalık Islands' coves and nightlife

  1. Food

    Başka Cafe

    Known as the number one address for Ayvalık toast, it is ideal for a light breakfast before boarding the boat. Plain toast and fresh orange juice is the classic combination.

    ≈ 400 TL per person
  2. 45 min · travel, break, free time

  3. Nature

    Ayvalık Islands Boat Tour (12 Islands)

    In the clear waters around Ayvalık's 24 islands, the tour gives you an hour-long swimming break in each of three different coves. Lunch is fish or chicken schnitzel, and don't forget sunscreen and swimwear.

    ≈ 2,000 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuide
  4. 30 min · travel, break, free time

  5. Food

    Mithra Restaurant

    Set in an old factory building, it offers dinner with live music and sea views. It is best to start with meze and move on to the seasonal fish; booking is recommended.

    ≈ 1,300 TL per person

  6. Landmark

    Zuzu Cafe Bar

    One of the rare venues in Ayvalık with a live music programme in both summer and winter. It suits a last stop of the day with a cold beer, and it is busier at weekends.

    ≈ 350 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
  • AynaA venue on Cunda Island that brings together Mediterranean and Cretan cooking. The standout plates are the prawn pasta with rocket and the sardines in vine leaves.
  • Ayia Yorgi ChurchOne of the historic churches on Cunda visited on boat tours, with a simple, quiet atmosphere. Entry is free, and it suits a short stop depending on the tour schedule.

Day 6 · 10:00–17:00Day trip

Following ancient civilisations in Bergama

  1. Culture

    Acropolis of Pergamon

    The journey from Ayvalık takes about 50 minutes, and you can go by dolmuş (shared minibus) or private car. Taking the cable car up the hill is both scenic and quick, and from here you can see the steepest theatre of the ancient world.

    ≈ 500 TL per person

  2. Culture

    Asklepion

    One of Anatolia's first medical and healing centres, so don't miss the sacred way and its tunnel. From April to October it is open to visitors 08:00-19:00.

    ≈ 450 TL per person

  3. Food

    Bergama Sofrası

    A casual, friendly local eatery on the street leading to the Hacı Hekim Hamam. Don't leave without trying Bergama kavurma (braised meat).

    ≈ 650 TL per person

  4. Culture

    Red Basilica

    This huge brick structure, also known as the Temple of Serapis, is impressive for its underground tunnels. It is open 08:30-20:00, and the afternoon light is better for photos.

    ≈ 200 TL per person

  5. Shopping

    Bergama Bazaar (Coppersmiths' Street)

    A good place for one last stroll before heading back, with haggling possible in the coppersmith and carpet shops. You can also find local dried fruit and spices here.

    ≈ 300 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
  • Altın Kepçe Bergama KöfteA local eatery serving since 1975, also known for its morning soups. Köfte (grilled meatballs) and roasted peppers are the classic pair.
  • Bergama Archaeology MuseumIt houses the smaller finds and statues from the archaeological sites, and is far less crowded than the sites themselves. It is also a good alternative for a rainy day.

Day 7 · 09:30–14:30

A quiet Ayvalık morning before leaving

  1. Nature

    Ortunç Bay

    Cunda's only Blue Flag beach lies within national park boundaries, so you have forest behind you and the sea in front. It is not crowded early in the morning, which makes it ideal for a last swim.

    ≈ 200 TL per person

  2. Landmark

    Cunda Pier Viewpoint

    For a short farewell photo stop, the area around the pier shows both the boats and the open sea. The morning light is quite good for photos.

    Free

  3. Food

    Tamam

    It takes a creative approach to Turkish meze, and its long meze list suits a light farewell lunch. The standout plates are the borlotti beans with cinnamon and the sea beans.

    ≈ 600 TL per person

  4. Shopping

    Ayvalık Bazaar (olive oil and soap shopping)

    The last stop for buying Ayvalık olive oil and olive oil soap before you leave. Check the label to make sure you are buying geographically indicated Ayvalık olive oil.

    ≈ 450 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
  • Lal Girit MutfağıIt serves dishes such as oven-roasted lamb shank with thyme and Cretan-style black-eyed beans. A good alternative for anyone after a light but filling farewell lunch.
  • Çınarlı Mosque (Agia Iorgi Church)A historic mosque on Cunda, formerly a church, built in 1880. It suits a short break in the shade of century-old plane trees, and entry is free.

Hidden gem: Yeşil Koy

This cove on the south coast of Cunda Island is sometimes visited by boat tours, but with no road or signposts, most visitors don't know it. Those who know it can be reached on foot via the olive grove path are usually locals who know the island well or returning travellers.

How to get in
From central Cunda it is about a 40-minute walk along the path through the olive groves, and there are no signs; if you ask the fishermen in Cunda for the path to Yeşil Koy, they will point you in the right direction. Alternatively, you can go by a small boat rented for the day from Cunda pier.
Local tip
Bring water, snacks and sun protection, as the cove has no kiosk or facilities. If the return walk feels tiring, you can ask one of the fishermen at the pier to take you back by boat for a few hundred lira.
When
May-October (in summer the sea is warm and calm; in winter the path is poorly maintained and deserted)
Contact
Yok — resmi bir işletme veya rehber yok; Cunda iskelesindeki balıkçılardan biriyle günlük kayık anlaşması yapılabilir.

Getting around: get a Balkart

Balkart is the single card valid on all municipal buses run by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, and it covers the lines linking central Ayvalık with Cunda, Sarımsaklı, Küçükköy and Altınova, so you can pay for most of the planned daily neighbourhood transfers with one card. Cash is also accepted on dolmuşes, but on the municipal buses, which run more often in the summer season, Balkart is both faster and cheaper.

Good to know: 7 things that make an Ayvalık trip easier

  1. Local eateries, market traders and small cafes mostly prefer cash, and card payment may not be accepted everywhere, so keep some small change on you.
  2. On municipal buses between Cunda, Sarımsaklı and Küçükköy the Balkart is practical, but paying cash on dolmuşes is also common.
  3. In July the sun is very strong between 12:00 and 16:00; a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are essential for the beach and outdoor sightseeing, and if possible take a break in the shade during the hot hours.
  4. In historic buildings such as Taksiyarhis Church and the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, it is local etiquette not to talk loudly and to follow the photography rules.
  5. In fish restaurants and meyhanes, a tip of about 5-10% of the bill is left in cash; some venues add a service charge to the bill automatically, so check first.
  6. Ayvalık does not have nightlife as lively as Bodrum or Çeşme; a calm holiday-town feel prevails, so plan accordingly.
  7. When buying olive oil, olives and soap, especially at neighbourhood markets and in Küçükköy, polite haggling is considered normal.

Spending: ≈ 19,500 TL per person for 7 days

  • Food10,950 TL
  • Entry and tours6,600 TL
  • Local transport930 TL
  • Other1,000 TL

Excludes accommodation and flights. 2026 price estimate, per person.

We did the planning. You just pick the dates.

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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 2,800 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 Olive Oil Tasting Tour (day 3), Ayvalık Islands Boat Tour (12 Islands) (day 5).

Which season is this itinerary for?

This page covers June–September. There is a separate plan for October–May: opening hours, the sea and the weather change the route.