The area north of Izmir is not well known to overseas travelers, mostly because of time limitations while touring Turkey. On the other hand, European travelers know the region quite well. Small cities and villages along the coast are visited mostly by Scandinavian, English, and German tourists as regular vacation spots.
The most popular destination of the North Aegean is Ayvalık. The area is famous not only for its sandy beaches at Sarımsaklı but also for the small island of Cunda (Alibey). The island was once popular for its fish restaurants, but now that the island is connected to the land by a highway, many buildings and vacation villages have been built. For the best of the island, you should travel all the way down to where the old town is. These are old small Greek houses with all their charm. Many of them have been turned into guesthouses (pansiyons) serving both Turkish and foreign travelers.
The region is famous for olive oil and soap. You may find some of the best in the region. About one hour drive from Ayvalık stands Pergamon as one of the best-preserved ancient Greek cities, where parchment was invented. The site also offers a great view of the valley below.
Ayvalık is famous for olive oil. You can also find fresh seafood in many restaurants, especially on Cunda Island.
Ayvalık is also a port for crossing to Lesvos Island, about an hour and a half ferry ride to the port of Mytilene. Molyvos, a name given by the Ottomans, is the most picturesque village on the island. Other places of interest are Agiasos, Sigri, and Eresos, among others. You can do a day trip or join a two-day tour, mostly done on weekends. There are also flights and ferries to Athens and other islands from Lesvos.
Connected to the mainland by a causeway (built 1960s, expanded later), Cunda was once a quiet fishing island famous for fish restaurants. Today it has more development, but the old town still retains its charm. Walk through the narrow streets of the old Greek quarter, visit the Taksiyarhis Church (now an art gallery), and enjoy seafood at a waterfront restaurant. The island is about 15 minutes from Ayvalık center.
A long sandy beach located about 8 km south of Ayvalık. Popular with families. The shallow waters are safe for children. Many hotels and pensions are located along the beachfront. In summer, the beach can get crowded, but it is long enough to find a spot.
The old town is filled with restored Greek houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and boutique hotels. Many houses date from the 19th century when Greeks made up a large portion of the population. The architecture is distinctly Aegean — stone walls, wooden balconies, and red-tiled roofs.
About one hour drive from Ayvalık, Pergamon is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek cities. Highlights include the Acropolis (with the steepest theater of the ancient world), the Temple of Trajan, and the Asclepion (ancient medical center). Parchment was invented here. Allow at least half a day. See our Pergamon Guide for details.
Ayvalık is a port for ferries to the Greek island of Lesvos (Mytilene). The crossing takes about 1.5 hours. From Mytilene port, you can explore the island's picturesque villages, including Molyvos (the most beautiful), Agiasos, Sigri, and Eresos. Day trips are possible but rushed. Overnight stays are recommended.
The region is famous for its olive oil. Many small shops sell locally produced olive oil, olive oil soap, and natural cosmetics. The best products come from small family producers. Look for "soğuk sıkım" (cold-pressed) olive oil for the highest quality. Some farms offer tastings.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), about 170 km south (2.5 hours drive). You can also fly to Edremit Körfez Airport (EDO), about 40 km north of Ayvalık (limited flights, mostly domestic). From Izmir Airport, you can take a bus, rent a car, or use a private transfer. Buses from Izmir to Ayvalık run frequently.
Getting around: The town is walkable, but you will need a car or minibus (dolmuş) to reach Sarımsaklı beach, Cunda Island, or Pergamon. Minibuses run regularly between Ayvalık and Sarımsaklı and Cunda. Taxis are also available.
Best time to visit: May-June and September-October offer warm weather (25-30°C) without the peak summer crowds. July-August are hot (30-35°C) and crowded, especially on Cunda Island and Sarımsaklı beach. Winter (November-March) is cool and rainy; many hotels and restaurants close or operate limited hours.
Accommodation: Options range from boutique hotels in restored Greek houses (in the old town and on Cunda Island) to beachfront hotels in Sarımsaklı. Pensions (pansiyons) offer budget-friendly stays.
Please see our tour page for all tours in this region and around Turkey.