Ayvalık
From Turkey Travel Guide
Ayvalik is a small seaside town along the Aegean Sea in the Aegean Region of Turkey.
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[edit] History
This seaside town, whose name means quince orchard, has been under Roman and Byzantine rule, and became a part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Its large Greek population had virtual autonomy; the legend goes that a future grand vizier was well treated by an Orthodox priest, and so lobbied the Sultan on their behalf. The Greeks were, however, forced out during the population exchange in 1923, but the architecture and Greek Orthodox churches remain, some now functioning as mosques, complete with minarets. Today Ayvalik is one of the less crowded seaside towns along the Aegean.
[edit]
The town stretches along the coast wıth the sea to the west. The twisted streets inland can be a tangled web, but the sea is never more than a few blocks away. Of course the main street is Atatürk Caddesi, and it runs along the seaside. The town square is near the harbor and has a tourist information kiosk, as well as a statue of Atatürk which commemorates the War of Independence.
[edit] Getting there
[edit] By plane
The closest Airport is located in Izmir.
[edit] By train
The nearest train station is in Balikesir, about a two hour bus ride away.
[edit] By car
It may be preferabe to travel from Izmir by car, as it takes about half the time (2.5 hours) of the bus trip.
[edit] By bus
Ayvalik can be reached by bus from all cities in the region, as well as Istanbul.
From Istanbul the trip takes 5-9 hours (depending on whether a ferry is used) and costs about 50 lira. Buses leave every hour or so during the day.
From Izmir, the journey is about 5 hours because of all of the stops made, and costs about 15 lira.
The trip from Canakkale takes about three hours and costs about 12 lira. Try to use one of the bigger companies to ensure that a service bus will take you to the town, as the bus may drop you off on the highway.
[edit] By boat
Avalik is a great place to depart for or return from the Greek island Lesvos (Mytilini). The trip taks about an hour and a half and costs about 120 lira a car or 80 lira a passenger (about 20 lira more for a return trip ticket). Boats leave from Lesvos most mornings and Ayvalik most evenings from a port north of the squre. Check a schedule to be sure.
[edit] Getting around
[edit] By car
Avis has a rental office in town on Talatpaşa Caddesi.
[edit] By public transport
Buses travel the route between the bus station and town center.
Domluses take passengers from south of the city to Aliey Island and everywhere in between for a nominal price.
Alibey Island can be reached by a boat the leaves from behind the tourist booth.
There are dolmuses and city buses that run to the beaches
[edit] By foot
The best way to explore the small shopping streets is on foot
[edit] By bike
Bicycles can be rented from many hotels.
[edit] Weather
(°F)
(48)
(50)
(56)
(67)
(75)
(84)
(87)
(86)
(81)
(71)
(59)
(50)
(°F)
(35)
(35)
(38)
(45)
(53)
(60)
(64)
(64)
(57)
(51)
(42)
(38)
(inches)
(2.8)
(2.0)
(2.1)
(2.0)
(1.7)
(0.7)
(0.4)
(0.2)
(0.7)
(1.6)
(3.1)
(3.7)
[edit] See
[edit] Alibey Island
Also called Cunda, the island to the north of the town is connected to the city by a road. It is the site of old stone houses, many of them now restaurants, as well as abandoned Greek curches and a nature preserve in the northern part. The ruins of the Greek Ayışığı Manastıri (Moonlight Monastary) are visible on an island nearby.
[edit] Seytan Sofrasi
The hill called the Devil's table is a popular place for drinks or a meal, especially at sunset.
[edit] Do
[edit] Scuba Diving
Many companies can organize dives around the nearby islands.
[edit] Fishing
You can find basic tackle at the fish market and join the ubiquitous local fishermen or take a trip on a fishing boat from the harbor.
[edit] Swimming
5 kilometers from the town is Sarimsakli Beach, it can be reached by dolmus.
[edit] Shopping
Ayvalik is well known for its olive oil and soap.
Also, there is a store called Cop(M)adam (Trash Lady) that sells products made from recycled trash to provide women with income. It is located about eight blocks inland from the main square on Alibey Cami Caddesi.
[edit] Eat
There are countless restaurants that serve fish and traditional meze dishes lining the seaside. It can get crowded during the peak season, so if you want a table along the water, you may have to book ahead.
Ayvalik is famous throughout Turkey for its grilled sandwiches (tost) with cheese, Turkish sausage, pickles, tomatoes, ketchup and mayonnaise. Try one from a small cafe for a quick lunch.
Ayvalik's olive oil is also famous, taste the vegetables cooked in it at restaurants (zeytinyağlı sebze) or buy a bottle or two as a souvenir (about 10 lira a liter)
[edit] Drink
The best evening activities may be drinks at a seaside restaurant or Seytan Sofrasi, watching the sunset.
[edit] Shaft Olivia
The summertime branch of an Istanbul nightclub, this small bar plays rock and blues, but only has about 8 tables.
[edit] Sleep
[edit] Budget
There are few truly cheap options, particularly in summer, in this tourist hot spot.
Ada Camp is a campground on Alibey Island
Taksiyarhis Pansiyon is behind Taksiyarhis Church in two old Ottoman houses. A bed costs about 20 lira.
Haus Annette also has beds for about 20 lira a person, and is located on the market square.
[edit] Mid-Range
Kelebek (Butterfly) Pension has mid-range rooms at about 40 lira a night. It offers guest kitchens and private showers.
Aziz Arslan Otel is on the Cumhuriyet Square. It has large clean rooms with televisions and showers for about 50 lira.
[edit] Upscale
Ayvalik Beach Hotel is about 7 km from the city center, and, as the name suggests a beach. There are opportunities for water sports and bar and restaurant
[edit] Work
Work for non-Turkish speakers is difficult to find. It's not a large city, but there are some language schools that might be interested in native speaker teachers.
[edit] Learn
Harvard's Ottoman Language Summer School is located in this city.
[edit] Keep connected
[edit] Internet
There is an internet cafe on Cumhuriyet Square with good connections. There are others around in the shopping areas.
[edit] Phone
Phone calls can be made from the post office.
[edit] Post
The post office is on Atatürk Bulvari, about 4 blocks from the town center.
[edit] Safety
Use common sense, especially when out drinking at night.
In case of emergency you can dial 155 or +90(266)312 9500 to reach the police in Ayvalık.
[edit] Stay Healthy
Try to eat from the busiest restaurants to ensure your food's freshness.
Ayvalık Devlet Hastanesi [1](state hospital)can be reached via phone number +90(266)312 1744.
[edit] External links
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