One of the most fascinating places on the Aegean coast, Ayvalik manages to be all these things at once: typical Turkish small town, seaside summer resort, and historic wonderland.

 

Although increasingly popular among Turkish artists, travelers and digital nomads, the allure of Ayvalik remains a well-kept secret outside Turkey. This is surprising, as Ayvalik has one of Turkey's best-preserved old towns, is close to amazing beaches, and makes for an excellent base to explore the stunning ancient sites of Pergamon and Assos. 

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It wasn't always like this. A major earthquake in 1944 left many houses in ruins, and a vibrant olive oil industry cut the town off the sea and polluted air and water. Today, there are still quite a few abandoned houses with caved-in roofs, but with their exquisite neoclassical or Ottoman-style facades still standing precariously, the ruins add to Ayvalik's unique charm. Olive oil production has long moved outside town, and the old brickstone factories are being converted into restaurants, antique shops and galleries.  

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There is a lot to see in Ayvalik: Taxiarchis Church, a beautifully restored Greek church that was used as a tobacco depot after the population exchange and has been turned into a museum. Ayazma, a neoclassical temple dedicated to healing. Cunda, Ayvalik's beautiful little - and more touristy - sister on an island across the bay. And of course the long sandy beach of nearby Sarimsakli. A bit further afield are the stunning pine forests in the Kozak mountains and the ancient sites of Pergamon, Assos and Troy. 

   

Apart from the sites, what makes a stay in Ayvalik special is simply wandering the streets, breathing in the rich historic legacy, opening up to the pleasures of the Aegean with its delicious food culture, and immersing oneself into the colorful street life of an authentic Turkish small town.

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Ayvalik is not a polished tourist resort. It is a town that has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, and the scars of history are still visible. It is not a sterile open-air museum, but a bustling market town by the sea where normal people go about their business.

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All of this adds to Ayvalik's unique appeal. We hope you will enjoy it!