Set on the Aegean Coast, Ayvalik is one of Turkey's most picturesque port towns, anchored by a characterful historic district lined with stone houses and pink bougainvillea vines. Spend your days peering into whitewashed mosques, shopping at designer boutiques and sipping on Turkish coffee at breezy cafes.

Things to do

One of the best ways to enjoy Ayvalik is with a stroll around the characterful Old Town. Its cobbled streets are lined with stone houses adorned with brightly painted shutters and flower-strewn balconies. Take a break at Seytan Kahvesi, a historic cafe known for its freshly pressed grape juice.

Ayvalik is filled with shops and boutiques, including the socially conscious Cop(m)adam outlet. Its goal is to empower unemployed women by helping them create souvenirs from throwaway materials, such as plastic and cotton. Inside you'll find a treasure trove of greeting cards, bags, toys and tea towels.

The Taksiyarhis Memorial Museum offers a fascinating window into Ayvalik's Greek Orthodox past. It's housed in a gleaming whitewashed cathedral that was built in 1844. Don't miss the elaborate bishop’s seat, which is decorated with carved pelicans.

Every Thursday, Ayvalik hosts Koy Pazari, the weekly village market. It's held in the main square and attracts vendors from across the Aegean Coast. It's a great place to stock up on fresh produce, handcrafted souvenirs and local olive oil.

Getting around

The easiest way to get around Ayvalik is on foot, especially if you stick to the Old Town. Ayvalik is also serviced by taxis and minibuses. Long-distance buses run to nearby cities like Izmir, Istanbul and Canakkale. You can also catch ferries to nearby Greek islands like Lesbos and Cunda.