Ayvalık boasts beautiful blue water, lovely sunsets, and plenty of beaches to relax on, but its range of nature also provides no shortage of active options for hikers, runners, swimmers, divers, and more.
Swimming
With the water of the Aegean Sea right at hand it’s tempting to want to jump in the cool waters right in the center of Ayvalık and there are a number of short piers and docks set up by locals to do just that. However not too far away in Sarımsaklı, which can be reached by taxi (up to 60 TL) or minibus (3.5 TL), are enough golden-sand beaches to accommodate swimmers and sunbathers alike. The water stays shallow a fair ways from shore, and most beaches have carved out areas lined by buoys to delineate swimmers-only zones away from the jet-skiers or sailboats. Bring a pair of goggles to see the fish!
Trekking and Walking
Along the water is flat enough for easy walking, but there are more challenging options in the hills around Ayvalık, including Heaven Hill, Seven Hill and Lovers Hill. One route close to the center is the Prophet Elias Hill Trekking Route which features stunning views of the water and is well placed to watch sunset from.
For a more challenging option, the paved but twisty road up through Şeytan Sofrası (Devil’s Forest) will get the heart rate up. The ‘forest’ is mainly low pine trees and offers very little cover from the burning sun, but along the shaded side of the road is such an attractive picnic spot that signs have been posted every hundred metres or so to remind people that it is forbidden. For hikers not waylaid by temptation to rest too long, the summit boasts incredible views of the region that highlight the heavenly green blue water of the region. A sprawling cafe has claimed the peak allowing the weary hiker to take in the views over a cup of hot tea, or just as easily, cold water.
Running
The pedestrian path along the water extends from the center of Ayvalık in two directions: towards Sarımsaklı and in the opposite direction over two bridges to Cunda. Both directions feature paths wide enough to run comfortably on, although the center becomes quite busy during the day and there are a few stretches where the path is unpaved in the direction of Sarımsaklı. The best time to run is early in the morning before it gets too hot, and walkers and joggers of all ages are up at that time taking in the sun rising over the blue waters and docked boats. The path is also dotted with a number of parks featuring community exercise equipment for any athlete worried about missing arm day.
Scuba Diving
The Aegean waters are clear and calm, making Ayvalık an ideal location to go Scuba Diving. A number of operators have booths set up in front of their docked boats in the center to advertise themselves and take registrations, including Ayvalık 3 Sea, Ida Diving, and Kuzey Mavi. Most operators offer a “Discovery Dive” to introduce newcomers to scuba diving including how to safely descend, communicate underwater, and what the next steps are to become certified. Some of these operators will offer underwater pictures of the experience as well, although it may be an extra cost on top. The discovery day can run from 5-7 hours and also include time swimming off the boat or other islands.
Camping
For those who want to adventure even while sleeping, Ayvalık and Cunda offer a number of campgrounds with varying services including breakfast, beach views, or even full cabins. These include Ada Camping, Çamlık Camping, and Ayvalık Camping. Most of the campgrounds aren’t very remote and don’t offer a very rugged experience but have great access to the water. It’s also possible to drive to one of the many empty lots on the side of the water and pitch a tent there.
Relaxing and Eating
Finally, once you’ve worked up a good sweat Ayvalık has a number of ways to sit back, relax, and fuel up. Small cafes and restaurants sit between shops in narrow alleys in the town center. Sarımsaklı’s beaches have chairs and umbrellas available for rent and are dotted with cafes where you can order a cold drink or the local Ayvalık toast.
Cunda features cobblestone paths between wine houses and desert places, although the local fried ice cream can be found on the main stretch. You’ll be well-fed for the next active day in no time!
Any other suggestions for fun in Ayvalık? Let us know in the comments.
Images courtesy of the author.
This article was originally published on July 6th, 2020.
Ayvalik has the cheapest scuba diving I’ve ever seen, including in Egypt and the Philippines. The equipment on all three boats I’ve been on has been old but well-maintained.
The down side is that diving is OK but not at all spectacular. Also please be aware that some diving organizations (2 that I know of, although I don’t remember the names) will feed or touch the fish during the dive. This should never be done and divers should make it clear that they do not want to see the fish harassed.
Diving excursions usually include lunch but they keep the lunch as cheap as possible. Think pasta, bread, a chicken leg, and a tomato. It’s worth taking an extra few things.