When summer comes, people are confused about where to go, but the location of some routes always stays the same from 7 to 70.. Cunda Island, which is one of the 22 islands in Ayvalık bay, is one of the places that is always loved and never given up even if it is visited again and again.. Cunda, the only island of Ayvalık that is open to settlement, is a little different from the summer routes we know; Because the most important reason why he is loved so much is his social life and sincerity.
In Cunda, where Greeks once lived, the change begins with the population exchange period, and after 1920, the Turks from the islands of Crete and Lesbos take the place of the Greeks on the island.. Of course, the culture is carried from generation to generation and in fact, the ongoing Greek culture never leaves the island.. Streets full of Greek houses and tables decorated with Cretan dishes are the most characteristic features of Cunda.. In our opinion, this is where the beauty of the island comes from.. If you are expecting a peaceful, calm and leisurely holiday, fasten your seat belts, we are starting our Cunda travel guide!
WHERE IS CUNDA ISLAND
Cunda Island, located in the north of the Aegean, is a sweet island connected to Ayvalık by a bridge built later. Thanks to this bridge, Cunda Island can be reached both by land and sea.. Ayvalık, to which Cunda Island is connected, is the district of Balikesir, a province of the Marmara Region, which is included in the Aegean Region.
HOW TO GET TO CUNDA ISLAND
To go to Cunda Island, also known as Alibey Island, you need to use your own car or rent a car from the airport after you fly to big cities such as İzmir and Balıkesir.. It is also possible to go to Cunda by bus, but you will still need a car to travel comfortably both on the island, Ayvalık and its surroundings. It takes approximately 6.5 hours to reach Ayvalık from Ayvalık by traveling around the bay without using any toll bridges or toll roads, 6 hours by ferry departing from Topçular pier, and 4.5 hours by the newly opened toll road İzmir via Osmangazi Bridge.. The transportation time of those who will go by ferry may vary depending on the density of the waiting time.
WHEN TO GET TO CUNDA ISLAND
Cunda is one of the most popular holiday destinations in our country, so it gets very crowded in the summer months.. In our opinion, it is necessary to come here in spring to travel comfortably in Cunda and discover its beauties.. The most ideal times just before the closing of the schools and just after the opening. During these periods, all places are open, and you have the chance to visit with less crowds.. Summer is the most active and crowded time, it is very pleasant in autumn and spring, but as winter approaches, most of the places can be closed.
CUNDA PLACES TO VISIT IN ISLAND
#1 Cunda Streets:
Cunda island, an old Greek settlement, is under protection, together with Ayvalık, so Greek architecture is preserved. largely preserved. In fact, it is said that the largest number of Greek houses preserved in our country are in this region.. Each of the Cunda streets looks like a painting thanks to this feature.. Flowers coming out of every corner, bougainvillea are officially the colors of Cunda.. Naturally, one of the things to do in Cunda is to explore the streets of the island! Don’t forget to take a million photos by wandering around the side streets in the early morning or cool hours in the evening..
#2 Cunda Taksiyarhis Church:
19. Cunda Taksiyarhis Church, a Greek Orthodox Church built in the 19th century, has the same name as the first church of Ayvalık.. The church, which was abandoned with the end of the Greek period on the island, was later used as a mosque for a while, with all its depictions painted white.. However, the use of the church as a mosque did not last long and after it was damaged in the earthquake in 1944, it was completely abandoned.. Although Ayvalık was declared a natural and historical site in 1976, unfortunately the preservation work of the church could not be started for many years.
The church has a long history; Its restoration is the church, but with the decision of the board Rahmi M.. It can start when it is transferred to the Koç Museum and Culture Foundation.. Thank God we have such foundations, but architectures with history can be brought back to the region and therefore to tourism.. As a result of the works initiated by the foundation, the Cunda Taksiyarhis Church was completely restored and converted into a museum, and opened to visitors in 2014.
The museum hosts a similar collection with Rahmi Koç’s other museums in Istanbul and Ankara.. The collection includes objects and tools from certain periods such as toys, model cars, steam models, measuring instruments.. Entrance fee is 7 TL for adults, 3 TL for those with Müzekart.
#3 Cunda Sevim and Necdet Kent Library:
Rahmi Koç’s Cunda’ Sevim and Necdet City Library. The library is actually located in the Church of Agios Yannis. This church, which is the first architecture that welcomes you when you enter the island from Ayvalık, is famous for its medieval architecture and the mill next to it.. Agios Yannis Church, which was abandoned with the population exchange period and was badly damaged by the 1944 earthquake just like the Taksiyarhis Church, is one of the values brought to the island with the support of Rahmi Koç.
While the church was being restored, its mill was rebuilt in accordance with its original form, regained its current appearance. In the library inside the church, there is a collection of 1,300 books by one of our important diplomats, Necdet Kent, who is also the father of Muhtar Kent.. In any case, Muhtar Kent himself donated these books to the museum.
The library is on Aşıklar Tepesi, one of the viewing points of Cunda today, and has a beautiful view.. Don’t forget to take a break at the small cafe on the terrace of the church, open until 17.30. The mill is also currently used as the kitchen of this cafe.
#4 Cunda Panaya Church:
When you walk down from Agios Yannis Church, you can see the Panaya Greek Church. you can see. Unfortunately, it has not been preserved until today and it only has three walls at the moment.. The church was built with the technique of knitting with garlic stone and granite stone specific to this region.. If it could be preserved, it was certain that it would be one of the important points of the island with its location and architectural style.. In particular, the brutal and ignorant writings on the walls with spray paint collapsed inside us and we were devastated by the sight we saw.. However, such structures can be restored from their current state and restored with detailed restoration work.. We do not know the value of anything; It’s really a pity.
#5 House of Despot:
If you’re wondering where this name came from, let me tell you right away.. Despot, name given to Greek Orthodox clergy. This mansion, which was built by a Greek despot in 1862, was taken by the Ottoman Empire after the unfortunate death of the despot and used as the Government Building.. In the 1920s, it was first used as an orphanage, and until the 1980s, it was used as both a dormitory and a school by the Turks.. When the dormitory building was moved to another corner of the island, this house was left empty for a long time like other Greek structures, and then it was destroyed and became an abandoned place. It has become one of the touristic photo spots of Cunda.. You will probably come across Despot Evi while researching Cunda; however, let us state that after a long restoration process since 2015, this place has now started to serve as a boutique hotel.
#6 Anelemmatic Sundial:
On the coast of Cunda The sundial in the building was made by Ayvalık Municipality upon the death of Ahmet Erol Keskin, the beloved name of the region.. The numbers on the watch represent the month you are in; You can guess what time it is from the shadow that falls on the number of the month you are in.
THINGS TO SEE IN AYVALIK
Cunda and Ayvalık are an inseparable whole. When you run out of places to visit in Cunda, don’t forget to stop by Ayvalık.. You can take a look at the guide below to review our Ayvalik travel notes.
AYVALIK TRAVEL GUIDE AND PLACES TO SEE IN AYVALIK
THE PLACES TO SWIPE IN CUNDA: CUNDA BEACHES
Let’s summarize the places to swim in Cunda for those who come to Cunda in spring or summer.
#1 Pontoon Beach:
A small municipal beach that you can see on the right as you pass from Ayvalık to Cunda Island. It is frequently preferred because it is very central and easily accessible; but it gets very crowded in the season. Since it is the municipality’s business, it provides services at reasonable numbers, but since it is on the roadside, frankly, it did not open us up very much.
#2 Ortunç Bay:
Ortunç since it is within the borders of the national park. there is no public beach; Therefore, you can take advantage of the hotel’s beach in this bay or the camping areas around it to swim.. It can be entered either from the pier or from the rocks.. Ada Camping in Ortunç Bay is the most preferred establishment in this area.. Even if you are not camping, it is possible to pay the entrance fee and use the establishment.. However, if you are going to Ayvalık by car, our recommendation is to use the picnic area next to Ada Camping.. Of course, since there is no business in this area, you need to take your table, chair, food and beverage with you.. Let’s give one more secret; Even on the hottest day of Ayvalık, it is cool, as this place stays in the shade.
#3 Patriça Bay:
Patrica Bay is one of the most ideal places for sandy and shallow sea lovers.. Since there are different businesses in the bay, you can rent sunbeds and get food and beverage services.. If you are looking for quieter places, you can swim in the areas where there are no businesses.. Since it is at one end of Cunda Island, you have to go by car, the road takes about half an hour.. Among the businesses you can go to in Patriça Bay are Bıyıklı Beach, Mola Beach and Pateriça Zeytin Beach.
#4 Çataltepe Beach:
Çataltepe, one of the beaches of Cunda famous for its clear and clean sea. Although it is usually a windy structure, it is always crowded as you can go by public transport.. Çataltepe Beach, which has a more economical operation compared to Ayvalık beaches, has a pebbly beach and sea.. If you don’t like to walk in the pebbly sea, it would be good to take sea shoes with you.
In addition to Cunda Island, we also describe the beaches of Ayvalık and the places to swim around Ayvalık in the article below.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AYVALIK BEACHES AND SEA IN AYVALIK
CUNDA ISLAND BOAT TOUR
You can spare a day in Cunda for a boat tour in Cunda.. Boats are divided into two as private and multiple; If you are traveling as a large group, you can have a quieter tour by closing the boat specifically for your group.. In our opinion, Cunda Island boats work very organized in this regard.. Before you go, you can check all the registered boats by looking at the Cunda Travel Boats website and reach their contact information.. Boat tours leave Cunda port at 10.00 and return to the port at 17.00 – 18.00.. The boat route is formed from the bays between Kara Ada and Pınar Ada according to the wind conditions.
CUNDA ISLAND FOOD AND DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS
The Greek culture that the island has in common with Ayvalık is felt not only in its streets but also in its tables.. Therefore, in order to understand and live in Cunda, it is necessary to taste the places to visit, the beaches to swim, as well as the food as much as possible.. With its Cretan appetizers, olive oil dishes and desserts, Cunda is a real flavor route.
#1 Cunda Karadeniz Patisserie:
The most famous curd dessert of the patisserie, one of the classics of the island. On hot days, taking a sweet break at their shady tables is a must.. Although the curd dessert is very popular, our favorite was the almond pudding.. Its taste is still in our mouths!
#2 Taş Kahve:
Taş Kahve, the meeting point of the people of Cunda, is one of the most characteristic places of Cunda with its stained glass windows and stone architecture.. Its history stretches back 150 years, its coffee is ground right in front of your eyes.. In fact, there is also a sitting area outside; but its fun is definitely indoors. We can say that Taş Kahve is the most popular place of the island from 7 to 70.
#3 L’Arancia Cunda:
Dessert in one of Cunda’s stone mansions an Italian restaurant opened with decoration. Suitable for any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner. It’s a colorful place that you can’t not see while walking around the streets.
#4 Orman Coffee & Cocktail:
As everywhere we go, we are new in Cunda. We found our next generation coffee shop! Alone, this is both a coffee shop and a cocktail bar.. The interior is very spacious, the outside area is full of conversation.. The daytime hours are calmer, and the evening is pure joy!
#5 Vino Wine House:
Red and green, which you will recognize from most of the photos shared as Cunda on social media, This is the wine house that is engraved in our minds with its chairs! In our opinion, there can be no Cunda trip without Vino; It is a very pleasant place to get to the bottom of the conversation in the cool of the evening.. When you sit on the colorful tables and chairs and watch the surroundings, you suddenly start to feel like you are playing in an Italian movie.. There is an extensive wine menu, the house wines are also delicious. Did you order an appetizer plate and a snack next to it? we took a rest in the garden. Actually, we can call it a cocktail bar; You can quickly come here at the point where you want to escape from the crowd of the island.. We loved their music, and their team was also very interested.
#7 Ayna Restaurant:
If you like trying original restaurants and modern plates, one of the special places you should add to your list.. Although Cunda is famous for its Cretan cuisine and appetizer tables, the concept is a little different here.. To elaborate a little more; We can say that it has a different menu consisting of options such as sardines in vine leaves, cold fish cooked in lemon, seafood stew with marjoram, and roasted chicken with sage.. You need to make a reservation before you go, the prices are similar to the places in Istanbul, but Cunda is not a cheap holiday route either.
#8 Lal Crete Cuisine:
Cunda’ whoever we told before we came, suggested Lal Crete Cuisine.. Well, being Cretan on his father’s side, it was a must to try this place too! There is as they say, everything is fresh and very tasty. In summer, it is absolutely necessary to come with a reservation; If you call and cannot reach Cunda like we do, you can go to Cunda and have it done on the first day they open.. It has reasonable prices compared to many places on the island that serve Cretan cuisine.
#9 Cielo:
Another bar recommendation in Cunda is Cielo.. Always popular as it is one of the very few venues open until late at night.. It is loved because it is a warm and friendly bar.. They have a special variety of cocktails, and they also play live music every evening.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUNDA ISLAND: ACCOMMODATION IN CUNDA
Cunda When it comes to accommodation in Turkey, the first thing that comes to mind is boutique hotels where old Greek houses and wooden mansions are transformed.. In addition to boutique hotels, there are larger hotels built on the basis of Greek architecture.. Nisi Boutique Hotel, Hotel Cunda Fora and Mola Cunda Hotel are some of them.
We couldn’t find a place in boutique hotels because we went to Cunda last minute with a holiday holiday.. After all, we came across Stairway hostel while browsing Airbnb, saying that we will go by car.. Thanks to Ms. Monika and Mr. Sedat, we were very pleased with everything, and being able to book the room at a very economical price was a bonus for this last minute trip!
Our membership link, which provides 130 TL discount for those who will stay with Airbnb for the first time, we leave it here. While you book with a discount, we earn credits, so we travel economically together.
CUNDA ISLAND CAMPING AREAS: IN CUNDA CAMP
Of course, boutique hotels are not the only option for accommodation in Cunda.. Let’s also tell about the camping opportunities of the island for those who plan to camp on Cunda Island.
#1 Cunda Island Camping:
Ada Camping is Cunda’s most popular camping site. area. Its location on the shore of Ortunç bay is ideal for those who love to be in touch with nature.. At Ada Camping, you can camp in tents and caravans and stay in bungalows.. It has a restaurant and a business where you can meet all your camping needs.. It usually has a decent environment as the prices are a bit high.. Even if you don’t camp, you can also log in to use the beach for the day.
#2 Cunda Mocamp:
Mocamp is also a neighbor of Ada Camping, it is located in Ortunç Bay. taking. It is preferred for both camping area and bungalow accommodation.. Prices are more reasonable compared to Ada Camping; however, there may be complaints about the business from time to time.. It has a wide beach, it is possible to enter with a daily fee.
We have come to the end of Cunda Travel Guide with camping opportunities of Cunda.. You can reach all our photos and travel notes about Cunda Island and Ayvalık from the Instagram account.. Follow us, let’s travel together!