Ayvalik Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Ayvalik is easily accessible from major Turkish cities, with regular bus services connecting it to Istanbul (approximately 6-7 hours), Izmir (2.5 hours), and Ankara (8-9 hours). The nearest airports are in Edremit (40 minutes by road) and Izmir (2.5 hours by road), both offering domestic connections throughout Turkey. Public minibuses (dolmuş) regularly run between the town center and the ferry terminal. If arriving by car, there are several paid parking areas near the ferry port, though it's advisable to arrive early during summer months when spaces fill quickly.

Nestled along Turkey's northwestern Aegean coast, Ayvalik enchants visitors with its blend of Greek architectural heritage and Turkish coastal charm. This historic port town sits amid olive groves and azure waters, creating a picturesque setting that has attracted travelers for generations. As a vital ferry connection point to Greek islands, Ayvalik offers the perfect balance of authentic Turkish culture, stunning natural landscapes, and maritime convenience.

Ayvalik enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The prime time to visit is between May and October when temperatures range from 22-32°C (72-90°F) and ferry services operate at their highest frequency. July and August bring the warmest weather and largest crowds, while June and September offer pleasantly warm conditions with fewer tourists. The International Ayvalik Music Festival in July attracts music lovers, while the autumn olive harvest season provides a glimpse into local agricultural traditions. Winter visits (November-March) offer peaceful exploration but with reduced ferry schedules.

Ayvalik serves as an excellent gateway to several captivating Aegean destinations. The Greek island of Lesvos (Mytilene) is just a 1.5-hour ferry journey away, offering visitors Byzantine castles, ouzo distilleries, and volcanic landscapes. Closer to home, the peaceful Cunda Island (Alibey Island) is accessible via a causeway or short boat trip, rewarding visitors with charming streets and excellent seafood restaurants. The nearby Sarımsaklı Peninsula, with its 7km stretch of golden beaches, makes for an ideal day trip. For those seeking natural beauty, ferry excursions to the secluded bays of the Ayvalik Islands Nature Park showcase the region's unspoiled coastal splendor.

Ayvalik's historic center invites exploration with its narrow streets lined with well-preserved stone houses, former Greek Orthodox churches, and bustling markets. The Thursday market transforms the town center into a vibrant bazaar where local produce, textiles, and crafts create a feast for the senses. Culinary enthusiasts shouldn't miss sampling Ayvalik's famous olive oil, toasted sandwiches (Ayvalik tostu), and fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants. Just outside town, the Devil's Table (Şeytan Sofrası) viewpoint offers panoramic vistas across the archipelago, especially magical at sunset. Water lovers can enjoy diving expeditions to explore underwater caves and ancient shipwrecks in the crystal-clear Aegean waters.

Ayvalik was once predominantly Greek until the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey, which explains its distinctive architecture and continued cultural influences. The town produces some of Turkey's finest olive oil, with approximately 2.5 million olive trees surrounding the region, many of which are centuries old. Ayvalik's name derives from the Turkish word for quince (ayva), though ironically the area is now known for olives rather than quince production. The town's former cigarette factory, built in 1884, has been transformed into a cultural center that hosts exhibitions and events celebrating local heritage.