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How to Get to Cunda Island? What to Eat on Cunda Island, Where to Swim? Cunda Travel Guide

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Ömer Faruk Kino
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Cunda, the largest island of Ayvalık, also known as Alibey Island, awaits you for an unforgettable holiday. In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about the island and offer a full plan for a day in Cunda. We discover the answers to questions such as what to eat in Cunda, what the island is famous for, where the must-see places are, and which are the most beautiful bays to swim in. If you are ready, let's set off to this unique island where green and blue are intertwined.

So, how to get to Cunda? Where to swim? Here are all the details ...

General Information About Cunda Island

General Information About Cunda Island Görseli

Cunda Island, also known as Alibey Island, is connected to the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir and is the largest and the only inhabited island of the region. The island, which attracts attention with its cobbled stone roads, historical architecture and narrow streets, is flooded by tourists especially in summer. It is possible to encounter impressive examples of Greek architecture in these streets where time flows slowly. This peaceful atmosphere, combined with the unique flavours of Aegean cuisine, makes Cunda the address of an unforgettable holiday.

Cunda, which contains all the colours of nature, offers a completely different experience to every visitor with its cultural and gastronomic richness. Get ready to immerse yourself in the cool waters of the sea in the bays of the island.

Where is Cunda Island?

Cunda Island is located in the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir province on the Aegean coast. Located approximately 8 km from the centre of Ayvalık, the island is one of the 22 islands in the region. Built in 1964, thanks to the bridge built in Turkey's first and only island with a road connection also has the title.

How to get to Cunda?

Thanks to the highway connection, it is very easy to reach Cunda. You can reach the island in about 2 hours (130-135 km) from the centre of Balıkesir and in 10-15 minutes by private car from Ayvalık.

  • Approximately 420 km from Istanbul to Cunda (6-7 hours)

  • Approximately 160 km from Izmir to Cunda (2-2,5 hours)

  • Approximately 735 km from Ankara to Cunda (7-8 hours)

After reaching Ayvalık, you can go directly to the island via the Ayvalık-Cunda Bridge, Turkey's first Bosphorus Bridge. It is also possible to reach the island by minibuses or taxis departing from the city centre. In the summer months, sea travelling by boat and motorboat departing from Ayvalık can also be a nostalgic alternative.

What is Cunda Famous for?

  • Greek Architecture: With its colourful shuttered houses, stone streets and historical texture, every corner of Cunda is almost like an open-air museum.

  • Taksiyarhis Church (Rahmi Koç Museum): The church, which opened its doors as a museum in 2014 after restoration, reveals the cultural richness of the island.

  • Lovers Hill and Windmill: It is one of the most beautiful spots to watch the sunset, watch the surrounding islands and witness the dance of blue and green.

  • Despot House: Built in the 19th century by the Greek Orthodox Archbishop, this two-storey building attracts attention with its decorations and architecture. After being idle for many years, it was restored and converted into a hotel.

  • Patriça Bay, Ortunç Bay and Ada Camping: These bays, which are reached by roads passing through olive groves, define peace with their silence and clear sea.

List of Things to Do in Cunda

  • Walking through the narrow streets bearing the traces of Greek architecture and taking photos

  • Dining in a restaurant overlooking the sea at sunset

  • Take a boat trip and explore the surrounding islands

  • Spending time with night entertainment and music

  • Shopping for handmade souvenirs in the jewellery bazaar

  • Cool off by swimming in the clear bays of Cunda

  • Buying olives, olive oil and soaps specific to the region

What to Eat in Cunda?

  • Seafood: Be sure to try fresh flavours such as grilled octopus, shrimp casserole, stuffed mussels and papalina fish.

  • Aegean Herbs and Appetisers: Sea cowpea, radicchio, shawketi bostan, fava, stuffed zucchini blossom and Cretan pate should take their place on the tables.

  • Cretan Cuisine: Olive oil dishes and special appetisers are a must for dinner.

  • Curd Dessert: This dessert, made with curd cheese, stands out as one of the symbols of Ayvalık.

  • Gummy Desserts: Gummy pudding and mastic jam form the sweet memory of the island.

  • Other Flavours: Ayvalık toast, lokma dessert and Cretan ice cream are among the must-taste flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cunda

Can you swim in Cunda?

Of course you can! Patriça Bay, Ortunç Bay and Duba Beach on Lale Island are ideal for swimming.

Where to stay in Cunda?

In addition to the hotels in Sarımsaklı and Ayvalık, there are many accommodation options such as stone house pensions and boutique hotels in Cunda.

The best time for a holiday in Cunda?

The period between May and October is the most ideal time. While July and August are busy, June and September are perfect for those looking for a quieter holiday.

What to buy in Cunda?

Olive oil, soaps, handcrafted jewellery, magnets, mastic jam and Saganaki cheese, unique to Ayvalık, should be on your shopping list.

Which is the nearest airport to Ayvalık?

The nearest airport is Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport. Alternatively, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport can also be preferred.

What to do in 1 day in Cunda?

If you only have one day, it is imperative to utilise every minute of this small but full island! Here is a suggested route for one day:

08:00 - Aegean Breakfast

  • Start the day with breakfast with plenty of olive oil. Or you can also opt for a quick Ayvalık toast.

09:00 - Enjoy a cup of coffee at Taş Kahve

  • Sip traditional coffee ground in a 150-year-old dibek stone at the historic Taş Kahve.

10:00 - History Tour

  • The Church of Taksiyarhis, Despot House, cobbled streets and Greek houses are great routes for photography.

12:00 - Shopping Time

  • You can find soaps, jewellery, ceramics, local products and souvenirs in Cunda bazaar. Don't forget to shop for gum jam, olives and olive oil.

13:30 - Cooling Time

  • Cunda's beaches and bays are perfect for cooling off during the hot hours. If you are in winter, a walk on the beach is also a nice alternative.

16:30 - Lunch

  • Have a delicious fish feast with olive oil appetisers by the sea. If you are not staying here in the evening, this meal is very important.

18:00 - Dessert Break

  • Sweeten the day with gummy ice cream, curd dessert or gummy custard. The cafes in Cunda Square are perfect for this job.

18:30 - Sunset Watch

  • The Windmill and Sevim & Necdet Kent Library on Aşıklar Hill is one of the most beautiful spots on the island to watch the sunset.

NOTE: The 1-day holiday route in Cunda has been made considering that you will not stay here. If you are staying on the island, don't forget to check out the fish restaurants for a nice dinner on the island.