Ayvalik

Description

Ayvalık is one of the most popular coastal tourist destinations of Asia Minor. The town was also named as Kydonies; its name was common to both the Greek population that lived there and the Turkish, because of the abundance of quinces and cockles in the area (Kydoni in greek and Ayva in turkish, means both quince and cockle in the Greek and the Turkish language). Ayvalik is a destination with many attractions. The Old Town, with its special architectural houses preserved until today or under restoration in order for most od them to operate as traditional guesthouses. The famous market and the large bazaar with all kinds of things, from clothes and jewellery to all kinds of local products, delicacies and wines. In the city center, between the shops and traditional cafes, dominate the Saint George orthodox church with neoclassical elements, now converted into a mosque, the Tsinarli Mosque, St. John, also an orthodox church of exceptional architectur, whis has now become the Saatlı Mosque, the orthodox Church of Taxiarchis (St. Michael) as well as the Holy Water of Agia Fotini where locals until today believe gushing spring water. If one follows the seaside road, he meets the most beautiful district of the city, Tsamlik suburb. Some of its highlights are the wide streets that have names of flowers (Rose Street, Chrysanthemum Street, etc.) and also the beautiful neoclassic mansions with special decoration and large gardens. After crossing the suburb, visitors finally find themselves in the beautiful sandy beaches. One should also visit Cunda , a small island connected to Ayvalık with a bridge. Also, outside the city, high in the mountains, is the famous Table of the Devil that every visitor should see. Legend says that this is the footprint of the Devil when he passed there from Mytilene. What should not be missed, is the view from Ayvalik characterized by the deep blue Aegean Sea. At the end of the day, the sunset, either from the Old City or from the Devil`s Foot, is something so unique that every visitor must experience.