Cunda Island, or its other name “Alibey Island“, is the fourth biggest island on the Aegean coast and it’s in Ayvalık, Balıkesir, Turkey. As a little island, it has a Greek atmosphere and the roads, houses and shops are an instance of Greek life. Whilst Büyükada and Heybeliada are a mixture of Greek and Ottoman lifestyles, Cunda has more of the Greek culture. On the shores of the island, old but precious, and wealthy-looking mansions are the proof of that truth. Also narrow and cobblestone roads are a classic. As opposed to Istanbul or Balıkesir, life in the city flows at a slow pace.

Cunda Island can be called “Alibey Island, or Cunda Alibey Island“. The name Ali bey comes from the first shooter to the invaders in the period of War of Independence. Ali bey was a Turkish lieutenant colonel and his name was given after his work for the area. Today both names are used frequently.

Cunda Island’s Importance Throughout the History

The first residences on Cunda Island date back to 1500 years. In those times, the island was occupied by Greeks mostly even if the island has a little Turkish community, and they called the island “Moschonisi” which means “perfumed island”. Indeed, the island is covered with wildflowers, unlike other islands in Ayvalık so that’s why the island was named like that.

Cunda Island, Ayvalık also gained importance with what it serves its visitors. In 1889, the city became a bigger city and produces its olive oils, soaps and vines. The city made its name remarkable and sold its goods to people who are even not from Ayvalık or near cities. Thus, the island and Ayvalık became a commerce center.

Ayvalık has a modern village look and that feature gives Ayvalık a touristic aura. On the stone roads of the island, you can go for a walk, see the old but Greek-style mansions and enjoy the weather, especially summer times.

Notable Destinations in Cunda Island

The island is popular with its cafes, more than one church, beaches and museums. Apparently, a trip to Cunda Island will keep you busy with traveling. First of all, a precious sightseeing spot is Lover’s Hill. Lover’s Hill is an observation terrace, where you can watch the amazing view of Cunda Island and the Marmara Sea. The terrace possesses a cafeteria and library in it and the view serves the scene of the other islands of Ayvalık.

Taş Café is a popular eating and drinking spot for everyone. Every tourist or local supposes to visit there, eat or drink. Taş Café is the most popular café there. The café also sells olive oil, olive, Turkish coffee and other kinds, and the most important offer, shopping is not only in its place, you can order them online. The café also serves the best fish of the seasons, a wide range of meat species, daily-prepared mezes and, also alcoholic beverages. Plus, Taş Café has a hotel that cooperates with the café. You can stay in the hotel, and enjoy the trip to Cunda Island.

One of the most important touristic destinations in Cunda Island is the Taxiarchis Rahmi Koç Museum. The museum was a Greek Orthodox church and it is assumed to be built in 1873 when on the island 100.000 Greeks lived. In 1927 the church was converted to a mosque, as in Islam, it is not appropriate to pray while there is a face around the prayer place. That’s why the heads of the people on the walls of the church were missing. Later on, a severe earthquake damaged the whole church in 1944, and it was abandoned till 2011. In that year, Rahmi Koç Foundation, which is a charity foundation of leading holding in Turkey renovated the church. The renovation was applied to the plan of the first form of the church, and today it looks like the same church before the earthquake and converting to the mosque. the church is used as a museum today and you can see tons of old daily life tools, such as the sewing machine, the first invented photograph apparatuses, ship curios, the first cars, the miniature of the building of museum and so on. The museum can be a perfect choice to realize the historical status of the island.

Lastly, Cunda Island’s beaches are the best! The island is assumed little, yet it has too many beaches to enjoy. For instance, Çataltepe Beach is generally preferred by locals, yet it has a calm and warm sea. The beach is not too crowded and the sea is waveless. Ortunç Bay is also the cleaner beach in Cunda. Swimming in Ortunç Bay is pretty enjoyable, since you will see the sea on your front, and when you turn back, you will see a forest. Even if it is the two of them are mentioned, there are more beaches on Cunda Island.

So How to Get to Cunda Island?

Even if it is an island, it is easy to reach there, since it is connected with a highway bridge to Ayvalık. If you have a car, you can go to Ayvalık in Balıkesir, and then pass to Cunda Island using that highway. Besides, you can pass to Cunda Island with the buses of the municipality which are 10 and 20. Hope you have a wonderful journey on Cunda Island!

Where is Cunda Alibey Island?

Cunda Island is in Ayvalık, Balıkesir, Turkey.

What are the things to do in Cunda Island?

On Cunda Island, you can watch the view from the Lover’s Hill, eat and drink in Taş Café, spend the night in the hotel, walk inside and see the items in Rahmi Koç Museum, and swim in the best beaches of the island.

What are the near places on Cunda Island?

Cunda Despot House, Ayışığı Monastery, Sevim and Necdet City Library are the important places in Cunda Island.

You can visit Teknevia for take information about boat rental.