Distinguish the two Taxiarchis sites
The memorial museum in town is run by the ministry; the historic church on Cunda houses the Rahmi M. Koç Museum.
Do not interchange their tickets or addresses.
Aegean · Northern Aegean Coast
Ayvalık–Cunda
Stone lanes, two distinct Taxiarchis buildings and shores facing the islands
Time1–2 days
WhenSpring / autumn
Stops8
How much time do you have?
Stone streets in the centre
Stone streets in the centre · 09:00–13:00 · Level walking
- Ayvalık Bazaar and Stone Streets50 min stay
- Taxiarchis Memorial Museum45 min stay
- Saatli Mosque25 min stay
- Photo not availableÇınarlı Mosque25 min stay
- Ayvalık Waterfront40 min stay
Use Tuesday–Sunday. Enter the memorial museum and view the mosques from outside; finish in the centre for lunch.
Cunda and the southern shore
Cunda and the southern shore · 09:00–15:40 · Includes uphill stops
- Taxiarchis Memorial Museum45 min stay
- Cunda Rahmi M. Koç Museum60 min stay
- Sarımsaklı Shore60 min stay
- Şeytan Sofrası Viewpoint40 min stay
Tuesday–Sunday; lunch after Cunda, then drive to Sarımsaklı. Confirm access to Şeytan Sofrası; stay on the public approach if closed.
Bazaar to waterfront
Bazaar to waterfront · 17:30–19:20 · Level walking
Public streets and waterfront, without relying on museums or shops being open.
All stops 8
- Ayvalık Bazaar and Stone Streets50 min · Level walk · Morning or late afternoon for a cooler walk.
- Taxiarchis Memorial Museum45 min · Level walk · Morning, after walking through the bazaar.
- Saatli Mosque25 min · Level walk · Daylight for viewing the tower and façade from the street.
- Photo not availableÇınarlı Mosque25 min · Level walk · During a morning walk to view the exterior.
- Cunda Rahmi M. Koç Museum60 min · Moderate slope · Soon after opening, before walking around the island settlement.
- Şeytan Sofrası Viewpoint40 min · Moderate slope · Towards sunset, arranging the return around available daylight.
- Sarımsaklı Shore60 min · Level walk · In cooler hours with weather suitable for walking.
- Ayvalık Waterfront40 min · Level walk · Late afternoon or towards sunset.
Before you go
Getting there & around
Use short walks in the centre. Travel to Cunda by road and allow separate driving time for Sarımsaklı and Şeytan Sofrası. Check the last dolmuş service before setting out.
Where to stay
- A central base
Choose somewhere near the start of your walk; confirm room and transport details with the property.
What to eat, when to visit
Lunch break
Wind on the shore and rain on stone streets may affect walking. Reserve the hottest part of a summer day for a break.
4 visitor tips
Check Mondays
Both museums publish Monday closures. Use the museum itineraries from Tuesday to Sunday.
Check holiday and special-day arrangements separately.
Link the shores by vehicle
Cunda, the centre and Sarımsaklı do not form a short walking route. The full day includes vehicle transfers and a lunch break.
Arrange the return from Şeytan Sofrası before reaching the hill.
Look at façades from the street
Houses are lived in, and mosque visits depend on worship arrangements. View exteriors from public streets.
Leave doorways and entrances clear.
Through the day
- 09:00 · Bazaar lanes · Ayvalık Bazaar and Stone Streets
Distances are short but invite frequent stops; wear comfortable shoes for stone paving.
- 10:30 · Museum on Cunda · Cunda Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Allow a vehicle transfer to Cunda and a final walk through the lanes; do not plan a Monday visit.
- 13:15 · Shore walk · Sarımsaklı Shore
Sand slows the walk; shorten the distance according to wind and weather.
- 18:40 · Beside the sea · Ayvalık Waterfront
Watch for road crossings and business entrances along the shore; night swimming is not part of this plan.