Cunda

Also known as Alibey Island, Cunda is located just offshore from the North Aegean Coast town of Ayvalık and is easily accessible from the mainland by a causeway.

The island's historic old town contains many remnants of Ottoman Greek architecture and is the top purposeless strolling territory. The most beautiful building is the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangel, which is used as a museum now.

Many people make the short trip to the island from Ayvalık just to enjoy the great dining scene. Plenty of cafes and restaurants specialize in Aegean-style dining, blending elements of both traditional Cretan and Turkish cuisine.

Much of the western part of the island is the protected Ayvalık Adaları Nature Park, where a trail leads through pine forests to the ruins of a Greek Orthodox monastery. The west coast is home to the island's main beaches, which are popular swimming stops with boat tours from Ayvalık, as well as those staying on the island. Orchis Otel is set inside a traditional stone-cut house, just 50 meters from Ayvalık harbor and the ferry to Cunda. Rooms combine modern boutique hotel style with traditional touches for old-world charm.

Location: Ayvalık Islands archipelago, Turkey