Wakacje Ayvalık - holidays and trips
In brief
- 13-km long, wide, sandy beach Sarimsakli
- a beautiful coral reef and good conditions for windsurfing
- close to the ancient city of Troy, Pergamon and Assos
- restaurants serving delicious seafood
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Holidays (124) All Inclusive (98) Rejsy (6) Last Minute (26)Located by the blue sea, the resort attracts with its sandy beaches, sunny weather and scenic views. The developed tourist infrastructure, good conditions for watersports and the famous ancient cities create the perfect recipe for a wonderful and diverse holiday.
Ayvalik is a seaside destination located on the northern coast of the Aegean Sea. Once a fishing village, today a popular resort, which is developing from year to year, expanding its hotel-tourist infrastructure. Interestingly, tourists from Poland came here for holidays already back in the 1980s. Ayvalik is famous for its wonderful sandy beaches, of which the 13-kilometre long wide Sarmsakli beach deserves special attention - the only one like this in Aegean Turkey. From the land it is surrounded by scenic hills covered pine and olive trees, from the sea it delights with a beautiful view of the Greek island of Lesbos, where the famous poet Sappho live. It is surrounded by an archipelago of islands, the largest of which is Cunda, connected with the mainland by a bridge. The city is also known for the production of high quality olive oil and restaurants serving delicious seafood. One of the most popular local snacks is the famous Ayvalik tost served with Turkish sausage, cheese and tomato. But this is not only the dream place for blissful laziness and culinary experiences - Ayvalik is also attractive for enthusiasts of windsurfing and snorkelling.
Thanks to the good weather conditions, the beautiful coral reef and extensive infrastructure, fans of watersports and active leisure will find the perfect spots for themselves. The city is also a great starting point for visiting the surrounding areas - it is located near Troy, Pergamon and Assos – three important ancient cities, which attract enthusiasts of ancient history from all over the world with ruins and archaeological stands. Ayvalik itself also has a rich history – initially the Greek Eolos settled here, later the city passed successively to Roman rule, Byzantine rule and Ottoman rule, and at the beginning of the 20th century mainly Greeks inhabited it, leaving behind distinctive buildings in the city. Shopping lovers will certainly appreciate the local bazaar - a market takes place here every Thursday, which is a great opportunity to purchase local products and souvenirs.
Pilot: tourists are looked after by a Polish resident, whose tasks include help upon arrival, departure and stay, as well as registration for local trips.
Visa: required; tourist visa is valid 90 days for a period of 180 days (the visa entitles you to repeatedly cross the border); to obtain a visa, your passport must meet the following requirements:
- validity at entrance: 60 days from the date of expiry of the visa
- at least one blank page
A tourist visa must be obtained through the E-visa system (https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/; cost: 20 USD/person). It is also possible to purchase a visa upon arrival in Turkey at sales points at border crossing points (cost respectively: 30 USD/25 EUR/20 GBP/person, payable in cash). It is recommended to purchase visas via the electronic system. When crossing the Turkish border the person entering may be asked to submit valid medical insurance (for Itaka Customers it is the travel document that contains the insurance certificate no.) or proof of means of subsistence.
Temporary passport holders cannot obtain a visa in the E-visa system or at the border.
Local time: GMT+2
Language: Turkish; communication in English is also possible, more and more frequently in Polish.
Currency: Turkish lira (TRY); 1 EUR = approx. 18 TRY.
Tips: the rule applies that you give as much as you can afford. Earnings in Turkey are low and tips are often a great financial help. It is customary to tip drivers on local trips and waiters - approx. 5-10%.
Flight duration: Poland–Izmir - approx. 2h 30 min.
All Inclusive: in Turkey the all inclusive offer covers only meals and local drinks in limited hours, usually from 10.00 to 23.00. Any extra benefits like sports, safety deposit boxes, massages, saunas, and even the mini-bar are additionally payable. It is worth knowing that aside from imported drinks, freshly squeezed juices and Turkish coffee are also additionally payable.
Local trips: organised by local tourist agencies on terms specified by them. There is a possibility, that if there are too few participants, a trip may be cancelled.
You can always find up to date information about security in this country on your Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Ayvalik City Tour - an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the most interesting places and monuments of Ayvalik and the surrounding areas, as well as to purchase typical Turkish products. The programme includes a visit to the hill Table of Satan, which overlooks the surrounding Turkish Islands and the Island of Lesbos. Then a stroll through the streets of Ayvalik, visiting the mosque and Greek-Catholic church, and drive up to Paradise Hill, from where you can admire the panoramic view of Ayvalik and the surrounding islands. At the end, a visit to the picturesque Island of Cunda. Price – approx. 30 EUR.
Ephesus - the best preserved ancient city in Turkey, was an important religious centre, commercial and social development of the ancient world. Exploring the impressive remains of the city, among others, the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Domitian, Celsus library, baths and the theatre. A visit to the chapel built on the foundations of the house, where according to legend, the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Price – approx. 65 EUR.
Troy - CANAKKALE - a trip to one of the oldest cities in Turkey, the history of which has been described in Homer's "Iliad". Touring the citadel, the Temple of Athena, the city walls, a house that is almost 4500 years old and Kassandra's well. Transport to Canakkale. A visit to the citadel of Mehmet the Conqueror and the Maritime Museum. Lunch. Then a cruise to the other side of the Dardanelles Strait and visiting the fortified complex of Suleiman the Magnificent. Possibility to take photos by the famous model of the Trojan horse in the heart of Canakkale, used in the filming of the movie "Troy". Price – approx. 65 EUR.
Pamukkale - a trip that combines elements of history with admiring nature. A walk among the world-unique snow-white terraces known as the cotton fortress. The beneficial effects of the water from the springs was already known in Roman times. Exploring the ancient Hierapolis with the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, nymphaeum, theatre and necropolis. Price – approx. 64 EUR.
Assos - Behramkale - an ancient city built in the 7th century BC by the Greek tribe of Aeolians and the place of Aristotoles establishing the school of philosophy. A stroll through the charming streets with stone houses of the village of Behramkale. Then a visit to the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena Polias, which offers amazing views of the Greek island of Lesbos. Lunch. Relaxation time on the beach in Kadirga bay. Price – approx. 65 EUR.
Lesbos - one of the most intriguing Greek Islands, where the poet Sappho once live, famous for her weakness for women. A visit to Mandamados and visiting the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, where countless wonders were to be done. Drive to the historic town of Molyvos. Visiting the Genoa fortress, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Free time for lunch and sunbathing. Then transfer to Petra - a settlement named after the great rock monolith with buildings from the 16th century. 114 steps up to the church with the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of the Sweet Kiss. Price – approx. 65 EUR.
Boat cruise - cruise lasting a few hours around the most beautiful bays and islets around Ayvalik. Time to relax, swimming, sunbathing and rest after a night of partying. Price – approx. 45 EUR.
Jeep Safari - great four-wheel-drive fun in "off road" style. Be sure to bring your camera! Price – approx. 28 EUR.
Diving - an opportunity to discover the beautiful underwater world of the Aegean Sea and admire clusters of red coral. Safe expedition both for experienced and amateur divers. Price – approx. 55 EUR.
Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.
Ayvalik City Tour - an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the most interesting places and monuments of Ayvalik and the surrounding areas, as well as to purchase typical Turkish products. The programme includes a visit to the hill Table of Satan, which overlooks the surrounding Turkish Islands and the Island of Lesbos. Then a stroll through the streets of Ayvalik, visiting the mosque and Greek-Catholic church, and drive up to Paradise Hill, from where you can admire the panoramic view of Ayvalik and the surrounding islands. At the end, a visit to the picturesque Island of Cunda. Price – approx. 30 EUR.
Ephesus - the best preserved ancient city in Turkey, was an important religious centre, commercial and social development of the ancient world. Exploring the impressive remains of the city, among others, the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Domitian, Celsus library, baths and the theatre. A visit to the chapel built on the foundations of the house, where according to legend, the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Price – approx. 65 EUR.
Troy - CANAKKALE - a trip to one of the oldest cities in Turkey, the history of which has been described in Homer's "Iliad". Touring the citadel, the Temple of Athena, the city walls, a house that is almost 4500 years old and Kassandra's well. Transport to Canakkale. A visit to the citadel of Mehmet the Conqueror and the Maritime Museum. Lunch. Then a cruise to the other side of the Dardanelles Strait and visiting the fortified complex of Suleiman the Magnificent. Possibility to take photos by the famous model of the Trojan horse in the heart of Canakkale, used in the filming of the movie "Troy". Price – approx. 65 EUR.
Pamukkale - a trip that combines elements of history with admiring nature. A walk among the world-unique snow-white terraces known as the cotton fortress. The beneficial effects of the water from the springs was already known in Roman times. Exploring the ancient Hierapolis with the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, nymphaeum, theatre and necropolis. Price – approx. 64 EUR.
Assos - Behramkale - an ancient city built in the 7th century BC by the Greek tribe of Aeolians and the place of Aristotoles establishing the school of philosophy. A stroll through the charming streets with stone houses of the village of Behramkale. Then a visit to the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena Polias, which offers amazing views of the Greek island of Lesbos. Lunch. Relaxation time on the beach in Kadirga bay. Price – approx. 65 EUR.
Lesbos - one of the most intriguing Greek Islands, where the poet Sappho once live, famous for her weakness for women. A visit to Mandamados and visiting the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, where countless wonders were to be done. Drive to the historic town of Molyvos. Visiting the Genoa fortress, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Free time for lunch and sunbathing. Then transfer to Petra - a settlement named after the great rock monolith with buildings from the 16th century. 114 steps up to the church with the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of the Sweet Kiss. Price – approx. 65 EUR.
Boat cruise - cruise lasting a few hours around the most beautiful bays and islets around Ayvalik. Time to relax, swimming, sunbathing and rest after a night of partying. Price – approx. 45 EUR.
Jeep Safari - great four-wheel-drive fun in "off road" style. Be sure to bring your camera! Price – approx. 28 EUR.
Diving - an opportunity to discover the beautiful underwater world of the Aegean Sea and admire clusters of red coral. Safe expedition both for experienced and amateur divers. Price – approx. 55 EUR.
Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.