A Guide To Turkey's Cunda Island
Formerly inhabited by a large Greek population when it became the official seat of a Greek Orthodox metropolitan bishop in 1922, Cunda is the largest of the Ayvalık islands, located between Greece and Turkey. Nowadays, the beautiful stone houses with colorful shutters and the island’s main landmark, the Taksiarchis Church, are the only reminder of the past. With its olive trees, small fishermen’s boats bobbing around in the sea, and winding cobblestoned streets, Cunda Island is an undeniably heavenly place that is waiting to be discovered.
1. Otel Sobe
Distillery
Otel Sobe
Located in the town center, Otel Sobe is housed in what used to be a wine distillery in the 19th century. Today, the renovated surfaces have allowed for the stone walls to remain, updated with ceiling windows and plenty of local charm in terms of décor. The beautiful stone house also has a garden and offers transportation to the gorgeous Sobe private beach in the summer months.
Namık Kemal Mah. Hayat Cad. No:5 Cunda Adası, +90 266 327 31 02
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2. Lavanta Cunda
Lavanta Cunda
There’s no way to miss Lavanta Cunda, which stands out with its purple shutters. This beautifully renovated local stone house was originally built in 1893 and has managed to preserve its Greek Orthodox nostalgia. The high ceiling rooms are all individually decorated, while the scent of mandarin and lemon trees from the garden enter from the open windows.
Mithatpaşa Mah. Hayat Cad. No: 20, Cunda Adası, +90 266 327 27 85
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Ayna Restaurant
Owned by the charming family behind Kürşat Olive Oils (who make the best olive oil in Ayvalık), Ayna only uses the freshest ingredients straight from the island. You’ll feast on delicious local recipes such as sea bass marinated in lemon juice, Cretan style baby zucchini, sardines wrapped in vine leaves, and much much more.
Çarşı Cadde No: 22, Cunda Adası, +90 266 327 27 25
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3. Taş Kahve
Taş Kahve
The island’s most popular café has been operated by the same family for three generations. Located in the town center, Taş Kahve is known for its excellent breakfast with the menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and green peppers) coming highly recommended.
Sahil Boyu No. 20, Cunda Adası, +90 266 327 11 66
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4. Bay Nihat
Restaurant
Bay Nihat
Certainly the most established seafood restaurant on the island, Bay Nihat serves up the freshest daily catch from the sea as well as delicious meze varieties that are made perfectly. Make sure to ask for an outside table so you can have sea views until the sun goes down.
Sahil Yolu No.21, Cunda Adası, +90 266 327 10 63
https://instagram.com/p/BF9KTC2jW7F/
5. Taksiyarhis Church
Church, Museum
Taksiyarhis Church
The island’s main historical landmark is a 19th century church, which was restored by the Rahmi M. Koç Museum and Culture Foundation to serve as a museum and venue for arts and culture events. Its beautiful interior still has frescoes depicting the life of Jesus Christ and intricate marble designs.
İsmetpaşa, Arası, Mareşal Fevzi Çakmak Cd. 11. Sk, Cunda Adası
Taksiyarhis Church/Wikimedia
6. Sevim Necdet Kent Kitaplığı
Church, Library, Shop
Sevim Necdet Kent Kitaplığı
This former church and windmill was renovated to become a library, souvenir shop and café, with a beautiful view of the island and sea. The library houses the political book collection belonging to Necdet Kent, a diplomat who put his life at risk to save Turkish Jews during WWII.
Garip Sokak Aralığı No.5, Cunda Adası, +90 266 327 33 00
Sevim Necdet Kent Kitaplığı | © Esin Üstün/Flickr
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