Where is Cunda Island and How to Go? What are the places to visit in Cunda Island?

Where is Cunda Island?

Due to its location, Cunda island is an island connected to the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir province of Turkey.

In Ayvalık Bay, there are 22 islands of all sizes within the Ayvalık Islands. Cunda Island has taken its place among these islands and is known as the only island open to settlement.

It is the fourth largest island of Turkey in the Aegean Sea.

Cunda Island is also located at the intersection of sea routes in Western Anatolia due to its location.

The first largest island of Turkey in the Aegean Sea is Gökçeada, the second largest island is Bozca island, the third largest island is Uzun island and the fourth largest island is Cunda island or Ali Bey island with its other name.

The connection of Cunda island to the mainland is provided by two big bridges. The first Bosphorus bridge, built in 1964 and located around the Dolap Bosphorus, connects Cunda Island and Lale Island.

How to go to Cunda Island?

The way to Cunda Island varies according to the region. In terms of convenience, land, sea and air routes can be used depending on the location.

For example, if you are going to go to Cunda island from Istanbul and you prefer to use the sea route, you need to come to Balıkesir with IDO ferries. Then you can reach Ayvalık district and Cunda island from Balikesir province.

If you want to go to Cunda island by road and with your own vehicle, you need to reach Ayvalık directly. Afterwards, you can reach the island of Cunda by going 8 kilometers further, provided that you use the Bosphorus Bridge.

If you want to come to Cunda island from a much longer distance, you have to land at Balikesir airport by using the airway. Afterwards, you can go to Ayvalık district and then to Cunda island by using the highway.

What are the places to visit in Cunda Island?

We have included the following places in the list of places to visit on the island of Cunda, and the names of the places on this list are listed as follows:

Cunda Beach

Lovers Hill

Taksiyarhis Church

Cunda Beach Bazaar

Stone Brown

Despot Evi

Moonlight Monastery

Madhouse Island

Ayvalik Center

There is Camping

We have listed 10 magnificent places that must be visited on the island of Cunda for you. Every place has its own beauty and history.

Cunda beach is one of the most preferred places. The beach is quite lively and passes as Mevlana Street and is closed to vehicle traffic. It is one of the most ideal places for those who want to take a walk along the beach.

If you want to watch the scenery while you are on the island of Cunda, all you have to do is stop by the Lovers‘ Hill. The view of Cunda, Ayvalık and the surrounding islands can be seen from this hill.

Stone coffee is known as the most popular place of Cunda island. The famous coffee is located right in the middle of the beach. If you want to relax and have a drink, you can sip your coffee accompanied by the magnificent sea view.

Unknown Features of Cunda Island

Among the features of Cunda island are the unique view of the Lovers Hill, which is on the list of places to visit, the splendor of the Cunda coast, the extensive culture of the churches and monasteries, cobblestones, stone houses, and stone architecture.

It has become the attractive center of the Marmara region and developed by being preferred for tourism purposes.

Cunda island closes the Ayvalık district to the open sea. At the same time, Cunda island creates a unique image by sealing Ayvalık district after the sea. Looking at this island from the Ayvalık district, the Dalyan Strait on the left and the Dolap Strait on the right can be seen.

Cunda Island History

Cunda island is known as the island opposite the Ayvalık district. It is thought to be Galat in the Yunda Islands, which is mentioned in the Kitab-ı Bahriye of Piri Reis in history.

There is also a reason why the island of Cunda was named Ali Bey. According to history, Ali Bey is the heroic commander who resisted the enemy troops after the national liberation.

The name of Cunda Island, on the other hand, came from the word „Moshonis“, which means fragrant island, according to the information in the history.

This island and its surroundings were known as Ekatonisos by Herodotus before Christ. Strabo, who was a geographer, also said, „Ekatos is none other than Apollo and is a highly blessed god.“ Upon this statement, the island began to be called Moshonisia.

There are two different ideas in history within the name Moshos. One of the ideas is the fragrances emanating from the local plants. The second is the information that he was inspired by a pirate named Moshos, who lived in the local islands in ancient times.