A Guide to Visiting Cunda Island: Location and Top Attractions
Cunda Island is a beautiful island located in the Aegean Sea and connected to the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir province in Turkey. It is known as the only island open to settlement among the 22 islands in Ayvalık Bay. With its rich history and culture, Cunda Island is one of the must-visit destinations in Turkey.
To get to Cunda Island, visitors can choose between land, sea, and air routes. If traveling from Istanbul, the best way is to take the sea route by IDO ferries to Balikesir province and then reach Ayvalık district and Cunda Island. Travelers can also go by road with their own vehicles or use the airway to reach Balikesir airport and then travel to Ayvalık district and Cunda Island by highway.
There are many places to visit on the island, including Cunda Beach, Lovers Hill, Taksiyarhis Church, Cunda Beach Bazaar, Stone Brown, Despot Evi, Moonlight Monastery, Madhouse Island, Ayvalik Center, and Camping. Each place has its own unique beauty and history, and visitors can spend days exploring them.
Cunda Island also has some unknown features, such as the unique view of Lovers Hill, the splendor of the Cunda coast, the extensive culture of churches and monasteries, cobblestones, stone houses, and stone architecture. The island is known for its fragrant plants, which have given it the name “Moshonis,” meaning fragrant island.
The island has a rich history dating back to ancient times, and it was known as Ekatonisos by Herodotus before Christ. It is said that the name Moshos was inspired by a pirate who lived on the local islands in ancient times.
Cunda Island is a perfect destination for those looking for a peaceful place to relax and explore. With its stunning beaches, rich culture, and fascinating history, it is definitely worth a visit.
