Ayvalık

Under this heading, we will cover the waters between Edremit Gulf and Dikili Strait.

The main center of the region is Ayvalık Town. In front of this town there is a large inner harbor, smaller cove-type harbors connected to it in the south, two passages providing access to the inner harbor, and many large and small islands and coves outside.

For the region, descriptions such as "shallow, deep, wooded, bare, with current, calm" generally cannot be used alone.

All these descriptions find their match in different areas intertwined according to locations.

In summary, the region; contains all conditions in its seas. You can find these different features in the details of the region's coves.

When entering the inner harbors; on the west side one passes through Dalyan Strait. The narrow and long strait is passed leaving Alibey Island to port and the mainland to starboard. 

At the strait entrance there is a South Cardinal Light (VQ (6) + LFl 15s). Entry is made from the south of this light, leaving the red buoy marking the shallow area to starboard. One proceeds between the navigation lights (starboard (Fl G 3s), port (Fl R 3s)) placed consecutively at 40 meter intervals. At the end of these, the inner harbor begins.

Entry to the harbor from the north, from Edremit Gulf side; is through the small passage under the bridge connecting the northeast point of Alibey Island and Dolap Island.

Through this passage, which has a height of 3.5 and a depth of 3 meters, suitable vessels can pass.

We did not consider the coves within Ayvalık Harbor, thinking that their waters do not have suitable hygienic conditions for yachtsmen's life. These coves will take their place in our system over time, provided they are subjected to the necessary cleaning. For now, we can only call these locations sheltered anchoring points.

Many islands in the region create shallow areas in their connections to each other and to the mainland. It is advisable to pay attention to these passages according to your vessel's characteristics.

Attention must be paid to Semizhoroz Rock and Shoal located south of Maden Island.

There is one marina and one shelter in the region. Electricity and water connections are available. All needs are met. Technical equipment facilities are limited but technical workshops are available. They have slipways where vessels can be hauled out.

Coast Guard and other security units can be reached immediately.

In the region where a distinctive coastal climate prevails, summer months are hot and dry while winter months are mild and rainy. The most distinctive feature of Ayvalık's climate is the "imbat" and "meltem" winds that blow during scorching heat in summer months, usually starting in the afternoon, and the "poyraz" winds blowing from the north and northeast in winter months.

Due to the frequent blowing of poyraz, windmills built on Alibey Island during the historical process are encountered. Annual rainfall per m² is 641 mm, annual average temperature is 17°, highest temperature is 37.8°, and lowest temperature has been measured as -7.6°.

In Ayvalık and Alibey Island, which are important tourism resorts, shopping facilities are available to meet all needs. There are hospitals, health centers, and pharmacies.

Road, air, and sea transportation are available. Regular ferry services operate between Ayvalık-Lesbos Island

is being carried out.

Ayvalık also harbors underwater beauties. Many diving centers organize diving tours to beautiful spots throughout winter and summer.

Ayvalık is famous for its olives and olive oil. Many old and new olive oil mills are located here, with sales offices in the town center.

Ayvalık houses have their own distinctive architecture. You can see plenty of these houses in Ayvalık and Alibey Island.

The region is also a center of attraction with its historical and touristic venues. At sunset at Devil's Table location, the harmony of the islands and seas with the setting sun creates beautiful frames for world-class tourism magazines and posters.

There are 8 historical churches and many mosques in the region.

Fish is abundant in the region and especially a fish species called "Papalina" is the best-selling fish in Alibey Island restaurants. The island is almost synonymous with "Papalina".

Sarmısaklı beaches in the south of the region are unique with both their water and sand structure.

The region is a yacht tourism area of Turkey that must be visited and seen.