With her natural beauties, wonderful beaches, historical and cultural attractions, warm climate, and islands, Ayvalik is a destination with high potential of tourism. In addition to the natural attractions of the town, the urban fabric constituted by the neoclassical examples of civil architecture in central Ayvalik and on the Alibey Island also enrich the tourism appeal here. The town is primarily an open-air museum. Apart from that, the ancient sites in the surrounding cities and towns are great magnets for the history- and culture-savvy tourist. Ayvalik has always been a significant city in this unique geography. With its rich history, unrivaled nature, cultural potential, products of brand value, extraordinary cuisine, and civilized people, Ayvalik has created a spirit peculiar to her own. Thanks to these characteristics, Ayvalik has long been and a top natural, historic, and cultural tourist destinations. This predominance still prevails today. Geographical Attractions Located on the northern part of the Aegean Sea coastline, Ayvalik is a sub-province of Balikesir. The town rich in pine forests and olive trees is situated on the Aegean Coast and has the archipelago called Ayvalik Islands. The neighbors of Ayvalik are Gomec in the northeast; the Dikili and Bergama sub-provinces of Izmir in the south; and the Aegean Sea in the west. The city of Mytilene, the administrative center of the North Aegean islands, as close as visible by naked eye off the coast of Ayvalik. The sub-province of Ayvalik is situated on a 285 kilometer square land towards the north of the Aegean Sea, is geographically included in the Aegean Region of Turkey and within the administrative boundaries of the Marmara Region. Ease of Transportation Located at 3 km-distance to the E–24 Highway, Ayvalik is 125 km from Balikesir and 145 km from Izmir. Domestic transport to Ayvalik is often carried out via roads. There is direct coach services to the sub-province from all the major cities in Turkey. In addition, private airliner companies arrange regular transfer flights from Istanbul and Ankara to the Koca Seyit Airport in Edremit Bay. The airport is also open to international charter flights. Again, with the "Marine Customs Gate" established in Ayvalik, it is possible to enter the country through sea (particularly those entering from Mytilene). In addition, there is a full equipped (with a capacity of 200 yachts on the land side and 70 on the sea side) Convenience of Climate The Mediterranean Climate prevails in the sub-province. Because it is located in the Aegean Region, it's warm and rainy in winters and hot and dry in summers. There are days with continuous mild winds. Summertime average temperatures are 24-34 °C. The winters are warm. Particularly in summer months, while scorching temperatures burn the surrounding regions, the Etesian winds that generally blow from the west and start at noon hours cool the town. Breezing winds also blow some summers. Annual precipitation per square meter is 641 mm; average annual temperature is 17 °C with a highest measured temperature of 37,8 °C and lowest –7,6 °C. Natural Attractions One of the most important tourist resorts of Istanbul, Ayvalik is enormously rich in terms of natural beauties. These include Sarimsakli, Altinovaand Badavut beaches; Seytan Sofrasi location; Ali Bey (Cunda), and Timarhane Islands; underwater and above-water riches and the Ayvalik Islands Natural Park. Proximity to Ancient Settlements Ayvalik is 62 km from Bergama (Pergamon); 226 km to the House of Mother Mary in Ephesus; 214 km to Selcuk’a; 125 km to Assos-Behramkale; and 157 km to Troja. In addition, it is 216 km to Battlefields and War Graveyards of Gallipoli/ Anzac/ Anafartalar/ Canakkale. It is only 145 km to Izmir.