Cunda Island, also called Alibey Island, is the largest of the Ayvalik islands archipelago and the fourth largest island in the Aegean sea of Turkey. Cunda covers an area of 23.3 km² (9 square miles) and a coastline of 28.5 km (17,7 miles). Cunda's land connection is provided by two bridges; Turkey's first Strait Bridge, built in 1964, connects Alibey and Lale islands. Lale Island is connected to the mainland by a 700-meter bridge-road built by filling the sea in 1817.
Cunda island is a very popular holiday destination, hosting thousands of holidaymakers every year. The island, full of blue flag beaches, authentic stone houses built by the Greeks, windmills, small but impressive museums and natural beauties, is one of the most special places where you can enjoy both the sea and nature. Ortunç Bay, Patriça Bay, Altinkum Beach, Badavut Beach and Çataltepe Beach are the most popular beaches.
There are dozens of restaurants, cafes, boutique hotels and souvenir shops on its small cobblestone streets. You can take the most beautiful photos from Asiklar (Lovers) Hill, Cennet (Paradise) Hill and the nearby Seytan Sofrasi (Devil's table).
Taksiyarhis monastery church on the island is a popular museum now, housing a great collection. Although today's building is from 19th century, it was first built in the 15th century as a small church by the Greek orthodox community living here. In 1928 it was converted into a mosque, was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1944 and then abandoned. The church was restored by Rahmi Koç Foundation and opened as a museum in 2014. In the apse of the church, there are frescoes of the Archangels Gabriel and Michael. Additionally, there are various frescoes of Saints on the walls. The museum exhibits toys from different periods, steam engines, sails, locomotives, wagons, models of war and passenger ships, boat engines, diving gear and cars.