Cunda Island, known officially as Alibey Island, has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. Its cobblestone streets, crumbling church facades, and sun-bleached stone walls whisper stories of Greek fishermen, Ottoman traders, and the waves of migration that shaped the modern Aegean coast. Today, Cunda is among the most rewarding places to visit on Turkey’s western seaboard.
Ancient Roots
The earliest evidence of settlement on Cunda dates back to the Hellenistic period. The island’s sheltered harbor made it a natural waypoint for maritime trade between the Aegean islands and the Anatolian mainland. Archaeological finds suggest continuous habitation from at least the 4th century BCE, though the island’s prominence grew significantly during the Byzantine era.
The Greek Period
For centuries, Cunda was home to a thriving Greek Orthodox community. The island’s most iconic landmark, the Taksiyarhis Church — now a memorial museum — stands as testament to this heritage. Built in the 19th century with stunning interior frescoes and an imposing bell tower, it remains one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in the region.
The Greek community built the stone houses that still define Cunda’s visual character: two-story structures with wooden balconies, wrought-iron railings, and gardens of bougainvillea and jasmine. Many of these buildings survive today, lovingly restored — including our own hotel, Milos Cunda, which preserves the original stonework while offering modern comforts within its carefully curated rooms.
The Population Exchange
The 1923 Treaty of Lausanne brought the most dramatic shift in Cunda’s demographic history. The Greek Orthodox population was exchanged with Muslim communities from Greece, primarily from Crete and Macedonia. This population exchange — while traumatic for both communities — created the unique cultural blend that defines Cunda today: Cretan culinary traditions merged with Aegean ingredients, Greek architecture absorbed into Turkish daily life. This culinary fusion is explored in depth in our guide to Aegean gastronomy.
Modern Renaissance
After decades of quiet decline, Cunda experienced a cultural revival beginning in the 1990s. Artists, writers, and intellectuals discovered the island’s melancholic beauty and began restoring its architectural heritage. Today, Cunda is recognized as one of Turkey’s most important cultural preservation sites, balancing tourism development with respect for its layered history.
The island’s narrow streets now host galleries, independent bookshops, and restaurants serving the kind of slow, seasonal cuisine that has made the Ayvalık region famous. Our Aegean breakfast experience draws from exactly this tradition — local olive oil, fresh cheeses, and herbs foraged from the hillsides. To plan your stay amid this living history, get in touch with our team.
Experience Cunda at Milos
A stay immersed in the island's history and nature awaits you in the heart of Cunda.
