About Us

Close your eyes and imagine ;

On one side, the deep blue sea. On another, a salt lake filled with flamingos right by the shore. On the third side, the famous Ayvalık olive groves with their ancient trees and natural springs. Above you, a pristine sky painted in every shade of blue.

Now step into Zeytin Arası and open your eyes.

You’re standing in the heart of a pure Aegean neighborhood you’ve been dreaming of since childhood. Winding streets lined with centuries-old olive trees and two-story stone houses built with authentic Asos stone, Sarımsak stone (Ayvalık red), and Alaçatı stone. Each house features cumbalı (bay) windows and balconies, faithfully preserving the traditional architecture of Cunda, Alaçatı, Midilli, and Ayvalık.

These magnificent stone houses are perfect examples of that timeless Aegean style.

In any one of them, you can almost see Yorgo Amca and his elegant wife Eleadora Teyze sitting outside. Their next-door neighbors, Rıza Baba and his warm-hearted wife Latife Teyze, are smiling and waving at you, saying “Hoş geldiniz!” (Welcome!).

Do you smell that delicious aroma? Eleni Abla must have already started grilling fish. Her house is the red one with the bay window on the right. The door is always open — just walk straight into the kitchen. The table is already full of incredible mezes. But don’t forget to bring her a red rose on your way, otherwise you might leave hungry…

This is our street. This is our neighborhood.

After eating, you can swim in our pool, or take a 50-meter walk through the olive trees to watch the flamingos dancing gracefully on Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake). Or you can head to Sarımsaklı Beach — one of the most beautiful and longest beaches in the world — just 400 meters away, and lose yourself in its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

If you prefer, climb up to Şeytan Sofrası (Devil’s Dinner Table) and enjoy a panoramic view while sipping hot tea or ice-cold beer. From this magical hilltop, you can see more than 20 islands and islets, the island of Lesvos (Midilli), the Edremit Gulf, untouched bays, and the endless deep blue sea.

Or simply surrender yourself to Cunda and experience its unique joy and peaceful atmosphere. On the way back, stop by Küçükköy for some delicious Bosnian börek and a hot cup of tea at the village coffeehouse. If you still have energy, take a short walk through the village and admire the untouched old Rum (Greek) houses.

Craving an Ayvalık toast? Wander through the historic streets of Ayvalık, sit at any beachside kiosk, breathe in the iodine-rich sea air, listen to the waves, and enjoy your toast while watching the endless blue sea.

Feeling tired? Return to Zeytin Arası. Fall asleep in your charming stone house with bay windows, accompanied only by the peaceful sounds of cicadas and birds.

Rest well… There are so many places to explore, discover, and experience tomorrow.

None of this is a dream.

We are waiting for you at Zeytin Arası.