What is the Legend of the Devil's Table and How to Get There?

One of the fascinating natural beauties of Ayvalık, Şeytan Sofrası fascinates its visitors with both its view and its legends. It takes its name from a legend told among the local people.

It is a paradise for those who want to watch the sunset with its panoramic view of Ayvalık Bay. This mysterious place, believed to bear the footprint of the Devil, arouses curiosity not only with its view but also with its legendary past.

Where is the Devil's Table?

For those wondering where Şeytan Sofrası is and thinking of visiting it, it is a hill with a sea view located in the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir, approximately 8 kilometers from the city center. So what makes Şeytan Sofrası famous? If you are wondering why it attracts so much attention and why so many people go there to see it, let's examine it together.

Offering a panoramic view of Ayvalık Bay and the surrounding islands, this hill is especially famous for its sunset view. The hill offers a bird's eye view of the whole of Ayvalık, as well as Lesbos Island and other surrounding islands. The view, especially at sunset, offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

Devil's Table has become a tourist attraction not only with its natural beauty but also with its legendary past. It has become quite popular with both those who want to be in touch with nature and those who come to see the footprints of the Devil.

The Story of the Devil's Table: The Origin of the Story

This magnificent place in Ayvalık, where you can see the whole of Ayvalık and the Lesbos Islands when you look at it from the big rocky hills, has a mythological story. Let's examine the legend of the Devil's Table, which is believed to be the footprint of the devil hidden in a cage.

When we say Devil's Table, we say don't expect to see a dinner table, the subject is completely different. Yes, there is a table in question, but first let's delve into the depths of the legend and see where this Devil's Table Legend comes from.

The Legend of the Devil's Table

The Devil's Table Story dates back to the 1500s. During the Ottoman rule, Ayvalık was mostly inhabited by Greeks. Among them, a Greek named Penelope was expelled from the town by the church. Penelope settled on this hill in Ayvalık, now called the Devil's Table, and began to live on her own. One year, Ayvalık experienced a great drought and the people could not cope with the hunger. The people came to the conclusion that the reason for this drought was Penelope, who had defied the church, and they gathered and decided to kill her. Penelope, who heard from a shepherd that the people were going to kill her, prepared a magnificent table that was as good as bird's milk. When the people, who had been hungry for days due to the drought, saw the food, they forgot about Penelope and enjoyed the feast. Penelope took advantage of this situation and escaped from there and escaped death. Thus, the place was named the Devil's Table and it has survived to this day.

Footprint of the Devil

Another important place to visit in the Devil's Table is the hill where the Devil's Footprint is located. One of the things that has become a tradition here is to make a wish by throwing a coin into the footprint protected in a cage where it is believed to be the devil. We don't know how true it is or whether the devil makes wishes come true, but if you think there is no harm in trying, we would say don't forget to take your change with you.

According to legend, Zeus, one of the gods in Greek mythology, had a wet nurse named Ida. One day, Ida chased the devil away because she was afraid he would harm Zeus. In almost every religion, a devil figure that was chased from heaven also shows itself here. It is believed that this devil had three legs and one of the footprints he left while escaping is on the skirts of Mount Ida, one on the island of Lesbos and the other on the Devil's Table in Ayvalık. The hill that became famous with this story now hosts many curious tourists.

How to Get to the Devil's Table?

Getting to Şeytan Sofrası is quite easy and is about 8 kilometers from the Ayvalık town center. You can easily reach this popular hill with your own vehicle or by public transportation. If you are going to get there from another city, you can easily get there by purchasing a Balıkesir bus ticket . There are flights to Balıkesir Central Airport from many parts of the country. You can also prefer to travel by plane to visit Şeytan Sofrası.

For those already in Balıkesir, there are several different alternatives to visit the hill. Here are a few options:

• Private vehicle : Those who want to go by private vehicle can go from Ayvalık center towards Sarımsaklı and reach Şeytan Sofrası in about 15-20 minutes. There are parking areas on the hill, so parking your vehicle is also easy.
• Public Transport : Those who want to use public transport can choose minibuses departing from Ayvalık. Especially in the summer months, minibus services are regularly organized to Şeytan Sofrası. These minibuses usually depart from the center of Ayvalık and take visitors up to the hill.
• Hiking : For those who enjoy hiking, it is also possible to hike from Ayvalık to Şeytan Sofrası, but considering the height of the hill and the route, going by car is usually a more practical option.

What is done at the Devil's Table?

The most popular view point of Ayvalık, Şeytan Sofrası, offers its visitors a pleasant time with its wonderful views. It is not only a place to look at the surroundings, but also a good option to spend quality time with its historical features, natural beauties and surrounding restaurants and cafes. Let's examine together what you can do here.

Views and Sunsets

Its main attraction is the unique Devil's Table sunset view from the top of the hill. Ayvalık Bay, Cunda Island and other surrounding islands look like a painting from here. Especially at sunset, watching the sun set over the sea is one of the most enjoyable activities for those who come to Devil's Table. The moments when the golden lights are reflected on the sea create a fascinating atmosphere for photographers and those who want to experience romantic moments.

Activities in the Area

Şeytan Sofrası is a great spot for those who want to spend time in touch with nature. While walking towards the hill, you can experience a peaceful nature accompanied by the surrounding vegetation and bird sounds.

• Nature Walks : You can walk around the area, breathe in the fresh air and follow a pleasant route. Discovering the natural beauties of Ayvalık during the walk is also a separate pleasure.
• Bird Watching : Ayvalık area is also a suitable area for bird watchers. It is possible to watch birds especially in the early morning hours in the calmness of nature.
• Wish Tradition : Visitors make wishes by throwing coins into the pit where the footprint is located. This tradition is one of the elements that increase the cultural appeal of the region.
• Photo Shoot : Devil's Table is one of the most popular places for nature and landscape photos. The frames captured during sunset will be one of the most unforgettable memories of this hill.
• Picnic Areas : There are picnic areas near the hill. You can have a pleasant picnic while enjoying the view and fresh air.
• Benches and Observation Terraces : There are various observation terraces and benches for those who want to relax and watch the view. It is possible to spend quiet and peaceful moments in these areas.

Restaurants and Cafes

Visitors to Devil's Table can enjoy their meals and drinks while taking in the view. There are several restaurants and cafes in the area, and these venues cater to visitors' palates with both local and seafood dishes.

• Restaurants : There are restaurants where you can taste fresh seafood, olive oil appetizers and the best examples of Aegean cuisine with sea views. Watching the view while eating offers an unforgettable experience.
• Cafes : You can sip your tea or coffee in small cafes and relax in a peaceful atmosphere. It is especially enjoyable to enjoy the view with a drink during sunset.

When to Go to Devil's Table?

Although Devil's Table offers different beauties in every season of the year, some seasons may be more suitable and enjoyable for visiting. Both summer and winter months have their own advantages and aspects to consider. You can examine the advantages and disadvantages of different periods of the year as the time to visit Devil's Table below.

Devil's Table in Summer

In the summer months, Şeytan Sofrası is one of the most preferred periods by tourists. During this period, the hill can be more crowded as the weather is warm and Ayvalık has become a popular holiday resort.

• Advantages : In the summer months, the clear and crisp weather allows the Bosphorus and the islands to be seen more clearly. The sunset can be watched for a long time in the summer months and the coolness of the evening adds a special pleasure to the hill.
• Things to Consider : As the temperature gets quite high during the day, it can be a bit stifling to go up at noon. It is important to have a hat and water when the sun is at its highest. Visiting in the evening or near sunset offers a more comfortable experience.

Devil's Table in Winter

During the winter months, the area is quieter and more peaceful. Although the cold weather and wind reduce the number of visitors, there are different advantages to visiting the hill during this period.

• Advantages : In winter, the crowds at Devil's Table are greatly reduced, providing a calmer and more peaceful atmosphere. Even on windy and cloudy days, the peak exhibits a different beauty, offering a misty and dramatic view. In addition, the slightly cold weather in winter provides more ideal conditions for walking.
• Things to Consider : In winter, wind can be quite damaging to the hill, so it’s a good idea to wear warm clothing and take wind-resistant equipment with you, especially on windy days.

Spring and Autumn

Spring and autumn are considered the most ideal seasons to visit Devil's Table. During these periods, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, nature comes to life and the landscape becomes more vibrant.

• Advantages : Mild weather conditions and colorful nature cover offer the best time for activities such as hiking and picnicking. For both locals and tourists, these seasons are the best times to enjoy the hill.