Şeytan Sofrası Ayvalık
A volcanic plateau offering stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Lesbos, famous for its legendary 'Devil's Footprint' and spectacular sunset...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the sunset rush
Şeytan Sofrası Ayvalık
Best Time
Beat the sunset rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A volcanic plateau offering stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Lesbos, famous for its legendary 'Devil's Footprint' and spectacular sunsets.
"The sunset views are absolutely amazing, a must-see if you're in Ayvalık!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
To get the best spot for sunset, arrive well before it begins. Crowds build up quickly!
💰 Entry Fee & Costs
Expect a 100 TL entry fee per person. Food and drinks are also pricey.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Sunset Views
Hilltop observation deck
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the Aegean Sea, with views stretching to Lesbos and other islands.
The Devil's Footprint
Within the observation area
See the mysterious, giant footprint-like rock formation, shrouded in local legends and protected by an iron cage.
Unique Volcanic Landscape
The plateau itself
Explore the unusual terrain formed by solidified lava from a dormant volcano, creating a distinctive, table-like plateau.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Crowds & Entry Fees
Food & Drink Pricing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
To get the best spot for sunset, arrive well before it begins. Crowds build up quickly!
💰 Entry Fee & Costs
Expect a 100 TL entry fee per person. Food and drinks are also pricey.
🚗 Road Conditions
The road leading up can be narrow and crowded, especially during peak times. Drive carefully.
📸 Capture the View
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
To get the best spot for sunset, arrive well before it begins. Crowds build up quickly!
💰 Entry Fee & Costs
Expect a 100 TL entry fee per person. Food and drinks are also pricey.
🚗 Road Conditions
The road leading up can be narrow and crowded, especially during peak times. Drive carefully.
📸 Capture the View
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots, especially during golden hour.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Given the high prices for refreshments, consider bringing your own water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Şeytan Sofrası offers breathtaking sunset views and a unique geological landscape, making it a must-visit for many. However, visitors frequently criticize the high entry fee and overpriced food and drinks, with some reporting poor food quality and a lack of hospitality. The crowds during sunset can also detract from the experience.
"Everyone needs to pay 100 tl for entering the place. If you want to order a refreshment you need to pay 150 tl for a lemonade, 40 tl for a Turkish tea. Prices are high for the locals."
Filiz Pak
"Absolutely ridiculous experience. This place has nothing to do with hospitality — they simply don’t care how you feel. Avoid eating here if you don’t want to risk food poisoning.
We went as a large family on a trip and had to raise a complaint as soon as the food arrived. The food was cold, and the meat was undercooked. It was completely unacceptable.
They are nothing but scammers. Do not go! They charge an entrance fee plus overpriced, low-quality food. When we complained, the only response we received was: “Don’t come here again.”
Terrible service, awful food, and absolutely no respect for customers. Stay away."
Joe Du Clairmont
"100tl to enter cash /credit card options. Sunsets are amazing. Very busy during that time. They serve drinks"
Ivana C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Şeytan Sofrası is located on a hilltop overlooking Ayvalık. You can reach it by car or taxi. The road is winding and can get busy, especially during sunset. Some visitors mention it's about 10 km from Ayvalık center.
Yes, there is parking available, and some reviews mention it's free. However, it can get very crowded during peak hours, leading to cars squeezing past each other.
Public transport options are limited. It's generally recommended to go by private vehicle or taxi for convenience.
Şeytan Sofrası is approximately 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) from the center of Ayvalık.
Yes, the road to Şeytan Sofrası passes by beautiful spots like Murat Reis Bay, which is mentioned as a peaceful camping area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entry fee of 100 TL per person. This fee applies to access the viewpoint and restaurant areas.
Payment options include cash and credit card.
Information on group or family discounts is not readily available. The fee is typically per person.
The entry fee is generally fixed at 100 TL per person and is not negotiable.
The entry fee grants access to the viewpoint area. It does not include any food or drinks, which are priced separately.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most popular time is for sunset, but it gets very crowded. Arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot. Weekday mornings offer a more peaceful experience.
Local legends speak of a figure named Panolepe, also known as 'the devil,' who lived on this hill. Another tale involves the devil's footprint, a large rock formation. 
It's a large, footprint-shaped rock formation on the plateau, believed by some to be the devil's actual footprint, now encased in an iron cage.
Yes, restrooms are available at the site.
The terrain is rocky and uneven, and reaching the viewpoint involves some walking. It might be challenging for individuals with significant mobility issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Prices for food and drinks are considered very high, with reports of expensive lemonade and tea. Many reviews advise against eating here due to cost and quality concerns.
Several reviews mention poor food quality, with complaints of cold and undercooked meals. Some visitors have had negative experiences.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally expected that visitors will purchase from the onsite establishments, especially if using their seating areas. Bringing your own water is a common suggestion due to high prices.
Specific menu details are scarce, but given the general feedback on food quality and pricing, it's advisable to check in advance or consider dining elsewhere.
Reviews indicate a lack of hospitality, with some visitors reporting rude responses when complaining about food quality. The focus seems to be on the view rather than the dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic sunset views are the primary photo opportunity. The 'Devil's Footprint' and the unique volcanic landscape also make for interesting shots.
One Instagram Reel shows drone footage of the area, suggesting it's possible, but always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
Golden hour leading up to sunset offers the most dramatic lighting. However, the crowds can be intense. Mid-day offers clear views without the sunset rush.
Yes, on clear days, you can see the Greek island of Lesbos and other Aegean islands from the viewpoint.
No specific restrictions on personal photography have been mentioned, but be mindful of other visitors and any private property signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the views are a highlight, the dining experience has received negative reviews regarding food quality and price. It might be advisable to have a meal before or after your visit to Şeytan Sofrası to ensure a more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
To manage costs, focus on enjoying the spectacular sunset views without purchasing refreshments. Bringing your own water and snacks is a highly recommended strategy. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays when the atmosphere might be more relaxed and the focus is purely on the natural beauty rather than commercial offerings.
📸 Photographers
To capture the best shots, arrive early to scout locations and set up your equipment. The 'Devil's Footprint' also provides a unique subject. While sunset is iconic, consider shooting during the golden hour before sunset or even during the day for different lighting conditions and fewer crowds. Drone footage is also possible, as seen in some reels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legends of Şeytan Sofrası
+1 Another captivating tale revolves around a giant footprint etched into the rock, believed by some to be the actual footprint of the devil himself. This 'footprint' is now protected by an iron cage, adding to the mystique of the location. These stories contribute to the site's reputation for mystery and intrigue, drawing visitors not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich narrative. The unique volcanic landscape, with its solidified lava formations resembling a round table, further enhances the otherworldly atmosphere.
While the legends add a layer of fascination, it's worth noting that some reviews suggest the current commercialization and pricing detract from the experience, with visitors feeling like they are being treated as mere sources of income rather than guests.
Navigating the Crowds and Costs
Adding to the experience is a mandatory entry fee of 100 TL per person. This fee, along with the high prices for food and drinks (e.g., 150 TL for lemonade), has led to considerable criticism. Several reviews label the establishment as 'scammers' and 'tourist traps,' citing overpriced, low-quality offerings and a lack of hospitality when complaints are raised.
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early to secure a spot before the peak sunset rush, or opt for a weekday morning visit for a more tranquil experience. Bringing your own water is also a practical tip to mitigate the high refreshment costs.
The Geological Marvel
This geological feature provides a dramatic backdrop for the panoramic views. The rugged, dark rock contrasts with the vibrant blues of the Aegean Sea and the distant islands, making it a visually striking location.
While the volcanic origins are fascinating, the primary draw for most visitors remains the breathtaking vista, particularly the sunset. The elevated position offers an unobstructed view of the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in a spectacular array of colors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit