Devil's Dinner Table is a hill of volcanic origin, located within the borders of Küçükköy Neighborhood, Ayvalık district, Balıkesir province. The hill, approximately 8 km from Ayvalık city center, is located within the Ayvalık Islands Nature Park. The region is named this way because it exhibits a flat and rounded appearance formed by the erosion of lava deposits.

Geological Structure and Morphology

Devil's Dinner Table is formed from the lava spheres of an extinct volcanic structure and exhibits volcanic geomorphological features. The lava flows in the region have eroded over time, revealing a flat, table-like structure. The hollow located on the hill, referred to by the public as the “devil's footprint,” is protected by an iron cage as a natural cavity formed within the volcanic rock.

Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Devil's Dinner Table Lagoon, located at the foothills of the hill, is an important bird-watching area. The wetland hosts flamingos for approximately nine months of the year. Reeds, submerged aquatic plants, and small mammal and reptile species associated with the wetland ecosystem have also been observed in the region.

^{Flamingos Observed in Devil's Dinner Table Lagoon (AA)}

Human Interaction and Tourism

Devil's Dinner Table is particularly regarded as a sunset viewing point in Ayvalık. The highway providing access to the upper part of the hill is supported by vehicle and pedestrian paths. Walking paths, information boards, and viewing terraces have been developed for visitors. Projects are being carried out to protect the wetland from construction.

^{Devil's Dinner Table - Balıkesir. (Kültür Portalı)}

Folk Narrative and Beliefs

There are elements of oral culture passed down among the local people regarding the Devil's Dinner Table. The most common of these narratives is the legend attributed to the footprint found on the hill. According to legend, this print is believed to belong to the devil. According to local belief, the devil, expelled from the region, left this mark behind. The association of the hollow, located on the volcanic rock structure and protected by an iron cage, with this legend led to the region being named “Devil's Dinner Table”.

Such narratives strengthen the place of natural formations in local memory while also increasing the tourist appeal of the region. However, these stories have no scientific basis and are tales rooted in folk culture.

Conservation Status and Sustainability

The hill has the status of a “wetland of local importance,” and its ecological significance as a flamingo habitat has been protected. Furthermore, environmental landscaping projects have been developed, taking into account the migratory birds' roosting period. With the support of GMKA, the aim is to extend nature tourism to 12 months by establishing walking paths, viewing towers, and wooden platforms.

Transportation and Access

Visitors can reach the hill by dolmuş (shared taxi) or private vehicles heading from Ayvalık city center towards Küçükköy. Access to Devil's Dinner Table can be gained by walking from the parking area located near the hill.

^{Devil's Dinner Table Ayvalık: The Devil's Footprint and Its Story. (Seyahat Dergisi)}