Balikesir journeys: Most Incredible Coastal IN Turkey
The province includes five national parks, the Gulf of Edremit’s olive-backed Aegean coast, one of Turkey’s most important bird sanctuaries, a mountain range connected to Greek mythology, and coastal towns with more intact Ottoman and Greek architecture per square meter than almost anywhere else on the Aegean.
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Balikesir City
The provincial capital sits inland, ~90 km northeast of Ayvalık and ~170 km south of Istanbul by road, It functions as a transport hub rather than a destination in itself, but the city center has three landmarks worth a couple of hours.
Balikesir in numbers:
- 5 national parks and nature reserves
- 2 separate coastlines (Aegean + Marmara)
- 266+ bird species at Kuşcenneti National Park
- 3 million birds pass through annually
- 20 administrative districts, each with its own character
- Founded as Hadrianutherae by Emperor Hadrian in 124 AD
Balikesir Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi)
Built in 1827, the clock tower stands in the city center and is the most photographed landmark in the downtown area, It is a smaller, more modest version of Istanbul’s Galata Tower — functional, historically significant, and an easy orientation point when walking the city center. The area around it is lined with cafés and the old commercial streets.
Zagnos Pasha Mosque (Zagnos Paşa Camii)
Commissioned in the 15th century by Zagnos Pasha, Grand Vizier to Mehmet the Conqueror, this mosque is one of the most historically significant Ottoman structures in the province. The original complex included a soup kitchen, a madrasa, and a market. The architecture reflects early Ottoman style before the imperial mosques of Istanbul defined the later aesthetic.
Yıldırım Mosque (Eski Cami)
The oldest Ottoman structure in Balikesir city, dating to 1388. It predates the Zagnos Pasha Mosque by almost a century and represents the earliest period of Ottoman presence in the region, when the Karasi Beylik was absorbed into the growing empire.
Balikesir National Museum of Photography
Turkey’s only museum dedicated entirely to photography lists it among the top cultural sites in the city. It houses a collection covering the history of photography from its earliest period, with rotating exhibitions and permanent displays of archive images. Average visit: 1–1.5 hours.
Martyrs’ Park (Şehitler Parkı)
A public green space in the city center, one of the main gathering areas for residents. Combined with the Değirmen Boğazı Nature Park on the outskirts of the city — a forested area suitable for picnics and short walks — the city offers a reasonable half-day of sightseeing before continuing to the coast.
Ayvalık & Cunda Island (Ali Bey Adası)
~90 km southwest of Balikesir city — approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road
Of all the destinations within Balikesir Province, it draws the most return visitors. The town sits on the Aegean coast surrounded by a cluster of small islands, olive groves, and the preserved architecture of a mixed Ottoman-Greek past.
Ayvalık was a predominantly Greek-Orthodox settlement until the 1923 population exchange, when its Greek residents were relocated and Muslim families from Greece arrived in their place. The physical result of that history is visible in the town’s stone mansions, the churches converted to mosques, and the dense network of narrow streets that were built for a different community. It is one of the most architecturally intact examples of pre-1923 Aegean town planning in Turkey.
Cunda Island (Ali Bey Adası)
Connected to the Ayvalık mainland by a causeway and accessible by small boat from the harbor. The boat crossing is 15–20 minutes and runs regularly in summer. Minibus fare from Ayvalık was 19 TL as of October 2024 — confirm current pricing before traveling.
On the island:
- Taş Kahvesi — a well-known stone-building coffeehouse at the harbor, the first stop for most visitors
- Ayvalik Rahmi M. Koç Museum — transport and technology collection housed in the former Taksiyarhis Church, with the original interior architectural features retained
- Sevim Necdet Kent Library — restored Agios Yannis Church, dedicated to Turkish diplomat Necdet Kent who saved hundreds of Turkish Jews during World War II
- Çamlı Monastery ruins — reachable via a hiking trail through the Ayvalık Islands Nature Park, surrounded by pine forest and olive groves
- Ayvalık Adalari Tabiat Parki (Ayvalık Islands Nature Park) — accessible from the northwest hills of Cunda Island; the initial climb is steep but gives way to flat routes with sea views
Getting there: Small boats from Ayvalık harbor (fares vary by season). The causeway road is also used by dolmuş (minibus).
Sarımsaklı Bay
~6 km south of Ayvalık center, this long stretch of sandy beaches is the primary beach area for the town. Multiple hotel clusters sit along the bay, and the beach is accessible by dolmuş from the town center.
Şeytan Sofrası (Devil’s Table) — Ayvalık
On a hilltop above Sarımsaklı Bay, at the edge of an ancient lava cone. The name translates as “Devil’s Table” — the flat rock formation, according to local legend, is where the devil placed one foot on the island of Lesbos and the other here. A depression in the rock is protected by a metal cage covered in locks and knotted threads left by visitors.
The practical reason to go up is the view. The hilltop looks directly over the Sarımsaklı Peninsula, the bay below, and the Greek island of Lesbos on the horizon. Sunset light from this elevation, looking west over the Aegean, is genuinely remarkable.
Getting there: Take a Sarımsaklı dolmuş from Ayvalık and ask to be dropped at the Murat Reis Çamlık turnoff — from there it’s a 3.5 km walk uphill to the summit. Alternatively, negotiate a taxi fare to the top.
Kaz Dağı National Park (Mount Ida)
~70–80 km southwest of Balikesir city, centered around Edremit district
Kaz Dağı (Mount Ida) sits at the intersection of natural beauty and mythology — this is the mountain where, according to the Iliad, the gods assembled to watch the Trojan War below. It is also where the “Judgment of Paris” allegedly took place, triggering the conflict in the first place. Altınoluk, a coastal town at the foot of the mountain, reportedly has the second-highest oxygen concentration in the world according to measurements cited by Turkish tourism sources — worth confirming with current scientific data, but the forest density is undeniably dense.
The national park covers extensive pine and oak forests, with:
- Marked hiking trails from easy walks to multi-day routes
- Sütüven Waterfall — one of the most visited natural features in the park, accessible via hiking trail
- Mıhlı Waterfall — a more remote waterfall with a scenic approach through forest
- Şahin Creek Canyon (Şahinderesi Kanyonu) — a canyon system suitable for trekking
- Adatepe Village — a traditional village within the park with stone houses, an olive oil museum (Adatepe Zeytinyağı Müzesi), and a natural spring
- Zeus’s Altar site — an archaeological area connected to the mythological associations of the mountain
lists Kazdağı National Park and Sütüven Waterfall as the top attractions in the district.
Glamping and accommodation: Several nature retreats and glamping sites now operate within or adjacent to the park.
Best time for Kaz Dağı: Spring (April–June) for wildflowers and waterfall volume. Avoid the hottest weeks of July–August for trail hiking.
Kuşcenneti National Park — Lake Manyas Bird Paradise
~18 km from Bandırma — approximately 1 hour north of Balikesir city by road
Kuşcenneti National Park was established on 31 August 1959, making it one of Turkey’s oldest protected areas. Its name translates literally as “Bird Paradise National Park.” The park covers 24,047 hectares centered on Lake Kuş (Lake Manyas), a Ramsar-designated wetland of international importance since 1994.
The numbers here are worth taking seriously: 2 to 3 million birds from 239 species pass through, hatch, or winter here annually. The park sits directly on the bird migration corridor connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Species breeding here include Dalmatian pelicans, great white pelicans, great egrets, grey herons, pygmy cormorants, and over three dozen duck and wader species.
The park earned a Class A European Certificate from the Council of Europe in 1976, renewed multiple times through 1996. The observation tower and viewing platforms allow birdwatchers to observe nesting colonies without disturbing them.
Practical notes: The best birdwatching period is March–June (nesting season) and September–November (autumn migration). Summer months are quieter in terms of bird activity. Entrance and opening hours: confirm current details at the park entrance or through the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Edremit Gulf In Balikesir Journeys
The Gulf of Edremit stretches along the Aegean coast of Balikesir Province, framed by the Kaz Mountains to the north and the sea to the south. The towns along this coast — Edremit, Akçay, Altınoluk, Ören, and Burhaniye — each have a slightly different character.
Akçay Beach
Akçay (pronounced Ak-chai) is a beach town ~10 km west of Edremit with a long sandy beach, thermal water access, and a more relaxed pace than larger resort areas. Expedia’s Edremit guide lists it as one of the main coastal hubs in the district.
Altınoluk
~30 km west of Edremit, at the foot of the Kaz Mountains. A quieter beach town that serves as the primary gateway for hiking into the national park. The combination of sea access and immediate forest access makes it popular with Turkish families looking for a nature-adjacent beach holiday. Also the location of the Antandros Open Air Museum, preserving finds from the ancient city of Antandrus.
Ören (Burhaniye)
A beach resort where the Kaz Mountains forest meets the Aegean coastline directly. Ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins are visible within walking distance of the seafood restaurants on the waterfront. The juxtaposition is genuine and not particularly staged.
Güre Thermal Springs
~15 km west of Edremit along the coast road. One of the most well-known thermal spa areas in the province. Several hotels operate thermal pools here year-round. The 1774 Kazdagi Termal Otel is one property operating in the area with thermal pool facilities.
Adatepe Olive Oil Museum (Zeytinyağı Müzesi)
In Adatepe Village within the Kaz Mountains. An unusual museum built around the history and production methods of olive oil in the region. The Edremit Gulf is one of Turkey’s most important olive oil producing areas — local cold-press oils are widely sold and worth buying.
Bandırma & Dascylium Ancient City
Bandırma is a port city on the Sea of Marmara — the main ferry connection point for travelers moving between Balikesir Province and Istanbul.
Istanbul–Bandırma ferry: IDO (Istanbul Sea Buses) operates a high-speed ferry between Istanbul’s Yenikapı terminal and Bandırma. Journey time is approximately 2 hours, significantly faster than the road route. Check the IDO website for current schedules and pricing as timetables are seasonal.
Near Bandırma:
- Dascylium (Daskyleion) — a significant ancient Persian satrapy site ~20 km east of Bandırma near Ereğli village. Excavations here have uncovered Persian-period administrative buildings, seals, and artifacts that fill a major gap in understanding Achaemenid rule in western Anatolia. The Bandırma Archaeological Museum holds finds from the site.
- Karacabey horse-breeding farms — ~13 km southeast of Bandırma, one of Turkey’s most important horse studs.
Local Food: What to Eat in Balikesir
Balikesir Province has a distinct food identity that doesn’t get written about as much as it should. Several products from the province have official geographical indication (GI) status under Turkish and EU food law.
The essentials:
- Kelle Peyniri — a granular white cheese, the most distinctive dairy product of the region, exported to European markets. Texture sits between feta and fresh curd cheese.
- Hoşmerim — a sweet dessert made from fresh cheese, flour, and sugar, cooked in butter. Common in bakeries and home kitchens across the province.
- Edremit Olive Oil — cold-pressed extra-virgin oil from the Gulf of Edremit. One of the most prized olive oils in Turkey. Buy it directly from producers in Adatepe or from local markets in Ayvalık and Edremit.
- Edremit Bay Green Olives (Scratched) — a specific preparation method: green olives scratched and cured in brine. Distinct from the table olives you’ll find in most Turkish restaurants.
- Susurluk Ayran — the town of Susurluk in northern Balikesir Province gives its name to a style of thick, salted yogurt drink widely available across Turkey. The original is made here.
- Keşkek — a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish, common at festivals and communal meals. A Balikesir staple.
- Fresh seafood — particularly in Ayvalık, Erdek, and Edremit Gulf towns. Bluefish, sea bass, sea bream, and squid depending on season.
Where to eat: Fish restaurants along Cunda Island harbor are consistently noted as tourist-priced. Better value and quality is generally found in Ayvalık town center or in the smaller coastal towns like Ören and Altınoluk.
Best Time to Visit Balikesir
| Period | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| April–May | Mild (15–22°C) | Low | Kaz Dağı hiking, bird migration at Kuşcenneti, olive blossom in Edremit |
| June | Warm (22–28°C) | Moderate | Beaches + hiking without peak-season pricing |
| July–August | Hot (30–38°C) | Peak on coast | Beach holidays, Ayvalık islands, ferry connections |
| September–October | Warm sea (22–26°C) | Dropping | Best all-around — sea still warm, fewer crowds, lower prices |
| November–March | Mild to cool (8–15°C) | Very low | Thermal spas (Gönen, Güre), birdwatching, off-season exploration |
Practical seasonal notes:
- Ferry connections to Marmara and Avşa Islands are seasonal — typically May through September only
- IDO Bandırma–Istanbul ferry runs year-round but with reduced frequency in winter
- Kuşcenneti birdwatching peaks in March–June and September–November
- Kaz Dağı waterfalls are fullest in April–May; trails can be icy November–February at elevation
How to Get to Balikesir
By Air
Balikesir Province has two airports:
1. Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO) — located in the Edremit district, ~100 km southwest of Balıkesir city. Serves the Gulf of Edremit coast. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus operate seasonal and limited-frequency domestic routes from Istanbul. Best option if you’re heading directly to Ayvalık, Edremit, or Altınoluk. Check current schedules — EDO has limited frequency outside summer.
2. Balikesir Merkez Airport — located approximately 8 km east of Balikesir city center, opened April 2006. Served by Turkish Airlines. Better option if you’re heading to the city or the Marmara coast (Erdek, Bandırma, Gönen).
Both airports require ground transportation to continue to your final destination within the province.
By Ferry (Fastest from Istanbul)
IDO Ferry — Yenikapı (Istanbul) to Bandırma: Approximately 2 hours. This is the fastest way to reach the northern (Marmara coast) part of Balikesir Province from Istanbul. Far more comfortable and time-efficient than the road route for this specific destination.
By Road
| Origin | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | ~250 km | ~3–3.5 hours via O-5 highway |
| Bursa | ~150 km northeast | ~2 hours |
| İzmir | ~170 km south | ~2.5–3 hours |
| Çanakkale | ~130 km west | ~2 hours |
| Ankara | ~450 km | ~6–7 hours |
By Bus
Intercity bus services connect Balikesir to Istanbul (~4 hours), İzmir (~3–3.5 hours), Bursa, Çanakkale, and Ankara. Direct services to Ayvalık also operate from Istanbul and İzmir. Check Metro Turizm, Pamukkale, or Kamil Koç for current routes and fares.
After exploring the most famous Balikesir journeys, let’s discover all the tourist attractions in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Balikesir and what is it known for?
Balikesir is a province in northwestern Turkey with coastlines on both the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea. It is known for olive oil production, thermal spas, Kaz Dağı National Park, the bird sanctuary at Kuşcenneti, and coastal towns including Ayvalık and Erdek.
What is the best time to visit Balikesir?
September and October offer the best combination — sea temperatures still around 22–26°C, significantly lower crowds than July–August, and lower accommodation prices. April–May is ideal for Kaz Dağı hiking and birdwatching at Kuşcenneti.
What food is Balikesir known for?
Kelle Peyniri (granular white cheese), Hoşmerim dessert, Edremit extra-virgin olive oil, Susurluk Ayran, Edremit Bay green olives, and Keşkek (slow-cooked wheat and meat)
What are the nearby cities to Balikesir?
Bursa is ~150 km northeast (2-hour drive). Çanakkale is ~130 km west (2-hour drive). İzmir is ~170 km south (2.5–3 hours).
