Province · Costa do Egeu

Balıkesir

Balıkesir has a coastline on two seas: Ayvalık and the island of Cunda on the Aegean, the Gulf of Edremit at the foot of Kazdağı, and, on the Sea of Marmara, Erdek and the islands of Avşa and Marmara.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Balıkesir

Balıkesir is one of the Turkish provinces with coasts on two seas: the Aegean to the west and the Sea of Marmara to the north. The interior consists of agricultural plains and lakes, and the capital, also called Balıkesir, is a trading city in the province's center.

On the Aegean, Ayvalık preserves stone houses and 19th-century Greek churches, some converted into mosques, such as Saatli. A bridge leads to the island of Cunda (Alibey), known for its fish taverns, and from the Şeytan Sofrası viewpoint you can see the bay’s islands and, in the distance, the Greek island of Lesbos.

The Gulf of Edremit lies at the foot of Kazdağı, the Mount Ida of Greek mythology, with a national park, villages and canyons like Şahinderesi. Akçay and Altınoluk are the gulf’s summer resorts, in a region that produces a lot of olive oil.

On the Sea of Marmara, Erdek and the Kapıdağ peninsula sit near the ruins of Cyzicus, and boats run to the islands of Avşa and Marmara. Inland, Kuş Cenneti National Park at Lake Manyas protects more than 260 bird species.

At the table, try the Ayvalık tost, a well-stuffed hot sandwich; papalina, small fried fish from Cunda; and the tost and ayran from Susurluk.

When to go

June to September is the beach season in Ayvalık, Cunda, the Gulf of Edremit and the Marmara islands. May, June, September and October are usually better for hiking on Kazdağı. At Lake Manyas, migration periods in spring and autumn tend to bring together the most bird species.

Getting there

Koca Seyit Airport (EDO) in Edremit has domestic flights; most travelers arrive via İzmir Airport (ADB) or Istanbul’s airports and continue by bus or car. Confirm before booking. Long-distance buses link Ayvalık, Edremit and the provincial capital to Istanbul and İzmir. To Avşa and Marmara, boats depart from Erdek and from Istanbul—check the season and timetables.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Balıkesir

How many days should I book for Ayvalık and Cunda?

Two to three days allow you to see Ayvalık’s old town, the island of Cunda, the Şeytan Sofrası viewpoint and one or two beaches, such as Sarımsaklı. With more time you can continue around the Gulf of Edremit to Kazdağı.

How do you get from Ayvalık to the island of Cunda?

By road: a bridge connects the island to the mainland, and minibuses and taxis run the route. In summer, boats also commonly cross the bay between Ayvalık town center and Cunda.

What is Kazdağı?

It is the mountain the Greeks called Mount Ida, between the Gulf of Edremit and Çanakkale. It has a national park, pine forests, villages and trails, and Altınoluk at the foot of the mountain is a common base for visiting it.

What to eat in Ayvalık?

The Ayvalık tost, bread stuffed with cold cuts, cheese and pickles, and Cunda fish such as fried papalina. The region’s olive oil features in almost every dish.