10 · City guide
Balıkesir
City of two seas, olives and the Kuva-yi Milliye
In southwestern Balıkesir, Ayvalık, Burhaniye, Edremit and Altınoluk line the Gulf of Edremit; Kazdağı National Park on the southern slope of Kaz Dağları (Mount Ida), Hasanboğuldu and Sarıkız Tepesi form the backyard of this coast where mountain meets sea. To the north, on the Marmara coast, lie Erdek, Bandırma and the Kapıdağ Peninsula; ancient Kyzikos and Daskyleion, a Persian satrapal seat, can be visited here, while Kuşcenneti National Park is a favorite of birdwatchers. The islands of Marmara, Avşa, Ekinlik and Paşalimanı, reached by sea, offer quiet island life. In the city center, Zağanos Paşa Mosque, the Clock Tower and the Kuva-yi Milliye Museum recall the first resistance decisions of the National Struggle. Inland, the hot springs of Gönen, Sındırgı and Balya, the forests of the Alaçam Mountains and Yağcıbedir carpets show the province's rural side.
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.62
Places
2
Routes
0
Badges
Where shall we explore?
Practical information
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.- Nature
- Forest fire risk is high in Kaz Dağları and the Alaçam Mountains in summer; lighting fires is prohibited
- Climate
- Mediterranean on the Gulf of Edremit, more humid and windy on the Marmara coast; cold winters inland
- Islands
- Marmara, Avşa and Paşalimanı islands are reached by sea from İstanbul, Tekirdağ and Erdek
- Best season
- May–June and September–October; June–September for the sea, October–December for the olive harvest
- Museum pass
- Müzekart (Museum Pass) is valid at the Kuva-yi Milliye Museum, the Taksiyarhis Monument Museum and the Bandırma Museum
- Getting there
- Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport is close to the Gulf of Edremit; the city center is on the İstanbul–İzmir motorway, and Bandırma has sea links to İstanbul and rail links to İzmir