- Ayvalık and Cunda are the highlights for UK visitors
- The Edremit Gulf is a holiday coast loved by Turkish families
- Mount Ida's forests and villages are cool in summer
- Fly to Izmir for the shortest transfer
- Airports
- Izmir (ADB), about 2 hours to Ayvalık; Edremit (EDO) for domestic flights
- Best time to go
- June-September
- Type
- Province
Balıkesir is a large province in north-west Turkey that touches two seas: the Aegean along the Edremit Gulf and Ayvalık, and the Sea of Marmara around Erdek and the Marmara islands. Inland it is olive groves, farmland and the forested slopes of Mount Ida. It belongs to the Marmara region.
It is far better known to Turkish holidaymakers than to UK visitors. That is its appeal: restored stone houses in Ayvalık, seafood on Cunda, and a relaxed coast with olive oil, cool evenings and few package hotels. For wider planning, see our Turkey guide.
Things to do
- Ayvalık old town – streets of stone houses built by the town's former Greek community, old churches turned into mosques, and a lively Thursday market.
- Cunda (Alibey) Island – linked to the mainland by a causeway, with seafood restaurants along the harbour and quiet bays.
- Şeytan Sofrası – a hilltop viewpoint south of Ayvalık, famous for sunsets over the scattered islands.
- Sarımsaklı beach – a long sandy beach near Ayvalık, busy in high summer.
- Mount Ida (Kazdağı) National Park – forest walks, waterfalls and mountain villages above the Edremit Gulf, shared with neighbouring Çanakkale.
- The Edremit Gulf – resort towns such as Akçay, Ören and Altınoluk, popular with Turkish families.
- Olive oil – visit an old olive oil factory or shop for oil and soap, the region's trademark products.
- Lake Manyas – the Kuşcenneti National Park on its shore is an important stop for migrating birds.
Where to stay
- Ayvalık – boutique hotels in restored stone houses within walking distance of the market and harbour.
- Cunda – small hotels near the harbour and quieter places around the island.
- Akçay and Ören – seaside hotels on the Edremit Gulf, close to Mount Ida.
- Erdek and the Marmara islands – simple holiday hotels popular with Turkish visitors.
Getting there
Fly from the UK to Izmir (ADB), around four hours, then drive or take a coach north to Ayvalık in roughly two hours. Edremit's Koca Seyit airport has a small number of domestic flights, mainly from Istanbul. From Istanbul, coaches reach Ayvalık in roughly six to eight hours by road, or you can take a ferry across the Sea of Marmara to shorten the drive.
Best time to visit
June to September is beach season, with fresher sea temperatures than the south coast and cooling breezes. May and October are good for walking and exploring Ayvalık in peace. The olive harvest runs in late autumn and early winter.
Visit Ayvalık's Thursday market for olives, cheese and fresh produce, and arrive early before it gets busy.
Top attractions in Balıkesir
Balıkesir on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Ayvalık good for a beach holiday?
Yes, in a low-key way. Sarımsaklı beach and the bays of Cunda are good for swimming, though the water is cooler than on the south coast.
What is the nearest airport to Ayvalık?
For flights from the UK, Izmir is the best option, roughly two hours away. Edremit airport is closer but has only domestic flights.
Is Balıkesir on the Aegean or the Sea of Marmara?
Both. Ayvalık and the Edremit Gulf face the Aegean, while Erdek and the Marmara islands are on the Sea of Marmara.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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