Balıkesir is one of Turkey's largest provinces, straddling both the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. Its two great landscapes are the pine and oak forests of Kazdağları (ancient Mount Ida, mythological birthplace of the gods) and the olive-grove coast around Ayvalık and the Edremit Gulf.
Ayvalık is a well-preserved old Greek-Ottoman town of winding lanes and superb olive oil; across the gulf, the Kazdağları national park offers cool-forest hiking far from the beach crowds.
Known for: Kazdağları (Mount Ida) · Ayvalık olive oil · Erdek & Kapıdağ · Edremit gulf · Thermal springs
- Region
- Marmara / Aegean
- Famous for
- Mount Ida & Ayvalık
- Best seasons
- May–Oct
- Coasts
- Aegean & Marmara
Balıkesir on the live map
Explore Balıkesir and all of Turkey on the live intelligence map — tap a city node to fly in.
What Balıkesir is known for
Kazdağları national park shelters Zeus's mythological home and Turkey's best-preserved black pine forests, with trails to Sarıkız and Pınarbaşı peaks. Ayvalık — once a thriving Greek olive-oil town — retains its 19th-century townscape and is the departure point for boat trips to Alibey (Cunda) Island. The Erdek peninsula on the Marmara shore is a quieter resort alternative.
- Kazdağları (Mount Ida) — forests, mythology, highland trails.
- Ayvalık — olive oil, Greek-Ottoman old town, Cunda Island.
- Edremit Gulf — olive groves, Altınoluk beach resort.
- Erdek and Kapıdağ peninsula on the Marmara coast.
Getting around
Balıkesir city is 3–4 hours from Istanbul by bus or high-speed train. Ayvalık is a further 2 hours south; a car is the best way to explore the province's varied coasts and mountains.
On the platform
Balıkesir is joining Türkiye Gez as we expand into a Turkey-wide city intelligence platform. This guide is the launch foundation — live transport data, an interactive map and deeper neighborhood content roll out city by city, on the same architecture that powers Istanbul today.
Frequently asked questions
About Balıkesir
2The Mount Ida (Kazdağları) forest national park, the olive-oil town of Ayvalık, Edremit Gulf beaches and the Erdek resort on the Marmara coast.
Yes — its preserved Greek-Ottoman townscape, renowned olive oil, Cunda Island seafood and laid-back Aegean atmosphere make it one of Turkey's most charming small towns.