What is Balıkesir famous for? (10)
1. What should be known about Balıkesir?
Aydın is bordered by the Marmara and Aegean Seas and shares borders with Bursa, Kütahya, Manisa, İzmir, and Çanakkale.
It is one of Turkey's most developed cities in terms of tourism. With the pristine air of Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları), its natural beauty, and nature parks, Aydın has become a popular destination for visitors. Its ancient cities, with thousands of years of history, make it a top choice for history and culture tours.
The city center, along with towns like Ayvalık, Edremit, Altınoluk, Bandırma, and Akçay, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
2. When should you visit Balıkesir?
Balıkesir has a Mediterranean climate. Consequently, summers along the Aegean and Marmara coasts are quite hot, while winters are rainy and mild. As you move further east, the climate becomes more continental, with colder and harsher winters. Therefore, summer is the best time to spend time on Balıkesir’s coasts. In spring, you can witness the awakening of nature in Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları) and its beautiful villages.
3. How to get to Balıkesir?
By Air: Edremit Koca Seyit Airport is approximately 88 kilometers from the city center.
By Sea: The IDO Bandırma Ferry Terminal, located 100 kilometers from the city center, provides access by sea. You can reach Balıkesir from Istanbul by sea bus.
By Road: Direct bus services are available from many cities in Turkey to Balıkesir. The Balıkesir Bus Terminal is 6 kilometers from the city center.
By Rail: The train station is located in the city center, with train services running between İzmir and Balıkesir.
4. How is urban transportation in Balıkesir?
In Balıkesir, city transportation is provided by buses, minibuses, and shared taxis (dolmuş). The city uses an electronic card system called Balkart, which is valid on buses operated by the municipality.
5. What should you eat and drink in Balıkesir?
Bigadiç stew, Bigadiç halva, Balıkesir manti, Ayvalık toast, Susurluk ayran, curd dessert, mastic stuffed fruit, papalina fish, höşmerim, Cretan roasted chickpeas, grape juice, tirit, keşkek, and sura are some of the local delicacies of Balıkesir.
So where can you experience these flavors and more?
Hünkar Kömürde Döner: At this place, you can try İskender or meat döner in bread. Don’t leave without tasting the kaymaklı ekmek kadayıfı (bread pudding with clotted cream).
Address: Eski Kuyumcular, 10100, Balıkesir Merkez
Tellioğlu Değirmen Restaurant: This restaurant offers many local dishes. It’s recommended to try their tirit, çökertme, güveç, and höşmerim dessert.
Address: Yeniköy, Bursa Yolu 17. Km 10010 Karesi
Bay Nihat Restoran: If you want to end your day with delicious food by the sea, Bay Nihat on Cunda Island is a great choice. It will leave a mark on your palate with its excellent appetizers and seafood. It is recommended to try the local papalina fish here.
Address: Fevzipaşa-Vehbibey Mh., Sahil Boyu Sok, 10405, Cunda
Özen İş Höşmerim: This is one of the best places to taste höşmerim, also known as cheese halva. You can experience it either hot or cold.
Address: Kepsut Caddesi No:16, Balıkesir
Ayvalık Tostu: The toasts from the various vendors lined up in Ayvalık's market offer nearly the same delicious taste. Make sure to try one before you leave.
Aniva Cunda: If you enjoy live music and want to add some color to your evening, Aniva Cunda is a great place to spend a wonderful night. Their appetizers are delicious and will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
Address: Mithatpaşa, Ayvalık Caddesi, No: 1, Ayvalık, Balıkesir
6. What are the must visit places in Balıkesir?
Cunda Island: Also known as Alibey Island, it is one of Turkey's most popular destinations. Located in the Aegean Sea, it is the fourth largest island in the region and belongs to the Ayvalık district. Cunda Island is renowned for its historical Greek houses, narrow cobblestone streets, clear sea, and colorful fishing boats, making it a frequent tourism spot each year.
Devil's Table: Located 8 km south of Ayvalık town center, Devil's Table offers a stunning panoramic view. It is known to be an ancient formation built on a lava accumulation.
Devil's Table Panoramic View
Sütüven Waterfall: The name "Sütüven" means "to splash." Located in the Edremit district, the waterfall originates from Sarıkız Plateau and flows over Kızılkeçili Stream before completing its journey in Hasan Boğuldu Pond.
Kapıdağ Peninsula: Situated near Erdek in Balıkesir, the peninsula features Kirazlı Monastery at its highest point, which is a popular spot for watching the sunset.
Mount Ida National Park (Kaz Dağı National Park): Covering an area of 21,450 hectares, it is the second highest place in the world for oxygen levels after the Alps.
Kaz Dağı National Park
Şahindere Canyon: Located within Kazdağları National Park, this canyon is home to over 800 plant species.
Taksiyarhis Church: This church holds significant importance for the historical texture of Ayvalık. Known as the city's first church, it was built at the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century when the Greek population was predominant. It is closed on Mondays. During the summer season, you can visit between 10:00 and 17:00, and during the winter season between 08:30 and 17:30. The museum pass is not valid here.
Taksiyarhis Church
Manyas Lake Bird Paradise National Park: Located in Bandırma, this bird paradise was declared a national park in 1959 and is home to various species of wildlife.
Kyzikos Ancient City: Situated on the Bandırma-Erdek road, this ancient city has a rich history dating back to 5000 BC. Located on the slopes of Kapıdağ, referred to as Mount Olympus in legends, the city was one of the largest trading centers in the region, known for its massive harbor.
Antandros Ancient City: Located 2 kilometers from Altınoluk, Antandros is thought to be older than the ancient city of Troy. It was built at the foothills of Kazdağları, known as Mount Ida in mythology.
7. What can you do in Balıkesir?
Stroll through the historic houses and bazaar of Ayvalık.
Travel back in time by visiting the Historic Windmills.
Explore Avşa Bazaar.
Have a picnic in Şahindere Canyon.
Enjoy the famous coffee at Taş Kahve.
Learn about soap making at Adatepe Olive Oil Museum.
Go diving in the Adalar Natural Nature Park.
Swim at Sarımsaklı Beach.
Take a health retreat at Susurluk Hot Springs.
8. What should you buy from Balıkesir?
Olive oil soap
Höşmerim dessert
Balıkesir cologne
Yağcıbedir rugs and carpets
Olives and olive oil
9. Where to stay in Balıkesir?
Ayvalık, Edremit, Altınoluk, Bandırma, and Akçay welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Travelers often choose accommodation in these locations during their trips.
10. What to be aware of while traveling in Balıkesir?
Kuvayi Milliye Museum, Taksiyarhis Memorial Museum, and Bandırma Museum accept the Museum Card (Müzekart). By obtaining a Museum Card before your trip, you can visit these museums more economically.
Due to its location and vast area, Balıkesir experiences various climates. Make sure to prepare accordingly for the specific climate of the region you plan to visit.
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Balıkesir Route: https://vango.page.link/X5kA
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