General Information about Balıkesir
Located in northwestern Turkey, Balıkesir is a unique province that stretches across both the Marmara and Aegean Regions. With a population of about 1.27 million (2024 data), Balıkesir is known for its diverse geography, rich cultural heritage, and thriving agriculture. It is one of the few provinces in Turkey with coastlines on both the Marmara Sea and the Aegean Sea, making it a center for tourism, trade, and natural beauty.
Historically, Balıkesir has been home to the Mysians, Lydians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Its fertile lands make it an agricultural hub, famous for olives, olive oil, dairy products, and vineyards. Today, the city also attracts visitors with its seaside towns, thermal springs, and national parks.
Balıkesir is a province of contrasts: vibrant summer resorts like Ayvalık and Edremit on the Aegean coast, industrial cities like Bandırma and Susurluk in the Marmara region, and mountain retreats like Kaz Dağları.
Places to Visit in Balıkesir
- Ayvalık: Famous for its historical stone houses, olive oil, and the nearby Cunda Island (Alibey Island), a popular holiday destination.
- Kaz Dağları (Mount Ida): Known for its rich flora, mythology, and hiking trails. The mountain is often referred to as one of the most oxygen-rich places in the world.
- Cunda Island: Connected to Ayvalık by a bridge, famous for its Greek-style architecture, seafood restaurants, and windmills.
- Manyas Bird Paradise National Park: A UNESCO-recognized bird sanctuary, home to over 270 species of birds.
- Gönen Thermal Springs: Healing hot springs used since Roman times.
- Altınoluk and Akçay: Popular Aegean seaside resorts with clean beaches and lively atmospheres.
- Bandırma: An industrial and trade center on the Marmara coast, with ferry connections to Istanbul.
- Balıkesir Clock Tower and Zağnos Paşa Mosque: Historical landmarks in the city center.
- Edremit Gulf: A region famous for olives, beaches, and stunning sea views.
- Şeytan Sofrası: A natural viewing terrace near Ayvalık, offering breathtaking sunsets.
Balıkesir Bus Terminal
Balıkesir Intercity Bus Terminal connects the province with both Marmara and Aegean regions, making it an important transportation hub. Buses run frequently to Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Bursa, and many surrounding cities.
Facilities include:
- Spacious waiting halls
- Ticket counters for national and regional bus companies
- Cafeterias, restaurants, and shops
- Minibus services to districts like Ayvalık, Edremit, Bandırma, and Gönen
Travel times: Istanbul–Balıkesir (~4–5 hours), Ankara–Balıkesir (~6–7 hours), İzmir–Balıkesir (~3–4 hours).
What to Eat in Balıkesir?
Balıkesir’s cuisine blends Aegean and Marmara flavors, with emphasis on olive oil, seafood, and meat dishes.
- Höşmerim Dessert: A cheese-based dessert unique to the region.
- Susurluk Ayran: Famous for its frothy and creamy texture.
- Ayvalık Toast: A hearty sandwich filled with sucuk, cheese, and pickles.
- Tirit: A lamb dish prepared with bread soaked in broth.
- Keşkek: A ceremonial dish of wheat and meat.
- Fish and Seafood: Especially fresh in Ayvalık, Cunda, and Edremit.
- Olive Oil Dishes: Balıkesir is one of Turkey’s largest olive oil producers.
- Kelle Peyniri: A special local cheese, often aged.
- Gönen Meatballs and Balıkesir-style Manti: Regional meat-based specialties.
How to Get to Balıkesir?
- By Bus: Frequent connections from Istanbul (~5 hours), Ankara (~6–7 hours), İzmir (~3–4 hours), and Bursa (~2 hours).
- By Air: Balıkesir has two airports: Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (Edremit), serving domestic and seasonal international flights, and Balıkesir Merkez Airport, which primarily handles domestic flights.
- By Train: Balıkesir is on the railway network, with trains to İzmir, Eskişehir, and Bandırma.
- By Ferry: From Bandırma, ferries run to Istanbul (Yenikapı and Bostancı), making travel faster and more convenient.
- By Car: Istanbul–Balıkesir 390 km (~5 hours), Ankara–Balıkesir 520 km (~6–7 hours), İzmir–Balıkesir 180 km (~3 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Balıkesir
- Metro Turizm
- Pamukkale Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Balıkesir Uludağ Turizm
- Seç Turizm
- Kamil Koç excluded
Regional companies provide services between Balıkesir and districts such as Ayvalık, Edremit, Bandırma, Gönen, and Susurluk.
