Balıkesir

Last update September 26, 2026

Balıkesir is situated in the interior of Turkey, lying between the Marmara and the Aegean Seas, and most visitors go through the city rather than taking the time to stop there. That should not be regarded as an insult. The city does have a few attractions which are worth seeing if you have a few hours to spare: the Clock Tower, which was built in 1827, the Yıldırım Mosque dating from 1388, and the Zağnos Paşa Mosque complex located in the neighbourhood. All three of these places can be seen within an afternoon and you will still have time to catch your bus or train to your real destination.

The reason why Balıkesir is important is because it is the province, not the city; this is the status given to places such as Ayvalık, Edremit, Akçay, and the ferry towns on the Sea of Marmara like Erdek, from which you can reach Avşa Island in around two hours. The province borders two seas, lies against Mount Ida, and its olive oil appears at every table where you eat. If you are planning a longer journey along the western coast of Turkey, Balıkesir won’t be your destination; it is the area that includes several of your destinations.

Birdwatchers visit Kuş Cenneti National Park, which is located near Lake Manyas, and see more than three million birds each year in its wetlands, including 266 different species. It’s a simple side trip if you have a car and a few spare hours. If you prefer something more leisurely, the thermal springs at Gönen are around fifty-five kilometers southwest of Bandırma and thus a sensible break if you’re driving in that direction.

Consider Balıkesir much as most travelers do—just a stopover that offers only a little to make a brief visit worthwhile, and a name that becomes useful when you know which areas it includes. Since Ayvalık’s old town, Cunda‘s beaches, and Avşa’s coastline are all located within this province, this knowledge alters the way you plan your journey. If you’re short on time then skip the city and use the name to locate the parts of the area that are actually worth spending an extra day on.