Edremit Travel Guide

Edremit, located in the west of Balıkesir province, is the city's fourth largest district and draws attention with its success in olive cultivation and its proximity to Kaz Mountains. It also hosts popular neighborhoods such as Altınoluk and Akçay. Edremit, which receives a large influx of tourists in the summer months thanks to these neighborhoods, attracts the attention of nature lovers in the winter due to its proximity to Kaz Mountains.

The history of the district, known as Adramytteion in ancient times, dates back to 1443. Edremit, located in a strategic position on the Troy-Bergama Road, was attacked many times and fell into ruin. However, the Lydian King Croesus rebuilt the city and named it Adramys. With the annexation of Karesi lands to the Ottoman Empire in 1336, Edremit was also included in the Ottoman lands.

According to 2020 data, Edremit, whose population was recorded as 161.145, can increase this number to two million in the summer months. This district, with a surface area of ​​708 km², is also neighboring Güre and Burhaniye, which are important districts of Balıkesir in terms of thermal tourism. If you want to benefit from the healing effects of thermal waters, go on nature walks in Kaz Mountains and buy delicious olives and olive oil, Edremit is one of the best routes.

When to Go to Edremit?

Edremit is a typical Mediterranean The climate is hot and dry in the summer months and mild and rainy in the winter months. The highest temperature in the district is in July and the heaviest rainfall is in December. The annual average temperature is around 16 degrees. While the average temperature in summer is up to 25 degrees, there is a temperature of around 7 degrees in winter. Thanks to these climate conditions, Edremit is a destination that can be visited in all four seasons of the year.

The district has a very low probability of snowfall and is protected from the cold winds coming from the north by the influence of the Kaz Mountains.

Different seasons can be preferred to visit Edremit: In the spring, enjoying the fresh air in the Kaz Mountains, in the summer, having a holiday in nearby neighborhoods to swim in the sea, and in the winter, taking advantage of thermal tourism opportunities to heal are the best options.

How to get to Edremit?

Edremit is a popular destination that hosts thousands of tourists every year and is easily accessible by road and air. Located just 7 kilometers from the town center, Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport İstanbul, Ankara, It can be reached by connecting flights from many cities in Turkey as well as major cities such as Izmir and some points around the world. You can use public buses that accept Balkart to reach Edremit center from the airport. These buses are arranged according to flight times and allow you to reach the center in just 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach Edremit with a short taxi ride.

If you want to come by bus, there are services to Edremit Bus Terminal from all over Turkey. You can also take a ferry from Istanbul Yenikapı to Bandırma and then easily reach Edremit by minibus or taxi. Edremit is 365 km from Istanbul, 630 km from Ankara, 195 km from Izmir and only 87 km from Balikesir city center.

What to Eat in Edremit?

dremit cuisine has a rich and diverse food culture that carries the influences of the Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia regions. Here, it is possible to discover different local flavors, especially seafood. If you happen to be in Edremit, here are some flavors you should definitely try:

• Balikesir Kaymakli: This dessert, made with a combination of yufka, clotted cream and sherbet, is one of the most preferred sherbet desserts in Edremit. You can find this flavor in patisseries every season and it is an indispensable part of the city.
• My dear friend: This dessert, which has a history of 500 years, is also known as cheese halva. It may be a slightly different taste, especially for those who think they don't like sweets, but it's worth a try.
• Kekkek: This traditional dish, made with lamb in the Balıkesir version, is flavored with butter and spices. This version of keshkek, which is cooked in different ways in different cities, is quite delicious.
• Wedding Dumplings: Although identified with Burhaniye, this type of manti is also made in Edremit and is served with yoghurt or meat broth after being fried until crispy. The version prepared with meat broth will be unforgettable once you taste it.
• Clove Bread: This bread, made to regulate the digestive system after Ramadan, is inspired by the digestive effect of cloves. Pink, fragrant and delicious, this bread becomes even more delicious after waiting for a day.
• Mafis Dessert: Another dessert with syrup, Mafiş, is a delicious dessert prepared by soaking fried dough in syrup in the shape of a bow. It is one of the special flavors you must taste in Edremit.
• Fish Types: Edremit is famous for its fresh seafood. You can taste fresh fish varieties depending on the season and experience it with carefully prepared appetizers.
• Fringed Ravioli: Unlike other manti, this dish is made with chicken and served with chicken broth, chickpeas and yoghurt added to the dough cut like pasta. Ideal for those looking for a different manti experience.

Other delicacies you can taste in Edremit include tirit, Elbasan tava, black-eyed peas with olive oil, zerde and homemade jams.

To taste these unique flavors, you can choose places that offer local flavors such as Hasanaki Fish Restaurant, Yakamoz Restaurant, Saklı Bahçe Restaurant, Şahin Tepesi Şelale Restaurant, Ömür Lokantası and Nur Mutfağı. These restaurants offer a delicious dining experience accompanied by Edremit's unique sea view.

Activities to Do in Edremit

Edremit offers a rich holiday destination with both its natural beauty and historical texture. Here are some enjoyable activities you can do when you visit the region:

• Swimming at Beaches: Edremit is famous for its blue flag beaches and is a great place to enjoy the sea during the summer months. Altınkum Beach, close to the town center, is one of the most popular options with its fine sand and clear sea. Saka Çim Beach in Akçay offers a calm and peaceful environment, while Güre Beach is famous for its magnificent sunsets. Altınoluk Kalk Beach and Özdemir Beach are also among the beaches to visit during the summer months.
• Nature Walks: Edremit is a great center for nature walks. Natural areas such as Kaz Mountain National Park, Darıdere Nature Park, Ayazma Pınarı Nature Park are ideal for those who love walking. In addition, Sütüven and Hasanboğuldu waterfalls are among the routes where you can be in touch with nature. Şahindere Canyon and Pınarbaşı are also favorite routes of nature walkers.
• Yellow Girl Summit: One of the highest points of Kaz Mountains, Sarıkız Peak offers a magnificent view. You can reach this peak, which reaches up to 1726 meters, by a pleasant walk through pine forests. At the summit, you can visit the Sarıkız Tomb, which has a sad story, and enjoy the fresh air of the region. This is the perfect spot to take the best photos of your holiday.
• Taste Fresh Fish: Edremit is famous for its fresh seafood. Tasting fresh fish at seaside restaurants, especially with appetizers inspired by Aegean cuisine, is a must when visiting Edremit. Be sure to try local flavors such as black-eyed peas with olive oil, the blessed thistle dish, and yogurt appetizers.
• Village Tours: Edremit villages are famous for their historical stone houses, natural beauties and local cuisine. You can take a walk in villages such as Zeytinli Village, Çamlıbel Village and Tahtakuşlar Village and enjoy local flavors and traditions. Mehmetalan Village is known for its stone houses and camping areas, while Beyoba Village is surrounded by olive trees.
• Behramkale Tour: Located approximately 1 hour from Edremit, Behramkale is a perfect destination to discover the tranquil atmosphere of Assos. Here you can spend a peaceful day surrounded by historical ruins and see the unique views of the region.

Edremit is a place that offers different beauties in every season and hosts many activities from nature walks to sea holidays, from historical trips to village tours.

Edremit Night Life

Edremit has a very lively nightlife in the summer months and appeals to all tastes with its variety of entertainment venues. You can find many options from beach clubs to rock bars, live music bars to cafes. Especially Akçay ve Altinoluk Some of the entertainment centers concentrated in the towns are:

• Atlas Live Music (Akcay): This bar is a popular place for those who want to listen to live music, and it also organizes concerts, allowing you to have a pleasant night.
• The Rock Cafe Bar (Akcay): An ideal place for rock, jazz and blues music lovers.
• April Song House (Akçay): A great option for those who want to have a fun evening accompanied by local folk songs.
• Lipstick Bar (Altinoluk): You can enjoy entertainment with both DJ performances and live music.
• Club Elysium (Altinoluk) ve Köprü Beach Club Lounge (Altinoluk): Popular venues for those looking for an energetic night with DJ performances and beach atmosphere.

If you want to spend the night in a quieter atmosphere, Edremit's famous raki-fish pleasure can also be an option. While the Station Restaurant offers a pleasant dinner with fresh fish and appetizers, Bacca Restaurant and Imbat Restaurant are also ideal places for raki-fish lovers.

Edremit appeals to all kinds of entertainment with its dynamic nightlife and different venues for quiet evenings.

Shopping in Edremit

Edremit is famous for its olive and olive oil production; therefore, the most preferred shopping products in the district are olive oil and olive oil products. Edremit meets a significant portion of Turkey's olive oil needs. Therefore, you should definitely buy fresh olive oil on your trip, and also check out local products such as olive oil soap, shower gel and cologne.

The village market, which is set up every Wednesday in the district, is quite popular. You can find organic vegetables, fruits and local delicacies here. In addition, traditional flavors such as höşmerim and local cheese varieties such as kelle cheese are among the flavors that can be purchased from this market.

Akçay and Altınoluk bazaars are ideal places for souvenir shopping. In Altınoluk, you can buy regional dried herbs, delicious spices, stylish jewelry and trinkets. In Akçay, you can find souvenirs such as jewelry, handmade boutique clothes and delicious olive jams.

There are also beachwear shops and souvenir shops where you can shop on the coastal part of Edremit. For those looking for modern shopping centers, places like Novada Edremit Shopping Center and Yasa Outlet also offer options. You can find various products and brands in these shopping centers.

Edremit offers many options to shoppers with both local delicacies and stylish souvenirs.

Edremit Festivals and Events

Edremit offers its visitors enjoyable times with various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some important festivals and fairs held in Edremit:

Zeytinli Rock Festival (August)

Zeytinli Rock Festival, Turkey's largest open-air rock festival, is held every year at the end of August on the Edremit Akçay coast. This festival is indispensable for rock music lovers. Famous artists and groups take the stage for 4 days, and participants experience unforgettable moments filled with music. There is also the opportunity to camp in the festival area, and you can also enjoy the clean coast and sea during the festival.

Edremit Book Fair (August)

The Edremit Book Fair, held every year in August in Altınkum, is a great event for book lovers. Writers and publishers participate in the fair, where talks and autograph sessions are held. Visitors have the opportunity to buy their favorite books at discounted prices.

Kazdagi Ecofest (August)

Kaz Mountains is one of the most valuable natural areas of our country and Kaz Mountain Ecofest is organized every year in order to protect this region. The festival, held in Darıdere Nature Park, brings together nature lovers and ecologists. Participants have an informative experience with talks on environmental issues and natural life.

Traditional Edremit Oil Wrestling (June)

One of Edremit's most established events, Oil Wrestling, is held every year at the end of June in the Edremit Wrestling Area. In addition to this traditional wrestling event, dance shows, folklore performances and various competitions are also an entertaining part of the festival. With the great interest of locals and tourists, this event is quite enthusiastic.

End of Harvest Festival (February)

The olive harvest is a very important event for Edremit and is celebrated with festivities. The Harvest End Festival held in February is colored with oil wrestling, folklore shows and tasting of local delicacies after the olive harvest is completed. It is a very enjoyable event for those who are in Edremit during this period.

Edremit is enriched with a different festival every season, offering both cultural and entertaining experiences to its participants.

Things to Consider and Important Information in Edremit:

• Weather Conditions: Although the Mediterranean climate is generally effective in Edremit, Kaz Mountains The weather may be colder in higher areas such as in the mountains. Therefore, when packing for your trip, do not forget to bring warm clothes appropriate for the season.
• Hiking and Nature Excursions: In Edremit canyons ve Waterfalls If you are planning to visit nature areas such as, it is very important that you choose walking shoes that are resistant to slippery surfaces, have sturdy soles and are comfortable.
• Sea Condition: During the summer months, the sea at some beaches in Edremit can be wavy. Families with children It would be beneficial to be careful about sea safety and to be especially cautious against rough sea conditions.
• Visiting Museums and Archaeological Sites: To visit the museums, ancient cities and historical sites in Edremit more easily Museumcard You may want to consider getting one. This card allows you to enter many cultural venues quickly and economically.

By paying attention to this information, you can enjoy your holiday in Edremit more safely and comfortably.

Transportation in Edremit

Intracity transportation in Edremit is quite easy with municipal buses, minibuses and taxis. There are transportation stops in almost every neighborhood and street of the district. Especially in the summer months, due to the touristic density, the number of municipal buses and minibuses increases, thus reaching the coastal villages and hotels becomes faster. The district center is also quite accessible with taxi stands open 7/24, and you can go not only within the city but also to the surrounding towns with taxis at economical prices.

Edremit Bus Terminal, which is very close to the city center, is located on Yeni Garaj Street. From here, there are frequent minibus and bus services to Balıkesir, tourist areas such as Akçay, Ayvalık, Burhaniye, Erdek and Manyas. In addition, taxi or airport transfer services can be preferred to reach Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport.

Edremit is a paradise to be discovered in every season with its olive oil production, natural beauties, historical riches and enjoyable activities. This unique region, stretching from the foothills of the Kaz Mountains to the seaside, is a perfect destination for both nature lovers and those looking for cultural trips. The Edremit Travel Guide offers you a comprehensive road map to discover everything you can do and taste in this unique district. Edremit, where the sea, nature and historical textures meet, will allow you to collect unforgettable memories for all types of travelers. Edremit awaits you with its colorful festivals, local flavors and magnificent views from the Zeytinli Rock Festival to the Kazdağı Ekofest.