Top things to do in Edremit
Edremit is less about big sights and more about the sea, the mountains and the olive culture of the north Aegean.
- Akçay — A popular seaside town on the gulf with a long promenade, cafés and a sandy beach.
- Altınoluk — A resort town at the foot of Mount Ida, known for its seafront and the old stone houses of Old Altınoluk above it.
- Kazdağı National Park — Forested slopes, streams and walking trails on Mount Ida, including the natural pool at Hasanboğuldu.
- Zeytinli — A traditional village near Edremit, known for its stone houses and weekly market.
- Olive oil — Taste and buy local olive oil, olives and olive-oil soap, the region’s signature products.
- Ayvalık and Cunda Island — Within day-trip distance to the south, with Greek-era stone streets, seafood restaurants and island views.
Best time to visit Edremit
Edremit has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Late spring, from May to June, and early autumn, from September to October, are ideal: the sea is warm enough for swimming, the mountain air is fresh and the resorts are calmer than in high summer.
July and August are the peak holiday months, when Turkish families fill the coastal towns and the beaches are busiest. Autumn is also olive harvest time, and winter is quiet, green and wet, with many seasonal businesses closed.
Getting from the airport
Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport lies in Edremit district, a short drive from the town centre and the gulf resorts. It is a small regional airport with mainly domestic flights, so most international travellers connect through Istanbul.
Taxis wait outside the terminal, and airport shuttle buses usually run in connection with flights to Edremit and nearby towns such as Akçay and Ayvalık. Car hire is available and is the most flexible way to explore the villages and mountain roads of the area.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay on the coast rather than in Edremit town itself, choosing between lively resorts and quieter villages.
- Akçay — Suits beach lovers who want a promenade, restaurants and easy transport.
- Altınoluk — Good for combining sea and mountain, with hotels close to Kazdağı trails.
- Edremit centre — Practical for short stays, shopping and business trips.
- Mountain villages — Boutique guesthouses on the slopes of Mount Ida suit travellers seeking peace and nature.
Travel tips
- Money: Cards are widely accepted in hotels and shops; carry some lira for village markets and minibuses.
- Getting around: Minibuses (dolmuş) link Edremit with the coastal towns, but a car makes exploring far easier.
- Etiquette: Beachwear is fine at the seaside; dress modestly in villages and when visiting mosques.
- Health: Summer sun is strong, so use sunscreen and carry water on mountain walks.
- Language: English is limited outside hotels, so a translation app and a few Turkish phrases help.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Edremit?
Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO), located in Edremit district, serves the town and the Gulf of Edremit resorts.
How do I get from the airport to the town centre?
Taxis and car hire are available at the terminal, and shuttle buses usually run in connection with flights to Edremit and nearby resorts.
What currency is used in Edremit?
The Turkish lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted, but cash is handy for markets and minibuses.
Do I need a visa to visit Türkiye?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Check RwandAir’s travel requirements tool or the official government website before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Edremit?
May to June and September to October offer warm weather and swimming without the peak-summer crowds.
What is Edremit known for?
Edremit is known for its olive groves and olive oil, the forests of Mount Ida and the seaside resorts along the Gulf of Edremit.
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