Balıkesir is an important tourism destination in the Marmara Region with coasts on both the Aegean (Ege) and Marmara Sea (Marmara Denizi) unique bays, islets, mountains and thermal springs.
Erdek town; Kapıdağı Peninsula; Avşa, Marmara, Saraylar and Ekinlik islets should be seen in Balıkesir. You can also visit the Kirazlı Monastery (Kirazlı Manastırı), Kyzikos and Daskyleion ancient cities, and Kuş Cenneti National Park (Bird Paradise) in the vicinity of Balıkesir.
Susurluk is a town of Balıkesir where one can enjoy its famous toasted sandwiches “Susurluk Tostu” and “Susurluk Ayranı” (a Turkish drink made of yoghurt).
Zağnos Paşa Mosque (Zağnos Paşa Cami) and Complex, Kuvayi Milliye Museum (Kuvayi Milliye Müzesi) and Karesi Bey Tomb (Karesi Bey Türbesi) are the tourist attractions in the city, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of Balıkesir from Çamlıktepe.
Havran, Edremit, Burhaniye, Gömeç and Ayvalık are the other towns you should visit in Balıkesir. If you travel through the Gulf area by car, you pass through Ancient Ida Mountain (Kaz Dağları).
In Ayvalık, you can visit Şeytan Sofrası (Devil’s Feast) and enjoy the marvellous sunset.
It is recommended to try "papalina" (a type of sprat) fish whilst on the Cunda Island (Cunda Adası) of Ayvalık and its famous toasted sandwiches “Ayvalık Tostu”. You can also swim on Sarımsaklı Beach, buy olive oil, and join boat tours.
Edremit town offers thermal and mountain tourism options, whilst the town of Altınoluk lying below the Kaz Mountains (Mount Ida) is famous for its fresh air.
The Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum, Antandros Ancient City (Antandros Antik Kenti) at the skirts of Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları) and Şahinderesi Canyon (Şahinderesi Kanyonu) are worth seeing along the Havran-Edremit-Akçay-Güre-Altınoluk road. Other interesting things to do include joining a trekking tour in the Kaz Dağı National Park (Kazdağı Milli Parkı) or swimming in the ice-cold waterfalls on the bottom of the Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları).