Erdek: Nature, Hiking and History

For a trip to Erdek, nature, outdoor activities and history can be considered as distinct themes. The Kapıdağ Peninsula is known for its landscapes and outdoor activities; Kyzikos, Seyitgazi Hill and Kirazlı Monastery offer specific points of historical interest.

Landscapes and landforms of the Kapıdağ Peninsula

The Kapıdağ Peninsula is a tombolo landform. In its northern and western parts, the mountains reach elevations of 700 to 800 m; the peninsula includes 17,686 hectares of forest. The elevation figures refer to the mountains, while the area figure refers to the forest. The term “tombolo” adds a geographical classification of the peninsula to these measurements. Seyitgazi Hill is 103 m high and is connected to Kapıdağ by a narrow isthmus. The isthmus is 350 m wide and 25 m high. These measurements refer to the hill and its connection, while the elevation and forest figures describe the peninsula.

Hiking and cycling

Nature hikes are one way to explore the Kapıdağ Peninsula; you can also cycle around its perimeter. The Erdek Kapıdağ Peninsula hiking trail opened as part of the “MİSYA Yürüyüş Yolları” project. One described tour of the peninsula is 95 km long. The tour’s length and the option of cycling around the peninsula offer different points of reference for planning: one is a specific distance, the other a named mode of transport. If you plan to include the hiking trail, check current access in advance.

Historic sites

Kyzikos was a trading city with three harbors and was home to a Temple of Hadrian. Seyitgazi Hill has eight castles; the hill and the church ruins there are considered worth seeing. Kirazlı Monastery is located on a rise near the northeast coast of the Kapıdağ Peninsula, between Yukarıyapıcı and Ballıpınar. Its historical sites range from a trading city to castles and church ruins, as well as a monastery.

Coast and regional products

Boat tours are available along the coast around the Kapıdağ Peninsula. Camping is possible at some bays, including bays along the old road to Erdek. The boat tours follow the coastline, while camping is available at individual bays. These offer different nature experiences: a trip on the water or camping at a bay.

Table olives are produced in Erdek and its surroundings as sele olives, brined olives, scored olives or cracked olives; olive oil is also made. Production thus includes different preparations of table olives as well as another olive product. For travelers interested in regional products, this topic complements the landscape and history themes.

Discover more destinations: Doğanlar Village, Erikli Village, Çamdibi Village, Balıklı Village, Belkıs Village, Çelebiler Village, Kıranköy Village, Balıkesir

For the main travel overview: Balikesir.