Today I am going to talk about where to go in The Bay of Edremit. Let's start!
Burhaniye:
- You should not leave before you visit Ören, especially in summer. It has a beach which has a wonderful view in the evenings. There are lots of small shops where you can buy souvenirs for your relatives and friends, and eat ice-cream -try the one "fried icecream"-.
- You can eat great cakes and biscuits at Gondol Cafe. Me and my friends have been going there for years. As an example, one of my best friends' birthday party was there and we were pleased with it. Also they are very kind to the customers. It is not cheaper than the others but it is worth.
- There is a Pegasus monument in Ören. You can take photos in front of it. It is like a tradition if you are visiting Burhaniye.
Ayvalık:
- Dürümcü Serko is one of the places you should go. They have a great meal called DÜRÜM. They are like burritos but in Turkish style. You should try it.
- Ayvalık City Library: It is a library at the top of Ayvalık. You can find lots of good books and while you are reading your book, you can drink your delicious, warm tea and enjoy the view.
- Windmill: A famous point and a good example of the history of Ayvalık. Just visit it.
- Beaches:There are lots of good beaches but my favourite one is Patriça. You can go to all of them on foot or by bus except Patriça. You need to use a motorbike, car or bike.
- If you go to the Ayvalık, do not forget to eat Ayvalık Toast. In every bite, you can feel a taste from heaven in your mouth.
- Try "sakizli dondurma" (icecream with gum flavour)
- Make your own tour with a wind of Ayvalık near the beaches and Cunda.
Edremit: You can visit a street called Akçay (White-tea but it does not mean anything, just a direct translation). You can go to some cafes and shops. It is also a great idea to have fun with your friends and go skateboarding or rollerskating. It is a perfect place for these activities. There are many ice-creams shops, like in Ayvalık and Ören. There is a legend called Sarıkız in Edremit, Kazdağı. You can find the story below:
Sarıkız (meaning Blonde Girl or Fair Maiden) lived in the
town called Edremit district, in the province of Balıkesir. Sarıkız was a
beautiful and good hearted girl without a mother. She lived in the village of
Güre in Edremit only with her father. A shepherd family, there were loved by the whole
town because some people believed her father was a saint.
One day her father decided to go on pilgrimage and leave his girl alone. He entrusted his daughter to his neighbour. Of course this was a time when young boys
wanted to take advantage and marry her. She didn’t accept any proposal. Because
of this situation, some of them got mad, and started malicious rumours about the girl. When her father came back
to his home, he heard people were talking about his daugher and her lost
virginity, so he decided to take her and a goose to the peak of Kazdağları. He
left them there.
After a while, Sarıkız's dad heard new rumours about the
blonde girl again, it was something like she was helping lost villagers. He
decided to visit her where he left her and after a while he found her.
He stayed with her and as he wanted to wash himself before
praying, he asked his daughter to fetch some water. Sarıkız gave salty water to
him because she had reached her hand across the mountain and filled her
container with water from the sea. The father realized that his daughter,
Sarıkız, had become a saint.
Sarıkız, realising that her secret was discovered, died on
the spot. Her father was deeply saddened by this and also died on the next peak
ahead.
Villagers refer to the spot where Sarıkız died as Sarıkız
Tepesi (Sarıkız Hill) and the area where the father died as Baba Dağı (Father’s
Hill). Every year villagers remember this legend and climb Kazdağları to
Sarıkız Tepesi. They sacrifice one sheep and cook it in a feast.
On festival days people from the nearby normadic villages
visit the grave of the legendary Sarıkız. Some tie bits of cloth to tree
branches, some light candles, some leave offerings and some camp out overnight
in search of a cure for their disease.
This tale is an example of the richness of Turkish culture –
from past to present. These beliefs have been transformed by different Turkish
groups, but they always keep the same essence.
(Source: https://thesunflowerpost.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/the-legend-of-turkish-kazdagi/)
Altınoluk: You can visit Assos. It is a historical place. It has been important for tourists and people who are interested in history. There are hot springs and timeshare hotels in it. You can stay at these hotels.
Hotspring hotels: Being relaxed and detoxed after a holiday is the most important point. You have the option to go there to find peace in yourself. For example, Edremit has one of them which is called Entur Thermal Hotel. Altınoluk has many but the most popular ones are Hattuşa and Adramis.
Atatürk Rocks: A mountain which looks like Atatürk's head and body. You can watch it on the way to Ayvalık from Burhaniye.
Cennet Tepesi and Şeytan Sofrası: Both of them have a great view.
Thanks for reading.
