Perhaps the shortest way to describe Akçay is this: an unpretentious seaside town where the green of the Kaz Mountains meets the blue of the Gulf of Edremit. In our video we tried to cover Akçay “almost completely,” from its location and food culture to its beaches, sights and even property prices for the curious. In this article we’ve pulled that information together in a form that’s useful for planning a vacation.
Where is Akçay, and what’s it like?
Akçay is a seaside town in the Edremit district of Balıkesir province on Türkiye’s northern Aegean coast. The Kaz Mountains rise to the north, and the calm waters of the gulf stretch to the south. Its population swells noticeably in summer, because Akçay has long been a favorite summer-home destination for Turkish families, especially from the Marmara region and Central Anatolia. That gives it a different feel from big resort towns: calmer, more neighborly and relatively affordable.
With the mountains so close to the sea, summer evenings are usually pleasantly cool. Winters are mild and rainy, and the town gets very quiet out of season.
Getting to Akçay
- By air: The nearest airport is Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport in Edremit. For more flight options, fly into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and continue by road. To compare flights: flights to Edremit and Izmir.
- By bus: There are direct buses from major Turkish cities to Edremit and Akçay, and frequent dolmuş minibuses between Edremit and Akçay.
- By car: From Istanbul, the Bandırma ferry or the road via Çanakkale are the two common options. A car makes it much easier to visit neighboring towns along the gulf, such as Altınoluk, Güre and Ören.
Where to stay
As we show in the video, most accommodation in Akçay consists of family-run guesthouses, apartment rentals and mid-size hotels. Places near the waterfront are lively; as you move inland toward the olive groves, you’ll find quieter options. Renting a summer house is also common for longer stays. To compare options: hotels in Akçay.
What to eat and drink
Akçay’s cuisine is built on the wild herbs of the Kaz Mountains and Edremit olive oil. Breakfast brings local olives and herbed cheeses, lunch features olive-oil-braised greens and meze, and dinner means fish from the gulf. You’ll find fish restaurants and ice cream shops along the shore and esnaf lokantası (tradesmen’s restaurants) in the back streets. Don’t forget to take home some Edremit olive oil and olives.
Where to swim
The longest chapter of the video was about beaches, because swimming in Akçay isn’t limited to a single shoreline:
- Akçay’s town beach: The long beach in front of town; the busiest stretch because it’s within walking distance.
- Altınkum Beach: West of Akçay, known for its fine sand and very popular in summer.
- Neighboring towns: The beaches of gulf towns such as Zeytinli, Güre, Altınoluk and Ören are a short drive away. The long sandy beach at Ören is especially good for families.
The northern Aegean is cooler than Türkiye’s southern coasts. Some people see that as a refreshing bonus; others are surprised on their first dip.
What to see
Kaz Mountains National Park: The mountains behind Akçay, with hiking trails, streams and waterfalls, are perfect for day trips into nature. Canyons and waterfalls are usually reached via forest roads, so bring water and proper shoes.
Zeytinli and the Kaz Mountain villages: With stone houses, village breakfasts and local products, the villages of the Kaz Mountains are ideal for a day away from the beach.
Central Edremit: Known for its historic bazaar and Friday market, the district center is a good stop for buying local products.
Adatepe and Küçükkuyu: On the Çanakkale side of the gulf, Adatepe village, known for its stone architecture, and the Altar of Zeus fit into a half-day trip. For details, see our Küçükkuyu guide.
To compare day trips into nature and boat tours: things to do in Akçay and the Gulf of Edremit.
What a day in Akçay can look like
Breakfast at one of the bakeries in town, followed by a few hours of swimming at Altınkum. In the midday heat, a short drive up the cool slopes of the Kaz Mountains and a break at a village teahouse. In the late afternoon, back down to the shore for a stroll along the promenade, then a fish restaurant overlooking the gulf as the sun sets. That’s Akçay’s pace: unhurried, simple and restful.
For those curious about property prices
At the end of our video we touched on house and land prices in Akçay, since many viewers consider it for a summer home or retirement. Property prices change quickly, though, so we don’t quote figures here. If you’re visiting with that in mind, we suggest seeing how different the town is in winter and summer and also weighing access to transportation and healthcare.
When to go
Late June to September is the best time for swimming. The town is at its busiest in July and August. Spring and fall are far more pleasant for hiking and village visits in the Kaz Mountains; the October–November olive harvest is one of the most authentic times of year in the region.
In short
Akçay is the right choice if you want a quiet beach vacation, mountain air and reasonable prices rather than luxury or nightlife. Watch the video to get a feel for the town, then plan your trip with this guide.
