Güre may be the most versatile of the towns on the Gulf of Edremit: on one side, the foothills of Kaz Mountains National Park; on the other, the beaches of the gulf; and in between, one of Türkiye’s well-known thermal springs. In our video we covered Güre from its history and transportation to accommodation, food and land and housing prices. This guide follows the video’s chapters to gather what you need to know before visiting Güre.
Where is Güre?
Güre is a neighborhood on the Aegean coast in the Edremit district of Balıkesir province, Türkiye. Altınoluk lies to the west and Akçay to the east. The settlement stretches up the slopes of the Kaz Mountains and has two distinct sides: the part that runs down to the beach and the part closer to the mountains, where the thermal resorts are concentrated.
Güre is best known for its thermal water. Hot springs fed by the Kaz Mountains have led to many spa hotels and thermal facilities in town. That makes Güre one of the few gulf towns that draws visitors outside summer, too.
Getting to Güre
- By air: The nearest airport, Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport in Edremit, is very close to Güre. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is an alternative, a few hours away by road. To compare flights: flights to Edremit.
- By bus: Take a bus from a major Turkish city to Edremit, then a dolmuş minibus to Güre; they run frequently between Edremit and the gulf towns.
- By car: From Istanbul, take the Bandırma ferry or drive via Çanakkale; from Ankara and Central Anatolia, drive via Balıkesir.
Where to stay
As we explain in the video, two main styles of accommodation stand out in Güre:
Thermal hotels: Resorts with hot-spring pools and spa services are especially popular in fall and winter. If you want to use the thermal water, ask whether the hotel has its own spring and whether pool access is included in your stay.
Guesthouses and hotels by the beach: For staying near the sea in summer. Apartment rentals are also common for families.
To compare places to stay: thermal and beach hotels in Güre.
Thermal water isn’t suitable for everyone. If you have cardiovascular conditions or high blood pressure, or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using thermal pools, and follow the facility’s guidance on how long to stay in.
Things to see
Kaz Mountains National Park: The mountains rising behind Güre, with hiking trails, canyons and waterfalls, are ideal for day trips into nature. The Kaz Mountains are the Mount Ida of mythology, and those legends are woven into the region’s culture. Before setting out on a hike, check the trail’s difficulty and how long it takes to get back.
Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum: A private museum in the village of Tahtakuşlar near Güre that showcases the region’s local culture, crafts and daily life. A good starting point for getting to know the Kaz Mountain villages.
The legend of Sarıkız: The legend of Sarıkız, which gives its name to one of the Kaz Mountains’ peaks, has been passed down through generations here. The road to the summit is one of the region’s best-known nature routes; don’t set out without checking the weather.
Neighboring towns: Akçay’s promenade, Altınoluk’s beach and Edremit’s bazaar are all a short drive away. For details, see our Akçay and Altınoluk guides.
To compare hikes and day trips: things to do in the Kaz Mountains.
What to eat in Güre
As across the gulf, Güre’s cooking is built on olive oil and the wild herbs of the Kaz Mountains. Village breakfasts, herb gözleme, olive-oil dishes and fish from the gulf are the highlights. Honey, cheese and thyme from the Kaz Mountain villages are the best gifts to take home.
Beaches near Güre
Besides Güre’s own shoreline, you can reach different beaches a short distance along the gulf. Akçay’s Altınkum Beach and the Altınoluk shore are the best known. The northern Aegean is cool; especially in early June, the water may be colder than you expect.
Land and housing prices
At the end of the video we touched on land and housing prices in Güre, since its thermal water and nature make it popular for retirement and second homes. 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 researching zoning and transportation with professional help.
A short packing list for a thermal getaway
- Slippers, a swim cap and a light robe are required at many facilities or will make things easier.
- Rather than staying in thermal pools for long stretches, take short dips with rests in between.
- Drink plenty of water; hot water increases fluid loss.
- Silver jewelry can tarnish in thermal water, so take it off before getting in.
When to go
Güre’s biggest advantage is that you can visit in any season:
- Summer: A beach vacation.
- Spring and fall: Hiking and village visits in the Kaz Mountains; olive harvest season.
- Winter: Relaxing at the thermal resorts; the gulf at its quietest.
While most gulf towns go quiet in winter, Güre’s thermal resorts stay open, which makes it appealing for short off-season getaways.
In short
Güre is one of the most balanced places on the Gulf of Edremit if you want to combine the sea and thermal springs, the mountains and the gulf in one vacation. Watch the video to get a feel for Güre, then plan your trip with this guide.
